Best 5 string set for MIA Jazz Bass V?

jsegovia · #1 10-07-2006, 07:33 PM

I've just picked up a '99 MIA Jazz Bass V. I love it - excellent action and that great Fender growl - but it has the same problem my MIM Jazz V had: the low B is so limp and undefined it's almost useless below the first five frets.

I bought a set of replacement strings for my MIM bass that really improved things. The low B on that bass is much better in tone and volume balance with the upper four strings, but I don't remember which set it was.

Anyway, I'd like to find a set that will really bring this bass to life. I'm looking for that classic Fender growl, but with enough versatility you can use it for anything from ballads to hard rock (no metal), and with a usable low B.

Suggestions?

Thanks very much!

Jesse

bgmww · #2 10-07-2006, 08:34 PM

+1
My MIM Jazz V needs a string change.. I just got it and the strings it has now, suck...
Help us pleeeeeeease !

Philbiker · #3 10-07-2006, 09:04 PM

I love the Fender brand "Super Bass" nickels. I don't think they are the OEM strings though, I think they use steels or something else.

bgmww · #4 10-09-2006, 11:14 AM

any other ?

Mike N · #5 10-11-2006, 03:15 PM

D'Addario XL's

jsegovia · #6 10-11-2006, 03:20 PM

and I don't like 'em. Very bright, very sharp, not much character or smoothness to the tone. I do want a pronounced sound when that's what's called for, but this is too bright all the time.

I'll keep using them and then eventually try something else, maybe D'Addario XLs?

Jesse

B String · #7 10-12-2006, 12:55 AM

I've been using D'addario exl 165 nickle's with a 130 b string.
My am dlx jazz V, really likes them. The exl 165's only
come as a four string set, you have to buy the b string
separately. Its a pain but worth it.
Nice b tension. I've been ordering from the Bass Emporium
out of Texas. Fast and cheap.

Sean Baumann · #8 10-13-2006, 03:16 PM

D'Addario EXL-170-5. You can get a twin pack for like $30! It you're into SS strings, then try some DR Hi-Beams or Fat-Beams.

jsegovia · #9 10-13-2006, 03:48 PM

Yeah, I think I should've picked up the nickel XLs. I got the High Beams and it's just too much. I recorded a bit with them and they'll do - they sound OK and they're more responsive than I thought but so far I really hate the feel,and they're brighter than I like.

Do people use the High Beams for heavy metal?

Jesse

Sean Baumann · #10 10-13-2006, 04:30 PM

The hibeams settle down a bit, then they last a good while

The only reason I didn't stick with hibeams was because they are slightly too flexible for me. I tended to get alot of fretnoise with my low action. Overall, I liked them. You should give the fatbeams a try next time.

D'Addario fit the bill for me cuz they sound good and are CHEAP. I'd probably like the fatbeams more, but I can get two sets for the price of one fatbeams heheh.

jsegovia · #11 10-13-2006, 06:44 PM

How would you describe the difference between the High Beams and Low Beams?

I'm just playing for fun and for home recording, so I'm sure the D'Addarios will be fine from now on. I was thinking of the Pro Steels but if they're anything like the High Beams I think I'll stick with nickel.

Jesse

Sean Baumann · #12 10-13-2006, 08:32 PM

I didn't know such a thing as low beams existed. I know they have sunbeams which are the nickle version. The have low-riders, but those are hex core. They will be stiffer. I actually like the low-riders, I used to use them on my Lakland 55-94 and older stingray.