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BS: Rubber bass strings

13 Jul 02 - 05:49 AM (#747618)
Subject: Rubber bass strings
From: fogie

I've got two accoustic and one electric 5-string, and Ive seen a picture of a small rubber-stringed bass guitar which is supposed to be excellent. Has anyone tried it out? any reviews ?


13 Jul 02 - 06:22 AM (#747628)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: C-flat

I've never seen them but is THISthe fella'?


13 Jul 02 - 06:25 AM (#747630)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: C-flat

If the "owners list" is any guide, they would seem to be pretty good!


13 Jul 02 - 06:31 AM (#747631)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: Mooh

Tried one, liked it, but found that the extrememly short scale length was too weird. Playing fast was very sloppy. My experience on mandolin and fretless bass was of marginal help, I think because the Ashbury strings rolled around alot under my fingers. The one I played was fretless. As an occassional novelty instrument it would be fun but I didn't have the money the day I played one. As for sound, it was surprisingly good.

Peace, Mooh.


13 Jul 02 - 10:38 AM (#747669)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: X

I played one, didn't like it. You can not slide your fingers. It felt like I was playing a toy.


13 Jul 02 - 11:46 AM (#747678)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: Mooh

Banjoest...Right, sliding fingers only get caught up on themselves and they roll around all the more. I wonder if FastFret or some such product is compatible?

Mooh.


13 Jul 02 - 12:47 PM (#747694)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: X

Mooh:

I tried "Finger Ease" and it worked for a few min. than it kinda' got gummy. If you use something that has silicone in it it might eat up the rubber strings. I don't know.


13 Jul 02 - 01:34 PM (#747703)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: RichM

I play upright bass, and electric bass. A couple of years ago, I bought one of these rubber stringed basses--it's an "Ashbory".
I like it's sound, but my bluegrass bandmates find it too un-traditional looking for their taste!
Mooh's evaluation is dead on; it has a good bass-y sound, but the short scale is a problem. You need very good technique to play in pitch. Being an upright (no frets) player has helped.

But you can overcome the stickiness of the strings, and slide as much as you want--if you use talcum powder (baby powder)on the fingertips of both hands. You don't need a lot, just a bit. A small can of powder will last you a lifetime.

Rich McCarthy


13 Jul 02 - 06:02 PM (#747776)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: Bert

And just where did you find a Rubber Band to play in? ;-)


15 Jul 02 - 06:20 AM (#748186)
Subject: RE: BS: Rubber bass strings
From: fogie

Just what I needed . Thanks all. I dont think I'll be rushing out yet to buy one.