Calling all Hollowbody Bassists-Strings?

facethebass · #1 04-08-2007, 11:39 AM

This is one of my first posts, I have been reading for months.

I just picked up the bass again after a 10 year absence. I am playing a Samick hfb 590 which is a fine enough guitar for me and my basement but I have been playing Rotosound 66's forever. What strings are you playing on your hollowbodies and why.

I don't know if I'm looking to change, but sometimes habits just become habits for no real reasons.

Pilgrim · #2 04-08-2007, 12:12 PM

For me personally, the only strings to use on a hollowbody are Labella Deep Talkin' flatwounds. The exception is that on my Rogue VB-100 Hofner-style bass, I use their custom Hofner flats.

Wonderful strings, very traditional sound, no harsh highs or zing sound (which is one reason I dislike roundwounds).

if you want a deep, warm vintage sound the Labellas absolutely cannot be beat. They will make even an inexpensive bass sound many times better.

rfclef · #3 04-08-2007, 03:20 PM

I am a complete newbie, but on the advice of several bassists round here I got Rotosound RS77 flats for my Epiphone Viola bass... They sound great. Of course, my experience was limited to the rounds that came on it... I have not heard any of the other brands to compare....

YMMV.

**MAJOR METAL** · #4 04-08-2007, 03:22 PM

I really am enjoying th set of TI Jazz Flats on my violin bass right now, rotos are good as well as pyramid golds.

Slowgypsy · #5 04-08-2007, 03:25 PM

Been using D'Addario Chromes on my Jack Casady... very happy with them.

rllefebv · #6 04-08-2007, 11:18 PM

D'Addario Chromes in varying scales...

Short ==> Dano Longhorn
Med ==> Ovation Typhoon, (Yeah, it's a shortscale, but needs medium-length strings)
Long ==> Hohner XK250

-robert

JimmyM · #7 04-09-2007, 04:31 AM

I've got D'addario XL's on my Turser Beatle bass. With flats it;s too one dimensional.

SGT. Pepper · #8 04-09-2007, 06:49 AM

All hollowbodies sound better with flats. With rounds they sound too tinny.

Pilgrim · #9 04-09-2007, 09:59 AM

It's clear to see that flats of various types are the common thread here. Good!

**MAJOR METAL** · #10 04-09-2007, 10:00 AM

The hofner strings are pretty good as well.

**mr sprocket** · #11 04-09-2007, 11:16 AM

I am having good luck with DR Sunbeams on my Stylist. I might try some flats later but the Sunbeams are pretty versatile and play great.

avid · #12 04-09-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

The hofner strings are pretty good as well.

MM,

I heard the Hofner flats are made by Pyramid, true or false? Two more questions while I have your attention.

Do you know what strings are coming stock on the Hofner Icons? Do you know a good reasonably priced place to buy Pyramids? Cross examination over, carry on

TIA

slugworth · #13 04-09-2007, 02:15 PM

I've got Rotosound flats on my short scale Waterstone Indra. Thumpedy thump, thump. Nice.....

Lokire · #14 04-09-2007, 02:32 PM

I've been using TI Jazz Rounds on my '66 Guild Starfire. Wouldn't dream of using anything else now. They have such a nice warm, mellow tone with really low tension. Love 'em

And I have TI Acousticores on my Kinal Acoustic fretless. Doesn't sound tinny to me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB2S4kWF2yo

GlennW · #15 04-09-2007, 03:53 PM

I recently put LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats on a little Kay hollow body. I have no intentions of ever changing those strings. They're full and lively with a sort of low rubbery bounce.

If you want to use those you should check with the manufacturer to see which scale length you need - short scale LaBellas weren't long enough for any of my short scale basses.