Better Roundwounds; Flatwound newb

[krovx]

I have spent some time investigating different string types from the stickes and now seem a bit more confused

I have always used Roundwounds, I thought they were all there were sadly. I always bought whatever was on sale. Even though I would investigate so many facets of tone I never looked into the first connection: the strings. I played Flatwounds the other day, not sure what kind and really loved the feel. Wow, my fingers enjoyed it.

I have two basses, a Lakland DJ and a Fury Pbass. The Lakland I do more slap and what not, so I want to keep rounds on there. I have read amazing reviews on DR strings ( never have tried them, and I notice MM has a signature line). But there are so many with different kinds of cores, this that, coating, I am like whoa! I notice the strings I have always used, the cheapies, get horrible reviews and I can only imagine I have been robbing myself of tone by skimping out.

Part of me just wants to get a pair of the MM signature, but I know you guys are wiser than that. Seems like the Hi-Beams Sun-Beams would be up my alley? This coating business is interesting too, but I wonder if it changes the tone/feel of the strings.

And for flatwounds, I am hearing great things of La Bella and standard Fender flatwounds. I would put these on the Pbass. I understand that there are also cloth flatwounds? I think I would want to keep the standard flats. (steel?) These are what are on an upright, correct?

I usually play light or medium light four strings. Thanks in advance!

[deliciouspesto]

what kind of sound are you after, thuddy or ringy or both?

[krovx]

My Lakland DJ I am looking for an aggressive slap tone and the Pbass I just want a great all around tone that sits well in the mix.

I suck at describing tone.

Lakland I am thinking Marcus Miller, Pbass I am thinking Tower of Power.

[rodl2005]

D'addario Chromes are a nice flatwound especially if U R used to rounds. I got a light guage 1st off 40-90- cheap too online.
Dr's are good. The colored/coated ones are all Ive tried of those. I actually am starting to think Fender strings actually sound best on Fender basses!! :-)

[newbold]

fender makes great strings. Every time i put them on a bass I'm impressed. That being said, I play a 5 string Jazz and i find it hard t find fender sets for 5 strings in stores.

So I order strings online mostly and am awaiting a set or rotosound tapes...chromes and fender flats are certainly great.

If you're into deep low end and an even thumpier/duller tone, try tapewound strings.

If money's tight, I'd say try the fender flats or chromes.

[oldrookie]

Chromes are really excellent strings. Less tension than the Fenders I had for awhile which makes them a little easy to fret. Great sound. Excellent thump, but more mids present than some others.

Can slap, if you must.

[mmbongo]

Definitely stick with DR's...if nothing else they are made in the USA (unlike Fender!). Take your pick:

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

[Bassorama57]

I'd recommend a set of Ernie Ball (EBMM) Group IV Flatwounds for the P Bass. The "Group IV" is the lightest set they make for a 4 string, and runs 40-95 on the gauge. Great tone, and you can slap them if you wish...and they don't have the metallic twang that D'ad's (Chromes) have - though the D'ads will settle down after a while, the EBMMs don't need as long of a break in period.

[lmfreeman9]

Fenders and Chromes both have too much tension for me. I like TI Jazz flats lowest tension high price, Pyramid Gold-medium tension highest price ($60), DR Hi Beam Flats medium price and tension-great highs, and Labella DTF FL medium price, tension and tone.

Good choice; Precision Bass+Flatwounds=Sonic Bliss