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[heymelbs]

So I bit the bullet and ordered the Pahoehoe strings.  Going to give them a try because of some of the advantages that I've heard on the website.  My standards for sound are high because of the Silicon strings, so "we'll see"

[redstriper]

Let us know how you get on with them.
Steve.

[heymelbs]

Let us know how you get on with them.
Steve.

I put the strings on, but wasn't quite sure how I should wind the strings around the tuners.  The ends on the strings near the bridge make it easy on that end.

My first experience with it was a much more straight sound than the silicon strings.  All but the G string are still a little sticky, so a friend is getting me some Fret Ease.  I did notice that the G string sounds much different (lighter) than the other 3 strings.  The silicon strings seems to be a little more even in this regard.  Personally, I'm not fired up about either of the G strings (Pahoehoe or Silicon).   

I've only played for about 5 minutes, so more reviews will be coming.

[heymelbs]

My first time with these strings was on my amp, and I thought the G string sounded a little light.  I put on my Dragonfly amp, and found that there is a very good response for all the strings.  I actually think that these strings sound better through the Dragonfly than the silcon strings.  I noticed a lot less string noise and a much purer tone to the strings.  To me sometimes the silicon strings have a rubbery tone (like a rubber band) to them, which combined with the bass setup and the pickups seems to work to "simulate" an upright bass tone.  These strings don't "simulate" the upright quite as well, but the whole combination does have a unique sound of it's own.  I did get some Fret Ease, and the slide on the strings is really nice.  Powder on the silicon never quite did it for me, not even close.

So the juries still out, but I think I can learn to like these.  The only issue so far has been a weak response on the G string through the electric amp, but I will tweak the settings on the amp some more to see if I can bring out the sound more to my liking.

One side note, the G string snapped on my Silicon strings when I was taking it off.   

[redstriper]

I use a cheap silicone spray and it works great.
I agree that the tone is purer and less rubber bandish than the original strings and they are certainly much stronger and more stable.
I just threaded mine through the pegs without knots and they don't slip after a few windings hold them in place.
I find the D seems quieter compared to the others when I'm practising at home, but I don't notice it when plaing loud at a gig.
They are not perfect, but nor is the Ashbory generally and their advantages mean I won't be going back to the original strings in a hurry.

[heymelbs]

When I "greased" down the strings, I just sprayed it directly on the strings.  Some of the spray got on the fretboard and made that a little slick too; I like a little more grab than that.  Do you spray it on a cloth, and then apply or spray directly on the strings?

[heymelbs]

The more I play these strings, the more I like them.  My first experience playing a bass of this size was on the U-Bass with these strings.  I really liked the feel of them then and now.  Glad that they fit on the Ash.

[redstriper]

I just spray my fingers and then rub the strings, don't need much to take the stickiness away - too much and you're slipping and sliding all over the place.

[heymelbs]

I saw someone else mention Cocoa butter, have you ever tried that?

[redstriper]

I saw someone else mention Cocoa butter, have you ever tried that?

No, the silicone spray is perfect and lasts ages.
You can get the right feel by varying the amount you use and once done, the strings stay smooth for a long time.

[heymelbs]

Actually lately I've been putting a piece of paper in between the strings and the fretboard and spraying it down lightly after I'm done practicing.  Then it's ready for the next time I take it out.

[topher]

I have the black strings on my home-built bass, but I found the additional tension on the E was causing problems with the tuner (they are the stock Ashbory tuners). So at present I have a hybrid set on there, with the E being the standard white fender string.

I actually like the sound of that white E better, and I like the sound of the black G better. Less phase-shifty sounding or something!

As far as stickiness goes, I use the talc pouch, and I am happy either with using it on either string. My main complaint about the black strings was that odd squeak you get when your finger rubs it along its axis. The talc mostly eliminates that, so again, I am happy the way things ended up.

[heymelbs]

Very interesting setup I must say.

[Grassy Ash]

Well, I finally got some Pahoehoes and I've had them on my Ashbory for about 2 weeks now and I'm really liking them a lot. I think the sound is just fine, a little closer to the sound of an upright, kind of deeper, darker and not as rubber-bandy as the silicone strings. They are definitely sturdy strings and it's nice to not have to worry so much about breaking the G and D strings.

I got the low-tension set and they are a little bit sticky but that doesn't bother me, so I don't use powder or spray. (Even the silicone strings' stickiness didn't bother me much.)

The only drawback I've seen is that it's hard to install them without getting too many windings on the tuner. They don't knot so you have to hold them in a stretched out position while winding them, and they're strong enough to make it hard to stretch them out enough while winding. It took me two tries on the A string. The first time I has so many windings that I couldn't turn the tuner any more.

[heymelbs]

Cut them to length and install the tuning peg side first.  I overlapped the end of the string with one wind.  Then put the bridge end of the string in next and tighten.  If you have too much on the peg, remove,  cut and try again.