Double Bass Removable necks and synthetic guts

[Hettie La Bombe]

Hi!

I'm based in New Zealand and my band is wanting to start touring overseas which means flying everywhere unfortunately. I am looking into converting my bass into a removable neck. I can't seem to find much info about using synthetic guts on a removable neck bass. Is it even doable?

Any advice on conversion also greatly appreciated

 

[Tom Lane]

Hi!

I'm based in New Zealand and my band is wanting to start touring overseas which means flying everywhere unfortunately. I am looking into converting my bass into a removable neck. I can't seem to find much info about using synthetic guts on a removable neck bass. Is it even doable?

Any advice on conversion also greatly appreciated

Which strings are you using? And would you consider changing to a different string?

 

[Hettie La Bombe]

Hi Tom,

I'm currently using Eurosonic Mediums for the E and A and Silveslaps on the D and G. I'm open to changing brands as long as they are slappable!

 

[Tom Lane]

So, I'm sorry I can only be of limited help because I haven't used Euros on my RN bass. Only Spiros, Zyex, and Evahs. I can tell you that those synthetic strings take more time to settle in after I reassemble the bass, but they seem pretty stable after a few - 3 or 4 - tunings, and certainly are solid if they sit on the bass overnight. HTHs!

 

[Don Hergert]

Some synthetics can be extremely unfriendly to even gentle bends, resulting in breakage, while others tend to do ok...

From my limited personal experience I can tell you Innovation SilverSlaps tend to be pretty tolerant of gentle bending and they can be slacked and re-tuned at least a few times as long as there are no sharp edges anywhere that might kink the strings or cut the windings; it would make me nervous to put a tight kink in them or probably any wound or sheathed synthetics.

In contrast, Superior BassWorks (SBW) Deluxe "Dirty Guts" are literally Kevlar core gator line that has been specially modified with a spiral cut for DB pizz and arco tone and with a fitting for DB tailpieces; they probably would last forever with moderate care. If you're always amped, the whole set of "Dirty Guts" would probably work fine for you, but if you want to play acoustically the E and A might be too muddy sounding... (FWIW, the "( Hear my Alcoa in action . "I Am A Pilgrim" )" link in my signature line points to a song from our newest album, where my DB was using all "Dirty Guts" for all of the non-a capella songs.)

Within the last 4 years I've primarily used SilverSlaps EA under Dirty Guts DG and they make a nice mixed set for both acoustic and amped playing, but I don't have a removable neck and have only slacked them when experimenting with other strings.

Regarding getting a removable neck DB, have you considered what you are going to do about the sound post when there is no string tension?

 

[Hettie La Bombe]

So, I'm sorry I can only be of limited help because I haven't used Euros on my RN bass. Only Spiros, Zyex, and Evahs. I can tell you that those synthetic strings take more time to settle in after I reassemble the bass, but they seem pretty stable after a few - 3 or 4 - tunings, and certainly are solid if they sit on the bass overnight. HTHs!

That's great to know! Thanks!
Overnight might not always be an option but 3 or 4 tunings is certainly do able.

 

[Hettie La Bombe]

Some synthetics can be extremely unfriendly to even gentle bends, resulting in breakage, while others tend to do ok...

From my limited personal experience I can tell you Innovation SilverSlaps tend to be pretty tolerant of gentle bending and they can be slacked and re-tuned at least a few times as long as there are no sharp edges anywhere that might kink the strings or cut the windings; it would make me nervous to put a tight kink in them or probably any wound or sheathed synthetics.

In contrast, Superior BassWorks (SBW) Deluxe "Dirty Guts" are literally Kevlar core gator line that has been specially modified with a spiral cut for DB pizz and arco tone and with a fitting for DB tailpieces; they probably would last forever with moderate care. If you're always amped, the whole set of "Dirty Guts" would probably work fine for you, but if you want to play acoustically the E and A might be too muddy sounding... (FWIW, the "( Hear my Alcoa in action . "I Am A Pilgrim" )" link in my signature line points to a song from our newest album, where my DB was using all "Dirty Guts" for all of the non-a capella songs.)

Within the last 4 years I've primarily used SilverSlaps EA under Dirty Guts DG and they make a nice mixed set for both acoustic and amped playing, but I don't have a removable neck and have only slacked them when experimenting with other strings.

Regarding getting a removable neck DB, have you considered what you are going to do about the sound post when there is no string tension?

Thanks dhergert!
I have not tried the SBWs yet. Just ordered some! I play mainly amplified but love a good acoustic tone if I can get it.

The soundpost issue is a good question. I've seen basses with portholes put in the side to allow for easier adjustment. I guess this is the best way to go. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

In my limited experience with them, Dirty Guts stretch in pretty quickly for what they are.

The Tri-Core fake wound guts Brandon used to make went on one of my ply basses right after Christmas and are still stretching!

 

[Don Hergert]

Thanks dhergert!
I have not tried the SBWs yet. Just ordered some! I play mainly amplified but love a good acoustic tone if I can get it.

The soundpost issue is a good question. I've seen basses with portholes put in the side to allow for easier adjustment. I guess this is the best way to go. Do you have any suggestions?

As @KUNGfuSHERIFF mentioned, SBW Dirty Guts stretch-in pretty quickly. I just put new Dirty Gut D (.105") and G (.095") on my DB about 10 days ago and they're becoming extremely stable now; I just used this DB on a gig today and there was almost no tuning between songs. And after some experimenting with some other strings for about a month, new SBW Dirty Guts sound surprisingly good, in fact good enough that I'm strongly considering keeping them on (again) for an extended period.

I do a fair amount of acoustic playing though, and my experience with the SBW Dirty Guts E and A -- even the thickest, highest tension in the bump pack-- is that they are pretty muddy, unclear and low volume. Again, acoustically. Which is why 4 years ago I switched out the Dirty Guts E and A for SilverSlaps E and A, which really sound clear and have decent volume. And I'm also using new SilverSlaps E and A again now. FWIW, In my experience SilverSlaps are almost completely stretched-in within 2 or 3 days, much less than the Dirty Guts.

I drool about removable necks, having put at least a few thousand miles driving to festivals and other events with my Alcoa. Despite how much I enjoy having my Alcoa, I admit, I have been infected by both RNE (Removable Neck Envy) and SDBL (Suitcase DB Lust). That said, my Alcoa has a access panel, and after seeing the advantages, I don't think I would have a DB that didn't have one. Easy access to viewing inside and to making sound post adjustments is in my opinion something everyone should be able to enjoy.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Given that they have a steel core I would think that the Eurosonics would fair better than most of the other nylon slap strings available. In my experience they stabilize pretty quickly. Maybe try a full set of those? A set of down-tuned solo steel strings can slap pretty well too, particularly darker strings designed for arco. Jargar Dolce come to mind.

 

[Sam Reese]

I think the EP Slap synthetic G is probably too fragile. I like the Eurosonics also.

 

[Rockabilly Cat]

dhergert said the dirty guts settle pretty quick, is right.I have used them for years and they a great,I use 170 for an E,130 for an A,105 for an D,0.80 for an G.They are bullet proof,take them on and off as many times as you like,i have with no problems at all.Jim wallace from rev horton heat swears by them.