Can't get a good sound from any rounds on my P-Bass.

Sleeq · #1 01-29-2011, 12:16 AM

My main P has Fender flats (old version), which gives me great tones in any position.

However my other P-bass, which I string with rounds for variety, always sounds lacking to me.

I've tried many types; Fender rounds (nickel plated and pure nickel), Rotosounds, GHS Boomers, Ernie Ball... I find that there is lack of punch or "something" that makes it sound great. Also, G string sounds lack balls. I'm playing it with full open tone, or rolled back a bit.

It sounds good with flats... but I already have my main for that.

Any advice? I didn't find stainless rounds to be enjoyable on my fingers but I'm willing to try something if it's going to be worth it.

JimmyM · #2 01-29-2011, 01:26 AM

you've already been through strings that pretty much run the gamut of roundwound tones. i think you might just have to accept that you don't like rounds on a precision. try letting the set of rounds that's on there now go really dead...maybe that'll give you a nice compromise.

Sleeq · #3 01-29-2011, 01:51 AM

I left my current strings (Fender nickel) for months now, and that "zing" is gone but I don't seem to like it. Perhaps in my head all I can hear is the "thump" of flats :/

Oh yeah I tried D'addarios too. Didn't enjoy them.

Been thinking about Blue Steels or DR strings... how's those?

bassboysam · #4 01-29-2011, 06:18 AM

I am a fan of SS DR Lo-Riders. Great mids and lots of growl. My favorite SS string that I have played, and I have played many. Not a fan of the Hi Beams, they are the exact opposite of the Lo-rides, scooped sound very polite and smooth. Although I have never tried the DR nickel Sunbeams, from what I have read about them they might suit your needs.

Luckydog · #5 01-29-2011, 06:30 AM

What are you using for amplification? I find a tube head with sealed cabs makes a p-bass with rounds sound great. And i dont like zingy rounds, they need to have much of the zing aged off before they get sounding good. For rounds on a p-bass i like labella hrs, ss or nickel dr lo rider, and Rotosound.

But maybe you just like flats best.

PaulMacCnj · #6 01-29-2011, 08:18 AM

I know what the OP means. I think the same way about my 2006 MIA P-bass. I find that the pickup is very bright sounding. If I roll off the highs with the tone control, it affects the upper mids too much and the notes lose definition.

The latest set of rounds on the bass are the GHS bass boomers, which don't have a strong top end to begin with, but I still can't get a tone that's really satisfying. Maybe I'm just understanding why so many players have replaced the PUPs in their P-basses; they want that fat P-bass tone like the vintage basses.

I have tried a couple of different flats (LaBella & DR Hi Beams w/ round core). Another set of flats that I want to try are the new DR Legend strings with hex core.

bassboysam · #7 01-29-2011, 08:21 AM

Then you guys need a set of Fralin pups.

wshines1892 · #8 01-29-2011, 08:42 AM

I have the same problem. I stuck a set of half rounds on my Precision, and it's been working well for me. They have that zing of rounds when you get them, but you roll off the tone a bit and they sound just right. At least in my opinion. Once the zing wears off, you can roll the tone all the way on and it has a nice sound.

P-oddz · #9 01-29-2011, 10:04 AM

I haven't really tried them on my Precision, but I love my DR Sunbeams on my 62RI Jazz. They've got a little more definition than a thuddy flat, and they are not as zingy as a round. Once they wear in a bit, they are really punchy with smooth response throughout. Nice lows, strong mids, and smooth highs.

Also - if you were looking for flats with a different tone, you could try something brighter than the Fender flats. I've got D,addario chromes on my P, and they have quite a unique feel and voicing. Just saying....

prd004 · #10 01-29-2011, 10:09 AM

You have answered your own question without even knowing it! Why are you trying to get variety out of two P-Basses?

For Variety try a P and a Jazz, or a Music Man, or Warwick or whatever other style bass may float your boat!!!!

GBassNorth · #11 01-29-2011, 10:20 AM

I currently use Optima Gold Round Wounds on my 5 string P/MM bass. The Optimas seem to not be overly sparkley on the top end but still have lots of definition on the bottom end. They last forever (I'm on year 3) but the 5 string set is kind of expensive, think I paid about $100 for the set.

