Best strings for a Fender Telecaster bass

pjmuck · #1 10-23-2008, 10:44 AM

Or a Squire RI for that matter. I've done several things to my '75 Tele bass to bring out better clarity from the Seth Lover mudbucker PUP (re-EQ, removing 2 magnets, etc), and while I'm getting closer I think per4haps a change of strings is in order. Since these basses have such a fat massive low end, I'm guessing that a brighter, lighter gauge string would help.

Does anyone have any experience with these basses and experimenting with different strings to improve clarity/top end?

pjmuck · #2 10-23-2008, 06:57 PM

Anyone???

Marley's Ghost · #3 10-23-2008, 07:13 PM

No pics no bass.....

I used rotosound rounds back in the 70's when I had my beauty.

pjmuck · #4 10-23-2008, 09:54 PM

Another lefty? Kudos.

Pix? If you insist:

fretlessguy · #5 10-24-2008, 01:10 AM

Since there is no other pup closer to the mid or bridge position, a lighter gauge string is probably the way to go. Maybe even in stainless roundwounds.

Marley's Ghost · #6 10-24-2008, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmuck

Another lefty? Kudos.

Pix? If you insist:

Sweet!

+1 on stainless rounds.

60bass · #7 10-24-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmuck

Or a Squire RI for that matter. I've done several things to my '75 Tele bass to bring out better clarity from the Seth Lover mudbucker PUP (re-EQ, removing 2 magnets, etc), and while I'm getting closer I think per4haps a change of strings is in order. Since these basses have such a fat massive low end, I'm guessing that a brighter, lighter gauge string would help.

Does anyone have any experience with these basses and experimenting with different strings to improve clarity/top end?

I've owned a few of these and currently own a 72. Those mudbuckers ain't known for having a huge top end which is part of the reason I like the Tele II's. I like the non Fender sound.

I haven't tried the magnet trick but I can tell you from playing these basses off and on for over 30 years that I think Rotosound RS66 stainless swing bass strings are the brightest sounding strings I've found so far on a Tele II. It's been a while but if I remember right, I once changed out the stock tone cap (.05uF) for a .022K like some of the Fender guitars to brighten up the tone a bit. If you don't mind changing things, replacing the stock bridge with a heavier mass bridge will help. On my first one I owned back in 72, I put in a set of P bass PU's right in the sweet spot and that ended up being one kick a.. bass. I always wanted to do one with that big mudbucker right in the sweet spot to see how it sounded. Hmm, maybe I'll get a squire, try that, and have Pickguard Heaven do me up a guard for it.

Could you tell a difference when you pulled out the magnets on the PU?

Here's a pic of my 72 Tele II. I'm trying to keep this one as close to stock as I can because it's a super clean one.

pjmuck · #8 10-24-2008, 12:03 PM

60Bass, removing 2 of the 4 magnet screws does clean up the tone slightly, and you don't lose the huge bottom. I recommend it, though it is only a subtle improvement.

Okay, I'll give a lighter stainless roundwound string a try.

Thanks

60bass · #9 10-24-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmuck

60Bass, removing 2 of the 4 magnet screws does clean up the tone slightly, and you don't lose the huge bottom. I recommend it, though it is only a subtle improvement.

Okay, I'll give a lighter stainless roundwound string a try.

Thanks

pjmuck

Just a side note on the Roto RS66's. The stainless version will chew up your frets if you use them constantly. If that's a concern, you can get the same ones in nickel. They are easier on your frets and sound about the same.

Keep Low

stewart8980 · #10 10-24-2008, 02:27 PM

oh geez i totally forgot that stainless screws up the frets. Oh well, they sound great. and lookee here! 3 leftys!

P-BASSLOVER · #11 11-07-2008, 06:54 AM

Don't remove no magnets!!! NOOOOOO! Just put DR Fatbeams on in 45-100's.
Thats what I put on my Squire Vintage Modified TB P-Bass. They made it more clear, less muddy, and it still retains the bottom. DR advertises that their strings don't eat your frets that's why I put them on.

sevenyearsdown · #12 11-07-2008, 06:57 AM

I put DR HiBeam Flats 45 - 105 on mine. It's a mudbucker, so the more mud the better.

P-BASSLOVER · #13 11-07-2008, 07:29 AM

I understand. That bass is made for flats. I had flats on mine and they were just too overbearing. Now on my 51 P-RI I love flats as well as my 62 P-RI.
Although Im going to try Rounds on the 62RI. My Jazz always gets Rounds.

debassr · #14 11-12-2008, 12:01 PM

I really like the Labella DTF's and a spot of foam rubber under the strings near the bridge (slightly muted) on my 51 P reissue. I also run it through a SansAmp box and add a little compression with an Aphex 651. It literally sounds exactly like a recording of an actual 51 P (even without the SA and Aphex).

I've tried lots of strings on it (including TI's) thinking that I'm somehow going to find something better than the Labella's. That hasn't happened yet.