bass strings for a fender jazz bass

tedred · #1 10-17-2010, 08:15 AM

im a bit of a noobie put id like some advice on what bass strings to put on my fender jazz bass,im playing through a mb 150 marshall bass state combo,im currently using ernie ball roundwound super slinkys which im finding a bit trebley even though i have the treble down on my amp

\m/cliffB\m/ · #2 10-18-2010, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedred

im a bit of a noobie put id like some advice on what bass strings to put on my fender jazz bass,im playing through a mb 150 marshall bass state combo,im currently using ernie ball roundwound super slinkys which im finding a bit trebley even though i have the treble down on my amp

new strings will sound bright (trebaly) just keep breaking them in

and with strings it depends what sound you like mostly theres so many string componys that make diffrint stuff and sound cooler but on my jazz i use ghs bommers i love them

foq1978 · #3 10-18-2010, 07:00 AM

I used to have ghs boomers as well. As cliffB said, the choosing the right strings depend on what sound you're looking for.

C.Linton · #4 10-18-2010, 08:35 AM

At some point, if after the Ernie Balls have had time to get broken in and you still find them too trebly, you may want to consider flatwound strings. Again as the others have said it depends on what basic sound you are going for.

P-oddz · #5 10-18-2010, 08:42 AM

I've got a '62 RI Jazz. My suggestion is for DR strings. I'm pretty much sold on their entire line - but here is some experience I have:

Sun Beams:
I currently use these and love them. After breaking in a bit - they don't have quite the zing of a roundwound, and they don't have the thump of a flatwound - they are kind of right in the middle. Well defined without the sizzle - and extremely punchy.
High Beams:
Extremely flexible string. Bright piano-like zing. Crisp mids and highs.
Lo-Riders:
Less flexibility. Less mid and high end zing. Crisp attack - sound gnarly played with a pick.

In any case - I'd say drop the Slinky's. I was really into them before I decided to venture out and try real strings. DR seemed to have it for me.

Also - for reference, if you do happen to be looking into the DR line, you can check out this link with some audio that Ed Friedland did. Just scroll down on the page - it's very useful.

http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html

baileyboy · #6 10-18-2010, 08:49 AM

D'Addario half-rounds on my '73 J- love the sound, been using them forever, but haven't tried anything else.

darkstorm · #7 10-18-2010, 07:09 PM

Ernie Balls are good, but I also like GHS boomers as another alternate string. For darker tone that still has nice brilliance rather then treblyness, Rotosound swing 66 are great and have been my main strings since the mid 70's. Another one to try though is the brand new DR neons. Theyre the only bass strings Ive tried that I easilly like just as much as the Rotosounds. They are slightly brighter the rotos right out of the box. So slightly rolling down the tone control (passives) or treble control (active) is useful till broken in. Dunno how long break in will take, these strings are supposed to last several times longer then other strings. In all honesty the Dr neons have become my fave string for tone and feel, they look very kewl too.

So to answer your question about great strings with less treblyness. Rotosound Swing 66 or DR Neon are my top picks.

recreate.me · #8 10-19-2010, 11:02 PM

I tried the GHS Boomers, they didnt sit well in my band situation. I was getting complaints that they were too much bass, and it just sounded muddy. The Vintage Fenders 7150 always does nice. Also, the D'addario Brights are nice, they start out like the Slinkies but after they break in they they mellow down for some nice lows, and still have the high end to cut through.

But yes, the slinkies are too bright for 3 weeks, sound great for 3 weeks then sound terrible until you throw them out. Not worth 20$ IMHO

Fingerz · #9 10-20-2010, 10:02 AM

Very subjective this... But I've been very happy with DR Hi Beams on my old Jazz. Great slap tone, great finger style growl. Never really think about them... just fit em every time!

VroomVroom · #10 10-20-2010, 10:12 AM

I'll second the motion for DR's. I love Sunbeams on my J basses, but realistically there's no wrong answer. I've found the Hi Beams to be a bit more bright, and the Fatbeams to be a bit mid-scooped. It all depends what works best for you, but in terms of tension and feel they're terrific - just different sonic flavors of awesome.

John Wentzien · #11 10-20-2010, 10:15 AM

I still like good old SS Rotos on mine!

bbbob707 · #12 10-21-2010, 12:57 AM

i'm the proud owner of a 75' reishue j-bass and have been using clear tone coated strings which i've liked just fine until i put on a pair of rotosound 66 swings and i couldn't belive the difference in the fullness andrichness of the sound that came out.and the first practice with my band,the first note i hit my guitar player snaped his little nappy head around as to say"***".But i do have to say that after all the reviews i'm going to have to try out the DR's too!!!!

paganjack · #13 10-21-2010, 01:46 AM

I've been surprised how much I like the DR coated strings on my Jazz. They never sound quite as bright/fresh, but they sound like 85% sweet and have lasted me months!!! To me, the longevity has been worthwhile.

Chrisk-K · #14 10-21-2010, 12:22 PM

I have Hi-Beams on my Geddy and SS Lo-Riders on my Lakland DJ, both 040-100. I think OP would be happy with nickel Lo-Riders. They last long and sound less trebly and less aggressive than Hi-Beams and SS Lo-Riders.

mcm · #15 10-21-2010, 08:08 PM

have an edge and use flats- chromes

MycooLeeyun · #16 10-22-2010, 10:25 PM

Dunlop strings are worth a try!

Dave R · #17 10-23-2010, 09:05 PM

I use Fender flats on my Jazz. Their tension is a little higher than some strings, but I love the sound. Very classic Fender, for some reason...