Need string suggestions. Rounds. Higher tension. Growly.

Systolic

Systolic

Nov 29, 2009
2,159
1,071
4,571
Madison,Wisconsin
#1
I've been playing with Kalium for years, but I just can't handle the poor customer service anymore. I currently have my 4th paypal dispute open with them for not shipping the strings I ordered and not answering my emails. Just about 3 weeks since I ordered at this point.

So....needing an alternative for a 5 string set for half step down tuning. To stay balanced and in the mid 40lbs' tension wise with Kalium I've been using a .158, .114, .086, .063, .047 set.

I'm aware that I'm likely not going such specific gauges anywhere else, but I need to find an alternative to the Kalium's I've been playing for years.

So what I'm looking for:
+Round Wound (Nickel, Steel or other...doesn't matter so long as they sound good.)
+Growly. I definitely prefer that open grindy tone that really cuts through a mix.
+High tension/stiff/heavy gauge. I generally run high tension on the Kalium's bc they're pretty supple. I could go lower tension if the strings were stiffer.
+ I prefer hex core, but not a deal breaker.
+ I prefer a tapered B string, but not a deal breaker.

That's about it, but I'm honestly kinda having a hard time tracking something down that fits my needs. They'll be going on an MTD Kingston Z5. It's a Mahogany body, Maple Neck, Rosewood fretboard. So it's a traditionally "warm" sounding bass if you buy in to all that.

Suggestions?
 
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#4
Systolic said:
Because they are largely popular. The strings themselves are of high quality. The tone is perfect for what I want. They allow me to get the exact tensions and gauges that I want. Up until now I've always gotten my strings.....eventually.
Click to expand...
Yea, i hear nothing but the highest praise regarding their quality. Kip was at last year's local TB GTG here in Seattle, & he demo'd some unique and interesting things. Too bad they can't seem to get the orders filled and out in a more consistent &timely fashion.

Good luck!
 
#14
I'm bummed to hear this as Kalium's are what I use. I have steels on my custom which need replacing, but my sixer w/the hybrids are ok for a bit longer. I had one issue where my strings weren't shipped and I contacted them direct (email?) and they sent them out to me. I'll monitor this more closely as I definitely do not want to go back to anything else.

That said, I am a Kalium convert who stopped using DR's because they didn't last long for me. Mine would go dead about 2-3 months into a set, and forget about getting larger gauges. Maybe that is different now, but I like me some heavier gauge strings and my bass sounds great with them. FWIW the last ones I'd get were DDT's, but they are all good strings (DDT's, Hi-Beams, Fat Beams, etc.) but I like Kalium's better. I'd recommend ordering two sets of DR's if you go that route as you'll need to replace them sooner if you play a lot.

Perhaps Bass strings online can assist you in finding the right gauges, and I've heard that D'Addario offers options for balancing sets too, but don't quote me on that. Best of luck my friend.

Raz
 
#18
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