Bright Nickel

tycobb73 · #1 05-31-2009, 08:19 AM

Well I've had a change in preference of sound. I like the low mid bump of my barts paired with D Addario XLs but want something brighter and tighter sounding. Not steel bright but brighter. I'd also like to get 6 months out of them. Don't want to change the bass because I'm tired of buying and selling basses. I'd rather change my sound with strings than basses. If anyone has a list in their experience of brightest to darkest nickels that'd be great. Then I can start to experiment.

DavePlaysBass · #2 05-31-2009, 08:24 AM

Sadowsky Blue Nickels fit your description to the tee.

I find the DA XLs to be pretty bright but harsh. Its the low end on the DA XLs that never felt very focused. In contrast I think the Blue Nickels have a more musical treble reponse that stays bright for a long time and a more focused bottom end that has some great warmth. I really like the ring of the low notes with these strings.

Vakmere · #3 05-31-2009, 08:25 AM

DR hi beams...

scotts42 · #4 05-31-2009, 08:30 AM

DR Nickel Lo-Riders

pickles · #5 05-31-2009, 08:45 AM

XLs are a relatively bright nickel string, so I'd recommend looking into a mellow stainless string, which will get you the tighter bottom end you're looking for. I'd say try some hi beams and reserve judgment for about 2 weeks after you install them. They'll mellow and settle, then sound great for ages. For 4 string basses I won't use anything else. For 5 string, some basses are fine with the hi-beams, some like the .130 better than the .125, some can't deal.

Sadowsky Nickels (either blue or black) would also be a good choice, and are great for a 5'er.