3 basses 3 different strings What kind of strings should I get?

AudioOfTime · #1 09-01-2011, 09:58 AM

I want each of my bass guitars to have their own unique sound.
what strings sound good?
Fender Jazz Bass

Squire P-bass

Squire P-bass

For example:
If I wanted to sound like John Entwhistle, what kind of strings should I get, and which bass should i put them on?
* Note: I do not want to replicate John Enwhistle.

devilock76 · #2 09-01-2011, 10:01 AM

A quick google search revealed this:

John Entwistle Gear: Strings, Picks & Action | John Entwistle Bass Gear | Whotabs

However if you want to sound like Entwhistle then it is more important you learn to play like Entwhistle and even still there are limits.

I try to sound like me and I pick strings based on tone and feel I like, well that plus longevity. I use Ernie Ball Regular Slinky as my standard. I also like D'addario Chromes when I want flatwound. I have been debating trying out DR Black Beauties.

Ken

rockstarbassist · #3 09-01-2011, 10:03 AM

Get a Fenderbird
lern2histechnique
copy his rig
in 25 years you'll be close :thu:

strings are going to be the last thing of about 1,232 variables and factors you'll need to cop real authentic Ox toane.

jasper383 · #4 09-01-2011, 10:09 AM

I would put Rotosound stainless strings on one of the P Basses, sell the other two and buy a Tech 21 Leeds pedal.

Then, I would practice.

AudioOfTime · #5 09-01-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

Get a Fenderbird
lern2histechnique
copy his rig
in 25 years you'll be close :thu:

strings are going to be the last thing of about 1,232 variables and factors you'll need to cop real authentic Ox toane.

Im just trying to find unique strings that work for my basses dude. replicating enwhistle is not what i am aiming for.

bassgod0dmw · #6 09-01-2011, 10:45 AM

Put a set of rounds on one P bass and a set of flats on the other. Then put whichever you like more/less on the J bass.

Jay2U · #7 09-01-2011, 12:59 PM

To me the J-Bass seems more suitable for flatwounds. Chromes may bring that specific, well defined sound. Stringing the P-basses... Standard nickel roundwounds for the allrounder and a slap-happy set of thin steels for the other? In the end, you're the one who has to play them.

bassbombs84 · #8 09-01-2011, 01:05 PM

rotosound 66's on one p (these are what the ox used)
thomastic jazz flats on the other p (they rule)
dr sunbeams on the jazz (they also rule)

for real.

**cfsporn** · #9 09-01-2011, 01:38 PM

If you want The Ox' tone, get a set of Rotosound Swing Bass 66s. Be warned, they will redefine what you call "fingertip pain" before they redefine what you call "callouses." Also, they tend to expire quickly. I can get usually about a month's worth of playing, but I have oily hands. Personally, I think these types of strings are most conducive for the more trebbly sound of a Jazz, but to each his own.

M0ses · #10 09-01-2011, 01:40 PM

Put Rotosound rounds of the Jazz,
Chromes on one P
TI Jazz flats on the other P.

They all sound totally different. And awesome.

SLaPiNFuNK · #11 09-01-2011, 07:35 PM

on the P's... One set of Pressure Wound, One set of Flats.

Jazz.. Rounds, or Black Nylon Tape Wound... depending on the kind of sound you are going for...

IMHO

**WoodyG3** · #12 09-01-2011, 09:13 PM

For a wide variety of tones you could go with stainless rounds on the Jazz, then nickel rounds on one P and flats on the other.

MrLenny1 · #13 09-01-2011, 09:18 PM

I recently did this to 3 of my basses.
One with D'Addario half round wounds.
One with D'Addario round wound nickels
One with Pedulla round wounds.
Stayed away from Stainless rounds , way too brite for my taste.

pbass2 · #14 09-01-2011, 09:34 PM

Easy--IMHO

Nickel DR Lo-Riders on the Jazz

LaBella Flats on one of the P's, and NEVER change them.

Roto Swingbass nickels on the other P.

funkinbottom · #15 09-01-2011, 09:38 PM

A set of rounds on one P, flats on the other P, and maybe some tape wounds on the jazz.

Catbuster · #16 09-03-2011, 09:08 AM

DR Fatbeams on the Jazz
Rotosound Steels on the P
La'Bella flats on the other P.

Amnshall · #17 09-13-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catbuster

DR Fatbeams on the Jazz
Rotosound Steels on the P
La'Bella flats on the other P.

I agree, I have a (somewhat) similar set up (Rickenbacker with Elixers, Geddy Lee Jazz with DR hibeams, and Frankenstiened P-Bass with La'Bella flats) and it gives me a ton of options for tone when playing different styles and genres. Versatility is more for what I'm going for but if you're specifically going for an entwistle tone, maybe rotosound roundwounds are your best bet. It's somewhat subjective since a lot of the tone is your playing and hands, but to piggy back off of Catbuster, this is a great way to get the most of your different basses and their tone. Hope that helps.

AudioOfTime · #18 10-09-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnshall

I agree, I have a (somewhat) similar set up (Rickenbacker with Elixers, Geddy Lee Jazz with DR hibeams, and Frankenstiened P-Bass with La'Bella flats) and it gives me a ton of options for tone when playing different styles and genres. Versatility is more for what I'm going for but if you're specifically going for an entwistle tone, maybe rotosound roundwounds are your best bet. It's somewhat subjective since a lot of the tone is your playing and hands, but to piggy back off of Catbuster, this is a great way to get the most of your different basses and their tone. Hope that helps.

How would you describe the sound of each of your bass guitars with those strings?