Aggressive sounding strings

Righteous Thunderer · #1 12-12-2010, 09:41 AM

So, I've never actually experimented with different strings at all, however I've gotten to play a bunch of different types of strings recently as I bought quite a few different used basses while deployed. What I'm noticing is that my Warwick Corvette Proline is WAY more aggressive sounding than ANY other bass I've played! It's got some sort of blue coated strings on it, and I'm wondering if that could possibly be why. Also, are there actually any strings out there noted for being aggressive sounding? I did a search on "aggressive" and couldn't really find anything pertaining to this.

bcplemons · #2 12-12-2010, 09:45 AM

Rotosound Swing Bass strings would probably fit the bill for being aggressive sounding. They were awfully aggressive on the fingers too as I recall though.

One Bad Monkey · #3 12-12-2010, 10:37 AM

The Corvette Proline has an aggressive growl that is indicative of the brand and style (my Corvette Standard is extremely growly).

Are you looking for more strings that will accentuate that? The Swing 66 bass strings from Rotosound will definitely work. I've used those previously with very good results. As mentioned too, they are pretty rough on the fingers compared to other SS strings.

I'd probably put GHS Flea Signature in the realm of aggressive sounding (not really sure how they're different from Bass Boomers). Not as rough on the fingers, but still had a good, aggressive sound to it.

raymondl3 · #4 12-12-2010, 10:43 AM

I think it's just an aggressive sounding bass. I have a 1993 4 with ash body. I played a more recent 5 with bubinga body the other day -even more growly.

Tommygunn · #5 12-12-2010, 11:52 AM

Aggressive flats-fender 9050s (old style)
Aggressive rounds- RotoSwing66

Righteous Thunderer · #6 12-12-2010, 12:45 PM

Well I had a Std. 5 bubinga that I sold recently because it wasn't aggressive enough, actually; this specific little bass is growlier than all of the Warwicks I've owned, to include: Corvette Std 5 Bubinga, Thumb BO 4, Thumb NT 5, and Proline 6, but that one was almost as aggressive sounding, wish I'd never traded it! I'm not a huge fan of the blue colored strings, aesthetically speaking, so I'll try some of those Roto Swing 66's when it's time to change 'em.

darkstorm · #7 12-12-2010, 03:45 PM

The woods and pups used make for the majority of that sound. Strings only give small tweak to the tone. That said I agree with prev poster that Rotosound swing 66 is overall a more agressive sounding string without the exyta treble content most stainless strings have. DR neons would also be good choice imo as they share much in common witjh rotosounds but have better defined lower bass and a little more treble top.

R Baer · #8 12-12-2010, 03:52 PM

I used to use GHs Super Steels and they were definitely what I would call very bright and aggressive. Usually, the coated strings are a little less aggressive than the non coated versions. For the most part though, as long as you are staying within the same string family types roundwound vs roundwound, flats vs flats, stainless vs stainless, etc...the differences between strings are fairly subtle. It's not like going from Rotosound's to DR's is going to to dramatically change the sound of your instrument. The aggressive nature of your Corvette is most likely the inherent tone of that instrument. Try nickel strings and some EQ'ing on your amp to tame it down a bit. Try cutting a little bit around 3K to take the edge off.