Starfire II Upgrades

[RVBASS]

I’m not exactly sure of the battery life for Alembic activators, but mine last for several months and I have the Alembic activator circuit and pickups. Their Alembic Series electronics are the ones that gobble up batteries.

I'm not sure either about Alembic’s views of the ebay seller’s brass work.

 

[whowantstoeatanapkin]

Anyway, if you want something brighter than the Labellas I would recommend trying a set of D'Addario Black Nylon Tapewounds. They're another favorite string of mine and are my go-to choice for my Gibson. They have the sustain of roundwounds, a wonderful smooth satin feel to them, and they're somewhere between typical flats and typical nickel rounds in terms of brightness.

I actually had tapewounds on my Starfire for a little while when I saw the Get Back documentary-- I would've gotten the Rotosounds Paul used but the gauges seemed insane and I heard a lot about intonation problems with them because of that. I got the D'addarios and liked the sound but there was a lot of background noise/buzz for some reason that really got in the way when recording. But I'd be willing to try them again with an upgraded electronics package.

 

[RVBASS]

I like LaBella low tension flats on my Starfire bass.

 

[lungimsam]

I tried those and was looking forward to using them as my go to flats but they sounded like loose rubber bands on mine. Like they weren’t tight enough to produce any tone even at pitch. They look exquisitely made though. That’s why I was so disappointed.

 

[RVBASS]

I tried those and was looking forward to using them as my go to flats but they sounded like loose rubber bands on mine. Like they weren’t tight enough to produce any tone even at pitch. They look exquisitely made though. That’s why I was so disappointed.

Interesting, I haven’t had that experience, I use them on all my basses, but strings are definitely a personal preference.

 

[lungimsam]

I thought it was wierd, too, but when I asked LaBella for a refund, they didn't question what I said, leading me to believe that that is how these strings are made to perform.
I am glad you are reporting otherwise and I may give them a shot again.

But....were you using the medium or long scale versions? I had the medium sale version on the bass.

 

[RVBASS]

I’m pretty sure I am using the medium scale versions. I used to use Pyramid Gold strings on all my basses, but I found over time the tension on those strings at all scale lengths is very tight. I tried TI flats but they were much too loose for me. I tried DRs and flats by other brands, but they all seemed too bright for me, I like more of a thump like a upright. When I tried the LaBella low tension flats I found they had a tension in between the Pyramids and TIs and had a similar tone as the pyramids (maybe slightly brighter), so I stuck with them. But I still think strings are a very personal thing and a person has to try a variety of types and bands to find the right fit.

 

[mellowgerman]

Battery life of the Distillers is excellent. I have 2 Distiller units drawing from a single 9v in my Starfire. My Gibson even has a stacked Mid control (bost-cut & frequency-sweep) in addition to the 2 Distillers, all running on one 9v. I added the Mid control stack recently, but the Distillers have been in there with the same battery for over a year. I always unplug the basses when not in use, but I do use them quite a lot. Haven't had to change the battery in either bass. All of the pickups being used are passive.