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Post subject: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 9:15 am
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Can anybody tell me what kind of strings may have come with my BG29 acoustic bass? They have red windings on top and bottom... If not I need suggestions on What kinf of strings to get... Fender, D'addario, etc.. I see a lot of Phosphor Bronze strings available but I believe the originals were Nickel silver of some sort... Thanks


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 10:55 am
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Location: Albemarle, NC
OK I am stumped here. The instrument is now a discontinued model. The specs I can find online say it is a 30 inch scale (29.7") and says: "Strings: Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass 7060, part no. 0737060000, Gauges .045, .055, .075, .095" and the part number translates to the Fender 7060 set.

However the only 7060 set I can currently find information about online are fatter at 45-65-80-100. It is possible Fender is still making a light or extra light 7060 set infrequently stocked by online string dealers but still available to authorized Fender dealers. In the UK I found in an item description for the Fender 8060LS set with the proper gauges which is intended for a 34" scale that it is touted as correct for the BG-29 and BG-32 string replacement use. The gauges are exactly right. http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/7367-fender-8060-acoustic-bass-strings-045-095-.html

Now further confounding me is that if you look at a stock photo from an online dealer you see stock strings that do not look like phosphor bronze at all and that have the red silk you mentioned. Notice the finish appears nickle or stainless in the photo here:

Image

Just any string with the right gauges might not work if you have smaller ball end holes on the bridge than will work for standard acoustic bass string ball ends. Like I said, I'm stumped.

I wouldn't worry about the silk color at all. I'd be concerned primarily with finding an acoustic bass set in the right gauges and the proper ball end size. The brand really wouldn't matter so much. I'd absolutely stay away from anything not specifically for acoustic bass to avoid tension induced issues such as lifting the bridge.

It's easy to see why you posted a question about it. This is a case where sending an email to Fender Consumer Relations to see what specific set they recommend for it is totally appropriate and maybe the only way to get an answer that is for certain correct.
E-mail: consumerrelations@fender.com
Give them two full business days to respond. You can also phone them at (480) 596-7195. When I've contacted them via email I usually get a response faster than I expected. I've never had to phone but you can.

Let us know what works out best for you with it because you surely are not the only one puzzled now.


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 11:54 am
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Thanks for the quick response!!! See my dilemma? The picture you posted is exactly what the bass and the strings look like....I have emailed CR at fender and will advise what they say!! Thanks again!!!


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 1:54 pm
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You are welcome and I do see your dilemma! I'm confounded, stumped, dazed and confused. In other words, situation normal. Thanks in advance for posting how this resolves.


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 2:14 pm
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Well being the impatient person I am I called customer relations and spoke to a gentlemen named Jeff who informed me that the new gauge 7060’s was what to replace the originals with.. He then went on to tell me that the Ernie Ball Earthwood acoustic bass string were the same gauge as the originals with the exception of the A. 75 to 80..
I ordered a set from bass strings on line who had them on sale for 16.35! Ill let you know how they work out!


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 6:13 pm
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I have the same bass as well, only in a natural finish. I also had trouble finding info on what strings were put on it from the factory, since it is a discontinued model. Some shops told me the strings are the "Fender Short Scale Strings" part #5250xl, nickle plated, ect. I could also go with the Phosphorous. That is the one's I went with, because I thought what the heck I'll try them. They sound louder than the nickle's when not plugged into an amp, but seem to be showing corrosion already.(5 months or so)
Maybe my 14 year old isn't wiping her down after playing her? If I said it once... (those with kids know the rest) :roll:


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:27 pm
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So check this out...Here is the email Answer I received from Customer Relations...

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us, regarding strings.
Unfortunately, those strings are no longer available. I happen to have one set that I can send to you, with small ball ends, if that is the style that you are looking for. All I would need is your shipping information.

We do not manufacture strings, so we would not be able to obtain anymore. I did look at a note regarding that bass in our database and it did state, “Replace with Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass, part number 0737060000”. We no longer have that part in stock, but it is possible that one of our dealers may still have them in stock.

If you would like something similar, you may want to check with D’Arddario, DR, Elixir, Ernie Ball. You can go with heavier gauge strings, but you may have to make a slight adjustment to the action of strings. The scale length of the bass is 29.9”. Based on that, you would use medium scale strings.

I hope that this information helps.
Take care,
Darrell Vasquez
Consumer Relations / Direct Parts Sales Representative


I think he's sending me strings out of his personal stash I swear! And for no charge!
Talk about customer service and customer relations! This guy is unbelievable!!

I managed a music store for 7 years and never ran into a Manufacturer who cared so much!!! Thank You. And thank you for the recommendations.. PRICELESS


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:56 am
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Put me down as another confused BG-29 owner operator.

I tried the Phosphorus-Bronze type, hate the twangy sound, and they're super bright and squeaky. Not to my liking at all. Anyone want a barely used set cheap? :D Just kidding.

But that being said I'm using a set of coated DR Red Devils on there now. Did I lose a little volume acoustically, yes, but that's ok because this is the practice bass for home use mostly. And in our acoustic trio the amp can compensate.

Love the coated strings sound, but just trying to be certain I won't wreck the bass down the road if the strings aren't correct for it.


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Post subject: Re: BG-29 Acoustic bass
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:57 am
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I played with the coated strings for awhile, and than swapped to flats on my BG29 bass. But no matter what I did I couldn't get the action low enough to play without pain in my left wrist after an hour or two, not to mention after a 4 hour gig. I do have osteo arthritis in both wrists but the left one especially couldn't take that workout.

I don't have issues when playing my electrics.

So sadly the BG29 is gone, sold it locally on commission through a music store and got back my investment plus, so that worked out. For our acoustic group I replaced the BG29 with a Hofner Ignition Club bass, put Rotosound flats on it with the action cranked low. It matches the acoustic look a little better than my electrics which was important to the other bandmembers, and it sounds really nice.


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