Best strings to sound like Dee Dee

I.M. Noone · #1 09-22-2011, 07:31 PM

I've gotten addicted to listening to the earliest Ramones records panned all the way to the left, so I can hear Dee Dee's (in)glorious bass. It's low-fi, but without a lot of low end. Aside from the obvious PBass and SVT components, what strings would you suggest? My current D'Addarios regular set aren't quite making it.

Grazi!

Johnny Alien · #2 09-22-2011, 08:14 PM

Any bright rounds should do it. Dee Dee played high notes alot and with the lo-fi recordings alot of that low end won't show up.

JimmyM · #3 09-22-2011, 11:09 PM

I believe Dee Dee used Rotosound Swing Bass strings, but I also believe he put zero thought into equipment.

I.M. Noone · #4 09-23-2011, 06:06 AM

Hmm, cool. I'll look into those. My current ones just don't sound 'dead' enough. They have a lot of strage sonic artifacts floating around each notes tone.
Dee Dee's sound was probably not what many bass fans were/are into and you're right, he probably played whatever was presented to him

Johnny's comment made me think about putting my Ibanez Lo-fi pedal in front of my amp to further dirty up the sound a bit.

I.M. Noone · #5 09-23-2011, 07:00 AM

Which are less bright, stainless steel or nickel?

One Drop · #6 09-23-2011, 09:18 AM

Rotos are perfect for this, just let them get a bit old and you're there. You won't have to wait long, they die quick but sound great that way for a long time.

We do Ramones stuff and my P and Rotos sounds glorious with the buzz saw guitars, especially through an SVT. The DR coated strings sound perfect, too.

One Drop · #7 09-23-2011, 09:19 AM

The SS are brighter but keep a great edge when they get old. I recommend them.