Best strings for my fretless?? please help!!

sad but true · #1 03-01-2007, 09:01 AM

Hey Ive played fretted basses for ages but just got my first fretless and was wondering what are the best strings for a fretless bass. please help!!

spc · #2 03-01-2007, 09:04 AM

Long shiny ones.... (someone had to say it)

Best is a subjective thing...I love Rotosound stainless steel strings on my fretless basses...

CraigG · #3 03-01-2007, 09:45 AM

I've been using Ken Smith Compression Wound.

milhouse · #4 03-01-2007, 01:48 PM

What tone are you going for? I've been using RotoSound 88's, but have TI flats on the way. The 88's are pretty dead and thick. Nice feel too. Just a little to dead for what I'm looking for.

Kasper007 · #5 03-01-2007, 01:54 PM

D'addario Chromes

Gene Leone · #6 03-06-2007, 01:01 AM

Try a set of DR Sunbeams on your fretless.

vicenzajay · #7 03-06-2007, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Leone

Try a set of DR Sunbeams on your fretless.

If you want a modern fretless tone with plenty of high end...DR Sunbeams are pretty much the best I've used.

Jay

Philbiker · #8 03-06-2007, 08:11 AM

I personally like nylon tapewound strings on a fretless bass. If it's a 4 string, i prefer the Fender branded nylon tapes. If it's a multi-string, LaBella Deep talkin' Bass nylon tapes are my favorites.

FR5 · #9 03-06-2007, 08:55 AM

I normally use D'Addario nickel wounds, but sometimes also DR Hi-Beams. I like them both. Choosing the right strings depends on playing style, desired string tension, quality (how long do they last), and most importantly how they sound to you. It's a process we all have to go through, unless you buy 20 different brands at once and try them on the same day

ExD · #10 03-09-2007, 03:52 AM

Isn't flatwound best for fretless?

JimmyM · #11 03-09-2007, 03:55 AM

Not in my book. I always use D'addario XL roundwounds.

Fishbrain · #12 03-09-2007, 05:12 AM

I'm about to purchase my first fretless, are there any strings or type of strings to stay away from? Strings that will do extra damage to the fretboard?

JimmyM · #13 03-09-2007, 05:42 AM

Good question. Some would stay away from any roundwounds. Me, I say use what you want, and you can always get your neck re-planed if the grooves get too bad. However, Rotosounds, as good as they may sound, probably do the most damage to fretless boards.

Brass Nut · #14 03-10-2007, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishbrain

I'm about to purchase my first fretless, are there any strings or type of strings to stay away from? Strings that will do extra damage to the fretboard?

Simply the more abrasive the texture the more damage they'll do over time.
Nylon wounds are probably the least offending, but I just can't appreciate the feel.

Fishbrain · #15 03-10-2007, 08:56 AM

cheers =)

justBrian · #16 03-10-2007, 09:03 AM

I've used plenty of different flats over the years. I thought the Fenders had really high tension. I really liked LaBella Tapewounds--still had plenty of zing. Recently, I've been using Chromes--they really sound great after about a week of settling in. The best flats I've ever played have to be TI Jazz Flats. They are currently on my fretless Stingray and they sound and feel wonderful. I can still get plenty of mwaa with just a little onboard tweaking.

tmw · #17 03-10-2007, 09:15 AM

Flatwound Fenders. 9120s Nylon Tapewound very nice tone. Have also used D'Addarios ProSteel Electric with very good tone as well.

Brass Nut · #18 03-10-2007, 09:16 AM

I'm liking the TI Jazz Flats too. Can't say they're the "Best" because I've not tried many that are available. But I really like them.
I will say the first couple of weeks I thought they sucked! Then they got better. After a month or so I fell in love,,, and they keep getting better. Pricey, but worth it to me. The goodness goes well beyond the tones too.

UBU · #19 03-10-2007, 09:27 AM

I like sunbeans for rounds, and TI flats(jf344) for flats