Clean "blues" strings

bassplayerblues · #1 12-05-2010, 07:29 PM

With reference to my Fender Amer. Jazz Bass, I chucked the stock strings and went with D'Addario XL 45-100. I am looking for a clean sound for blues, any recommendations besides the aforementioned??? Thanks in advance. Johnny.

Marty Forrer · #2 12-05-2010, 08:33 PM

A clean sound for blues will mean different things to different people. Heck, blues means different things to different people.
Modern blues, vintage blues, jump blues, etc, etc.....
Just aim for a sound you like. Unfortunately, finding a sound you like may involve the purchase of several sets of strings... c'est la vie.

FunkMetalBass · #3 12-06-2010, 12:31 PM

Simple - find a bassist whose tone is most similar to that which you are trying to achieve. Bonus points if s/he plays the same bass you do.

Get the strings s/he has.

Invisible_Sun · #4 12-06-2010, 12:40 PM

I've heard a tone that would rock for clean blues.

At my synagogue we'll often have a bassist from the congregation play along with the pianist. He uses a Jazz bass with what I believe to be TI flats, the roundcore ones. It sounds so smooth, buttery even. I would imagine that set up would give you the tone you're after.

Cheers!

bassplayerblues · #5 12-06-2010, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the input...Have a safe, healthy, happy holiday season & keep on jammin' !!!

RHFusillo · #6 12-07-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Invisible_Sun

I've heard a tone that would rock for clean blues.

At my synagogue we'll often have a bassist from the congregation play along with the pianist. He uses a Jazz bass with what I believe to be TI flats, the roundcore ones. It sounds so smooth, buttery even. I would imagine that set up would give you the tone you're after.

Cheers!

I second the TI Flats recommendation. They sound wonderful on a Jazz Bass for Blues. Buttery is a good adjective.

singlemalt · #7 12-07-2010, 08:58 PM

TI Jazz Flats will set you back about $50 but they are well worth it, and they will last a very long time. They feel great, nice and soft, low tension.

The DR Hellborgs are very solid and punchy, hype is that they push the fundamental of the note. They are very different feeling, with the single wrap outer, but they sit in the mix just right. Not an expensive set, but only for four string basses.

I was very happy with the TI flats, but the Hellborgs won me over. 1/2 the price of TI's.

markanini · #8 12-08-2010, 02:58 AM

I'd suggest GHS pressurewound. They have the grunt and growl which seems just right for walking blues lines. Ken Smith makes a similar string also.

lmfreeman9 · #9 12-08-2010, 05:52 AM

FLATWOUNDS! +1 on the TI Jazz Flats

InLeoWeTrust · #10 12-08-2010, 06:08 AM

As previously mentioned, there will be many different ideas about "ideal" strings for blues. If you're talking classic blues, I agree that you probably want a set of flats.

Regarding XLs, I also chucked the (long dead) stock taperwounds that were on my '08 MIA Jazz and put on a set of .45-.105 XLs. Give them at least a couple of weeks to settle in and lose some of the top end. I hated them at first (too bright and felt like all the low end was gone) but after they lost some of their "zing" they began to sound kinda nice. I've had them on about a month now, and like them enough to keep them. Also, if you decide to go flats and try out D'Addario Chromes, be aware that you will have to top-load them through your bridge due to the length of the silk wraps.

bassbully · #11 12-08-2010, 07:03 AM

I wouldnt be play the blues without a P bass with flats...but thats me. At least get the flats.

RHFusillo · #12 12-08-2010, 09:13 AM

I've already recommended the TI Flats, but if you prefer a roundwound string, Fender 7150 Nickel Wounds sound good for blues, especially after they have been worn in a bit.

bassbully · #13 12-08-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHFusillo

I've already recommended the TI Flats, but if you prefer a roundwound string, Fender 7150 Nickel Wounds sound good for blues, especially after they have been worn in a bit.

Those are the best rounds I have ever played although I dont play rounds anymore. I also agree if you let them dead'en up they get great and thumpy.

REAPER52 · #14 12-08-2010, 09:56 AM

Have TI Flats on my American Std Jazz and just love them . cant see me even putting on anything else

lonote · #15 12-10-2010, 10:37 AM

I've been playing blues off and on for about 40 years. I have Sadowsky flats (on it when I got the bass) on my semi-hollow, Dark-Starred Ibanez; Chromes (flats) on my fretless 2-TEK Hamer (Jazz clone) and my CV 50's P-Bass; and Fender 9050's (flats) on my MIM Classic 50's P-Bass and my Fender clone PJ. Obviously, as far as I'm concerned flats rule for playing blues. I like Chromes on Jazz Basses and and 9050's on split coil P-Basses.

Tommygunn · #16 12-11-2010, 07:01 PM

Blues (in all sub genres) can be pulled off with your tone knob and a set of fender flats.

mcm · #17 12-11-2010, 07:05 PM

i like the strings you mentioned, but i go with light gauge chromes for all music, especially blues

JLS · #18 12-12-2010, 01:01 PM

I've noticed that many of the Bay area blues bassists use TI flats.

fourfinger · #19 12-16-2010, 09:56 PM

I love Chromes, especially when I am tuned down to Eb.

Either TI flats or Chromes when tuned standard.

DavePlaysBass · #20 12-17-2010, 06:21 AM

TI flats or Sadowsky flats. TIs will be the lowest in tension. The 40-100 Sadowsky will be in the middle with the 45-105 Sadowsky being fairly stiff.