Another what strings should I get thread

[Ivarrr]

So I've been playing bass for about 2 months after playing guitar for 2 years (I already enjoy it more) and signed up for bass lessons this semester at college. Well I just got a phone call from the music director and they want me for jazz band. While getting some gear for band I thought I should get new strings as well.

I'm wondering what strings I should throw on my SX jazz, I really like the deep sound from alot of dub records and I love David Brown's early Santana tone (I wonder if I should have gotten a P hmm...) I'm thinking of getting either flats or tapewounds but I'm pretty much open to anything.

What would you recommend TB?

Also cheaper is better.

[bassist4dalord]

www.webstrings.com
The Detroit flats get high praise here. Also check out GHS Precision Flats; often called the classic sounding flats. D'Addario Chromes are brighter. Also, SEARCH BUTTON! Good luck my friend!

[Ivarrr]

Thanks for the link bassist4dalord!

I still want to know what would work better in a jazz situation, flats or tapewounds?

I've read that the tapewounds give a more upright sort of vibe so thats why I'm asking.

[irishpride28]

I'd go with tapewounds, although my instructor said they tend to lose their tuning more easily than others. this is just IHE (in his experience?) and I cannot personally attest to it. However, tapewounds really are in a realm of their own in terms of sound, and Jazz fits perfectly.

[MKoby]

I have really come to like LaBella flats. Have had the Jamerson set (52-110) on one P-bass for 2 years, D'Addario half round mediums on the other 28 years.

Sounds like you may like the thud that flats give.
I'd guess a lighter set of flat wounds will land you a useable tone for playing in an ensemble. Lighter strings are usually easier to play.

By brand, I have found that Rotosound and Fender flats are stiffer than LaBellas. For a brighter sound, Half rounds may satisfy you. Again, start with light or medium light strings.

I have not used tape wounds in 32 years. I tried several different sets (4 or 5) over a couple of years on different basses and did not care for the drag of the strings under my fingers or the large diameter.
IIRC, they were also very costly.

Whatever you buy, give them a few months to see if you can work with them.
Talk you your teacher.
Don't throw out the old strings, you might need a spare string if anything breaks/unravels.

There is no single answer to what's best. If there were, everyone would be on that single result.