Can't find the right acoustic bass strings...

[lsbland]

I love playing my acoustic Breedlove 4-stringer, but just can't seem to find the right strings.

1) Thomastik Acousticore: way too floppy and buzzy on the bass
2) D'Addario phosphor-bronze: good tension but way too bright, even when broken in
3) Fender medium flats: no definition, seems like the preamp controls on the bass do nothing to the tone, also too much tension.

Any experiences/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mojo-Man]

Try TI JF344-Flats

Or, TI JR344-rounds.

Both work great on ABG's.

Or GHS Nylon coated strings.

[Gintaras]

my favorite are the acousticore's. I had to do some tweaking with the truss rod but have no buzz issues. My second favorite are DR Rare. More tension and brighter. You might like these if the acousticores are too floppy.
I have also tried GHS light flatwounds and D'addario that came with the my bass.

[beyondat]

+1 on the jr344's , I got a set this week and they make you want to play all day. I had the acousticores on my bass b4 but the tension was too low for me.

[JDJen]

I have always liked the tone of the Ernie Ball Earthwood 2070.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ERN2070

[ggunn]

It really depends on what sound you are going for. I use Chromes on my Thunderchief for a thumpy upright-esque sound and they work very well for that.

[Tim Skaggs]

I went with D'Adderio half-rounds on my Sigma STB-R fretless. They come in several gauges so you can find the tension you need. They are a little more mellow also, especially after some break-in time.

[lsbland]

Are the TI JR344's nickel wound?

[Philbiker]

Try turning down the treble control with the D'Addarios. Of the strings I've tried on my Tacoma, they are my favorites. I love them - they have great feel and tone and last forever. - I totally am with you that they are too "bright" and "squeaky" even when broken in for years.

You may want to try Elixer brand acoustic strings. They're not quite as bright as the D'Addario strings. They're a lot more expensive (like - twice the price!). I liked the sound and feel of Elixers on my Tacoma, but I hated it when the coating started flaking off all over the place. It was like my bass had dandruff. And the strings still felt and soundedd great, but they were shedding all over the place. Only offered in four string sets according to Elixer's web site.

Lots of people like nylon tapewound strings on acoustics. I tried them and didn't like them much. The tone is bold, but I like the acoustic guitar style tone of phosphor bronze strings better.

[beyondat]

Yes they are nickel- wound

Originally Posted by lsbland

Are the TI JR344's nickel wound?

[davecanady]

How much volume do you lose with flatwounds? I can actually use my Rogue 4 string as an acoustic at the moment with the rounds on there now. If I switch to flats, will I have to be plugged in? I would love to have that stand-up thump sound.

[4Mal]

LaBella tapewound do it for me. TI JF's were very uneven string to string balance wise as they don't put enough downward pressure on the saddle for the piezo. I've switch the undersaddle out for a K&K at this point.

I like JF's on every thing else FWIW.

[eddievanbassman]

Rotosound Bronze Bass 44s

[eaaa410]

I use DR Rare on both of mine. When amplified, they sound very "acoustic" if that makes any sense.

[fretlessguy]

I've experimented with many kinds of strings on my fretless ABG, and finally decided to go with .45-.95 GHS Precision Flats. Thier tension is less than most flats so it won't warp the top or give neck issues. Also, the old school tone it exhibits on electric shows on the ABG as well. They feelo better than the tapes AI've trieed because they are not so cotton pickin' thick. Great string. They are not very expensive either.