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[BassFace]

I got my first G-string breakage--after 3 weeks of getting my bass.

Some questions:

- What's the expected life of a G-string?  According to Brock, some of them last for years.  Is it a matter of luck?

- Any advice on improving string life?  Is it a good idea to lower them after gigs/practice or does that increase the stress (like playing with a rubber band until it breaks)?

Thanks.

[Brock]

A few thoughts:

1. The strings you get with your new bass are probably the worst. Why? The instrument has been shipped multiple times, and the strings have seen who knows what temperature extremes along the way, all while under tension. It isn't so bad that we replace them with new strings before shipping, but it's worth mentioning.

2. I don't have any proof, but keeping the Ashbory stored outside the gig bag seems to be helpful. Some people claim detuning is helpful too, but I don't do that.

I've had strings last about three weeks, and longer that two years. Some of that is care, and some of that is luck. The strings on the bass when you get it are the least fresh and probably have seen the worst of temperature changes.

[Mike Tavener]

The G is the most fragile string, but as Brock says, there doesn't seem to be a particularly rational explanation. It's probably the combination of the tension and thinness of the string which makes it more vulnerable than the others.

I will, of course, take this opportunity to plug my G & D string replacements, details below      

[BassFace]

Okay, after giving the benefit of the doubt to a set of Pahoehoes for 3 days (those things made my bass sound like an ukulele), I took them down and put back on the old silicon strings.

Here's a question for all of you:

Is there really a connection between the gig bag and string breakage (even if you can't explain it, have you notice empirically that your strings tend to break less when you leave your bass outside)?

Here's a question for all--except Mike Tavener:

Do you have experience with Mike's strings?  How much do they sound like the Fender strings?  How long do they last?

And finally, a question for Mike:

I live in California, how long does it take for your strings to arrive here?

Thanks, guys.

[Mike Tavener]

And finally, a question for Mike:

I live in California, how long does it take for your strings to arrive here?

I send by airmail and orders typically take about a week to arrive.

Mike

[Grassy Ash]

My girlfriend and I both have Ashborys and we store them in the gigbag, but with it wide open. We've found that the strings last a long time this way - if they survive the first few weeks of stretching.

We've used the Tavener strings and thought they sounded just like the Fenders. Never tried the Pahoehoes, but one of these days, I hope to.

[Wiley]

Okay, after giving the benefit of the doubt to a set of Pahoehoes for 3 days (those things made my bass sound like an ukulele), I took them down and put back on the old silicon strings.

A ukelele huh?  Interesting.  I play ukulele professionally, and I have to say that in no way on god's green earth does my 'bory with Pahoehoes sound ANYTHING like a uke.  My gosh, I can't even begin to imagine how much tension you must have cranked those strings up to...AND THEY STILL DIDN'T BREAK!

My experience with the Pahoehoe strings, and that of other bassists that have tried them, is that they do take a week or two to settle into the sound that I think you are expecting.  Three days with ANY new non-metal strings, on ANY instrument, will definitely not give you accurate tone and sustain.  I hope you enjoy talc dust all over everything.  ;o)

[BassFace]

My experience with the Pahoehoe [...] is that they do take a week or two to settle into the sound...

Interesting.  Here's a less cynical description of my experience with the Pahoehoes:
1) It was clear right away that these strings are easier to play.  They feel like nylon strings for classical guitar.

2) It was also obvious that these strings were never going to break.  They're built to last for years.

3) The E and A Pahoehoe strings have a GREAT tone (in my opinion, better than the Fenders).  They even have that coveted "mwah" where the note fades after a second, then comes back, magnified.  The sustain was excellent (specially in the 3rd position)

4) The D and G were a complete mess (and the reason that made me go back to the Fenders).  The attack was so loud and the decay so rapid they made me think of an ukulele or a banjo (that sort of "plink, plink").  They had no overtones whatsoever.  It was like palm-muting the strings throughout.

Ok, here's a question for Wiley and the other Pahoehoe users: the sound I'm looking for is that of an upright--think Charles Mingus.  I can DEFINITIVELY get a very deep, singing, upright sound changing my playing technique and using the Fenders.

The question is: if I let the Pahoehoes a week or two, do you think I can I get that sound? 

You say "yes," I'll give the Pahoehoes a second try.  If after two weeks I can't get that sound, you owe me a coke.

[Wiley]

My experience with the Pahoehoe [...] is that they do take a week or two to settle into the sound...

The question is: if I let the Pahoehoes a week or two, do you think I can I get that sound? 

You say "yes," I'll give the Pahoehoes a second try.  If after two weeks I can't get that sound, you owe me a coke.

Unfortunately, I doubt that you'll achieve the Charlie Mingus sound...with ANY string.  Oh, you may get a satisfactory sound for your needs, but the Ashbory simply does not replicate the sound of a standing bass accuratly.  It is what it is, and I don't think anyone will argue that point.  That said, you might as well put some extended time in on both species of strings before you make a final decision.  Do think about picking up some "G" and "D" spares of the Fenders.

Also, if you are gigging, consider the risk you run with the Fenders.  Murphy promises that the strings will break at the absolute worst possible time.  Having a backup bass is a good insurance policy that will assure that you can finish your set without too much trauma.  Been there, done that!

FYI...

From some postmortem investigation I've done of the Fender strings, I think I've figured out a leading cause of the spontaneous breaks:  BUBBLES.  It appears to me that the silicone is riddled with tiny voids, and some strings are definitely affected more than others.  The worst that I've seen are about the size of a pin head...when NOT under tension.  Unfortunately, it is very hard to see them until you view the cross section of a snapped string.  But it's there, trust me.

My guess is that those 'bory owners that have had great success with their Fender strings have lucked into a better batch of silicone.  Who knows, you might get lucky too.

[Gman]

Here's a trick that my friend Chuckles showed. He takes a new set of strings and places them in a sealed pillow case cover. Then, he throws them in to the wash with soap and fabric softener. He throws them on a dryer on low heat.
I tried this and I haven't had a broken string in 3 years

[BassFace]

Are you serious, Gman?

Or is that the reason they call your friend "Chuckles"?

[Brock]

That Chuckles string tip is new to me. I thought I'd seen everything in Ashbory land by now. Nope! String laundering!

(I'm skeptical about string laundering, but I haven't tried it either, so who knows?!)

[Gman]

I'm serious! It works for me

[leonardo]

Please help me...
I buy just now my Ashbory BASS and I like to try the "famouse" :

Pahoehoe Low Tension Black Bass Strings 18"-21" Scale, LTD BLACk

o the Kala U-Bass string

but I'm in Italy...at JustStrings.com shipping is to much:

International Express Mail - US$40.00 For Any Size Order*

please some one can advise me?

 Thank so much and sorry for my home made english- leonardo 

[BassFace]

Ciao, Leonardo.

Puoi scrivere a Owen Holt (owen*@*roadtoadmusic.com--senza li *) e domandarli il costo di trasporto alla Italia.