My second favorite rounds are the DR Black Beauties. Very dark, can get a little muddy on some basses but they go great with my Precisions and Stingrays. They also last forever (in my 4th year with a set of those). Just be careful when stringing them thru the bridge, the black coating can be scratched off a little if you're not paying attention, doesn't effect the playing, feel or sound just the looks. The coating does not wear off during playing unless you're a pic user.

Sleeq · #12 01-29-2011, 11:40 AM

D,addario chromes

I have a used set... if I don't find any rounds I like then I'll put em on

One Drop · #13 01-31-2011, 03:54 AM

Hey Sleeq, long time no see! Hope you're doing great.

It sounds like you just aren't used to or flat out don't like the sound of rounds on a P. If you miss the thump, a deadish set of Lo Riders or any coated DRs might be the ticket. But give your ears a chance to acclimatize, and see how they work in the band mix before making a decision. Rotos would be my first choice, but they break in so quick and stay a bit deader than I like for most of their life.

Nedmundo · #14 01-31-2011, 09:38 AM

I recently installed DR Extra Life (Peacock Blue in my case) on my Precision, and they are simply fantastic. My P has a Lindy Fralin pickup, which might help.

Also, oddly enough, I really like Dean Markley Blue Steels on the P, especially after they've worn in a bit. They thump nicely, but provide clarity as well.

DTF · #15 01-31-2011, 12:04 PM

i normally play labella flats , i have a set of r. cocco nickel rounds that sound really good , other than those I cant get used to rounds

Marko5657 · #16 01-31-2011, 01:17 PM

Try some Jonas Hellborg DR strings.

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/dr...o/apr-08/34857

"The UFO-40’s single-wrap design was born out of Hellborg’s assessment that a standard bass’s G string sounds more pure—with a stronger fundamental—than its larger counterparts (which he says tend to emphasize the first harmonic, an octave above the fundamental). Jonas theorized that this was due to G strings’ construction: Whereas lower strings typically combine inner and outer wraps around a steel core, most G strings utilize a single wrap. Hellborg also noted the use of single-wrap bass strings in concert grand pianos. Seeking both flexibility and clarity, Hellborg opted for a round—rather than hexagonal—core, since it has greater contact with the outer wrap."

Just before I got the Jazz V (DR nickel low riders), I had my four-string P set up, and strung with DR Jonas Hellborgs, but honestly didn’t play it much, as I got stuck on the fivers.

I brought that P bass for a special guest (friend of the guitarist came in from out of state and wanted to play a set), and I can say from out front, that thing sounded killer. Every note so clear and sweet... I wish they could make them for the fiver, but I think the fact that each string has only one winding, it might have to be too thick or something.

fretlessguy · #17 01-31-2011, 07:27 PM

I have played flats a lot lately, and I wanted at least one active and one passive bass with rounds, but have gotten used to the flats and the rounds just don't seem right.
For me the thing to do was use GHS Pressurewounds. They still have some of the low end of a flats, but a little more zing to help without sounding "clanky" like the rounds I used to use.

Sleeq · #18 01-31-2011, 11:24 PM

Hey Sleeq, long time no see! Hope you're doing great

Hey 1Drop... good to see you! I've been great, lotta gigs, and hope u've been good too!

MetroBass · #19 01-31-2011, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prd004

You have answered your own question without even knowing it! Why are you trying to get variety out of two P-Basses?

For Variety try a P and a Jazz, or a Music Man, or Warwick or whatever other style bass may float your boat!!!!

E-X-A-C-T-L-Y - Why two Ps? That's like having two of the same cars in the garage. Now if one's your signficant others than, maybe.

AlexanderB · #20 02-01-2011, 01:29 AM

My all time favorite roundwound (for P bass) is EBS Northern Light Stainless. Aggressive but not harsh, lots of bottom and lasts "forever" (at least it lasts MUCH longer than anything else I have tried). And it is of course discontinued...

I agree with the people recommending DR Sunbeams. A very "sweet" and "rich" sounding string, but not overly "polite, IMHO". I have tried them on my Longhorn and my Jazz and have been quite happy with the sound I got. Still have them on the Longhorn. The set I put on the Jazz did not last long, though - the E went dead alarmingly fast.