Cheapest, quality 6-string fretless strings?

jamiefoxer · #1 05-20-2009, 05:02 PM

Guys,

I just bought my first fretless (A Brice HXB-406, Bubinga color). The strings that come with are absolute CRAP. The B-string literally does not sound...it sounds like somebody is physically muting the strong.

I need suggestions for the best quality, cheapest option for a 6-string bass. It's a 35" neck...so what are my options? If you have a direct online link to a very nice cheap deal, please include that.

On EDIT:

What's the deal with the Indie Flatwound strings...never heard of this company...but not a bad price for a 6-string set. http://www.rondomusic.com/indie6fw.html

bassist4dalord · #2 05-20-2009, 08:47 PM

Try Carvin. Flats are great on a fretless.

alangoldstein · #3 05-20-2009, 08:49 PM

i always thought for cheap but good, u can try the daddario twin packs, then buy seperately the c and low b

or the hartke strings are usually cheap and good.

juststrings.com

jamiefoxer · #4 05-21-2009, 05:25 AM

I tried the Carvin ones (it's really Labella Deep Talking ones), and they were too heavy gauge and too dark sounding. You couldn't get no high end at all...great for the low end, though.

I'm looking something more in the middle range...versatile...that can get nice highs and deep lows...mostly because it's a 6-stringer, and I do tend to use all strings pretty consistently.

Anybody reviewed the Indie strings sold on Rondomusic.com? $24.95 for an extra long scale set specifically designed for my bass (6-string, Brice HXB-406 fretless).

dannybuoy · #5 05-21-2009, 06:06 AM

Flats last a long time, so I would invest in a decent set, rather than buying those and then realising they're no good and spending even more money. Also, if you want a bit more of a lively sound rather than a dull thud you might want to look at TI Flats, D'Addario Chromes, or some half-rounds (e.g. Status half-rounds or GHS Brite Flats). I use the Status half-rounds on fretless myself, very smooth to the touch, perfect tension, and lots of upper mids going on for a nice fretless 'mwah' sound.

jamiefoxer · #6 05-21-2009, 09:56 AM

Questions about half rounds...will they affect the fretboard on a fretless...I'm concerned about anything rough affecting the fretboard (it's such a nice bass and I don't want to damage it).

Which of these come in Medium gauge, 6-string, EXTRA long scale sets? My bass has "thru-body" string settings, so it needs the extra long scale. I would also prefer a brighter flatwound sound.

Your suggestions are helping...please keep the advice coming

phatbassplayer · #7 10-20-2009, 09:32 PM

i did not like half rounds when I tried them, had a great feel but I just couldn't get them to stay in tune. even after a full set-up. maybe a bad batch but it was enough to make me shy away from them ever since.

Philbiker · #8 10-21-2009, 09:38 AM

If you like roundwound strings, try Fender "Super Bass" nickelplated steel strings.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ngs?sku=101297

They're very inexpensive, but very, very high quality! My Peavey Axcelerator 6 is 35" scale and they fit without a problem, remember, many Fender basses have string through body so they make them longer than some string manufacturers.

If you're concerned about scratching the wood on your neck, look for Nylon Tapewound strings. Unfortunately, they are very expensive pretty much everywhere.

I love LaBella Nylon Tapewound strings on my Brice.

You may not get much better "B" string clarity even with better strings. The problem may be in the cheap bass. My Brice has a floppy and vague sounding "B" string, especially compared to the snappy perfect "B" of my USA Peavey.