Firewire strings, any good?

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:44 am

I need a set of 40 – 100 round wounds for my ’72. I want a good amount of solid tone and twang for this quite light gauge.

I am considering a set of Firewire (“extreme performance nickel plated”)

Anyone tried these and what would an alternative be? The set must be 40 – 60 – 80 – 100

I prefer nickel, as does my finger boards and fingers, but could be talked into stainless if pushed.

Thanks, Bob

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:24 am

Why do you need this particular gauge? The gauge really doesn't have a lot to do with how much tension a string exerts if that's your concern.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:22 am

Hi Bob, Ahhh, I thought it did.

In which case I need a fairly low tension set of round wounds. any ideas?

henry5 · Post by **henry5** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:41 am

Bob, a while back I went from 38-98 Overwater strings on my V63 to 45-105 Rotos (which are considered high tension strings, although they don't feel particularly bad to me), and I actually had to slacken the neck off; the tension of the 38-98s was greater. Roundcore strings are generally lower tension; you could try DRs. Never have myself, but there are many here who could advise. Also Thomastik-Infelds from what I've heard, which I've also never used. Surprising really as I do like a low tension string. I've just moved back to 40-95 Rotos on my Ricks; not much tension there! Need a lightish touch though, but that's something I don't have a problem with.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:46 am

How about Thomastik Infields?

TOI_IN344 Thomastik-Infeld Superalloy Infeld Round Wound, .045 - .105, IN344 $28.90

http://juststrings.com/index.html

You can try these, the flatwounds they make are very low tension and really feel and sound good.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:40 pm

The TI JR344 are even lower tension.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:01 pm

Thomastik-Infeld Electric Bass Nickel Round Wound Roundcore 4 String, .043 - .089, JR344

TOI_JR344$42.79

NOTE
DESCRIPTION
DIAMETER INCHES TENSION LBS

1st G
Nickel Round Wound Roundcore
.043
34.61

2nd D
Nickel Round Wound Roundcore
.051
30.20

3rd A
Nickel Round Wound Roundcore
.068
29.54

4th E
Nickel Round Wound Roundcore
.089
27.99

These are the ones, yes they are extremely light, I'd break them just pulling them out of the box, they are even lighter than the TI flats which are very light.

http://juststrings.com/toi-jr344.html

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:40 pm

Thanks Chaps,

I live in the UK and my normal source of strings is Stringbusters.com they are showing EB344 - Powerbass standard 47 - 107, JR344'3 and JF344's but no IN344's (45 - 105).

I am used to Ernie Ball 45 - 105 strings and on my V63 use 45 - 100's.

Can the TI's deliver a good solid sound with such a low tension?

I hope I'm not being a bore about this...... sorry...

henry5 · Post by **henry5** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:43 am

Bob, I guess it all depends on your idea of a good solid sound, as everyone will have different preferences ....I guess the only way to find out is to try some.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:33 am

Bob, why don't you try a set of Ric nickles if you can get them, they sound good and are reasonably light, I have some on a 78 4001 and it handles them great, they have a good solid sound and last a long time. To me a solid sound means you can get plenty of bottom and presence if you want it, TI's are kind of middy, at least the flats are, I don't consider them to be a real solid sounding string but they play real nice and are good for a jazzy kind of sound again this is only for the flats, I've never tried the RW's.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:59 am

Thanks for all the advice and help. Yesterday I ordered a set of JR 344's. I will report back when fitted.

Thanks again, Bob