Large Sound Ashbory Bass User's Guide. Strings: The silicone rubber Ashbory strings are what give the instrument it's characteristic tone. If you put your ear to the neck as you play, you'll hear the signature sound resonate through the instrument itself. The Ashbory strings are radically different from the metal strings used on a bass guitar, in composition, tension, and how they create warmth. The strings are very low tension, so low that there is no truss rod in the neck of an Ashbory. It doesn't need one. The strings are special and perform best when handled with special care. Use of a talc powder is not necessary but makes the strings play easier while enhancing tone. Some use baby powder but a SLYDE- RITE bag works especially well, and is included as a bonus with every new Ashbory from Large Sound. Check the gig bag pouch. Unlike an upright bass or a bass guitar, a larger percentage of the Ashbory sound comes from the strings themselves. The G string likes to snap in the case, as does the D to a lesser degree. To avoid unnecessary string loss, detune the G and D strings prior to putting the Ashbory back in the gig bag.