String Manufactures for Tapping Instruments

[secondfiddle]

I just finished changing strings on the Box guitar and I started to wonder what strings other players use on thier tapping instruments. I use Ernie Ball 7-String Super Slinky and eliminate the 32 gauge string, I like the sound of the low 52 and 42 and the ease of the 24, 16, 11 and 9 gauge plus they keep the neck adjustments to almost nothing. I once ventured out of my safety zone and tried a set of Roto-Sound guitar strings but they did not sound or perform any better than the Ernie's. I typically get about 3 months out of a set before they start sounding uninspiring and out of tune.


Fiddle.

[rjgoos]

I just finished changing strings on the Box guitar and I started to wonder what strings other players use on thier tapping instruments.


I've tried some LaBella SuperSteps (obtained from Mark Warr) on my Megatar, and I like them OK. I don't know if the sound is any better than Traktor's strings, but the step-feature (only the core contacts the bridge piece), allows me to set the strings really low. I had the bridge pieces as low as they would go, and I wanted the strings a hair lower, so the step-core strings allow that.

For experimentation on home-made instruments, I get nickel-steel bass strings in bulk from Musician's Friend (Rogue brand) or from juststrings.com (their own store brand). They sound fine, too. For unwound strings, I get extra-long loop-end banjo strings from juststrings.com (GHS), for about 70 cents each.

[TheEclectic]

For experimentation on home-made instruments, I get nickel-steel bass strings in bulk from Musician's Friend (Rogue brand) or from juststrings.com (their own store brand). They sound fine, too. For unwound strings, I get extra-long loop-end banjo strings from juststrings.com (GHS), for about 70 cents each.

Similar here, but i get my unwound strings in bulk. The bulk strings from juststrings.com may not be long enough for some applications. On my Megatar they work for the closest three tuners, but are to short to be used on the furthest three - thus limiting my tuning choices. All of their bulk strings are like this, even the wound ones. Therefore, it is best to get the Rogues for the wound strings.

If you want to put the bulk juststrings.com strings on your instrument, send them an E-mail first to verify the string lengths.