Aquila Thunder Reds -- stickiness

GeoffL · Jul 23, 2020

I replaced the original Aquila Thundergut strings that came with my wife's Harley-Benton CLU-Bass with Thunder Reds. These are a huge improvement in feel and tone. However, although not as bad as the Thunderguts, the E and A Thunder Reds have become a little sticky after a week or two's playing. Searching both here and the 'net suggested that trying to clean these strings with a damp rag is futile, might even damage the strings and only a dry cloth should be used. More searching suggested sparing rubbing the hands with some unscented talc is a good idea. However, the my searches only returned two posts so I'm posting here to ask if anyone has experience of these strings and, if so, for recommendations.
Thanks for looking, Geoff

Gorn · Jul 23, 2020

The powder works. Your strings won't feel as sticky and you'll have powder everywhere. Pahohoes are the only ubass strings worth playing unless you wanna go with metal strings.

GeoffL · Jul 23, 2020

Gorn said:
The powder works. Your strings won't feel as sticky and you'll have powder everywhere. Pahohoes are the only ubass strings worth playing unless you wanna go with metal strings.

Thanks. FWIW, I hadn't heard of Pahoehoe strings until now. I've only just forked out for the Thunder Reds and so we'll persevere with those for a while, but I'll definitely look at Pahoehoe's when it's time to restring.

Gorn · Jul 23, 2020

GeoffL said:
Thanks. FWIW, I hadn't heard of Pahoehoe strings until now. I've only just forked out for the Thunder Reds and so we'll persevere with those for a while, but I'll definitely look at Pahoehoe's when it's time to restring.

They're the original ubass strings and they have their own issues but they're not sticky or squeaky. The problem is they're a tremendous pain in the ass to install and they take months to settle in and somewhat stop stretching.

GeoffL · Jul 23, 2020

Gorn said:
They're the original ubass strings and they have their own issues but they're not sticky or squeaky. The problem is they're a tremendous pain in the ass to install and they take months to settle in and somewhat stop stretching.

LOL ... the Thunder Reds were bad enough. Took me ages to get the right pre-tension ... and they still haven't stabilised a couple of weeks later! The instrument sounds so much like an upright with those strings, though...