It's time that I change the strings on my Rogue VB100 Violin Bass and I need to know what brand of flatwounds would be better. My local GuitarCenter carries D'Addario Chromes and Rotosound Jazz Bass 77 Flats.
I'm looking for an early sixties style sound (around the time of the start of the British Invasion). Currently I got my Rogue strung with Rotosound Black Nylon Tapewounds and even though people say Paul McCartney used them from Abbey Road to Let It Be, I don't really care for that sound.
With that being said, which of the two brands I listed would give me an early 60s sound? And would muting the strings with foam help, because I mute the strings on the Rogue with foam.
Roto's are "the" flatwound string from that era, probably the sound you are looking for.
The tension is really high though, could be a tad much for a violin bass.
__________________
Washington State Bassist Club #40, Wood Matters Club Member #18
"If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy"
__________________
"Your primary role is to serve the song and be beautifully anonymous in it. Bass is the power of anonymity.” -Michael Rhodes, First Call Nashville Session Bassist
Use medium scale Roto 77's on my Epi Viola and along with a pick it really nail that 60's sound to a tee: think Beatles taxman bassline, any Love Affair, Spencer Davis Group, small faces basslines and you're there! (Also really nails the original "Little green bag" tone). I've seen so many people try to play 60's stuff with fingers, solid bodies and rounds and you just can't emulate it. So many 60's players had hollowbody basses (often Epi Rivoli's or Harmony H22's), with flats with picks...a unique sound
I do find the E a lower volume than the rest of the set though, which seems to be a common complaint of short scale flats
I tried both. I like the d'Addarios more, because they have less tension, higher output and a better feel. The Rotosounds, however, sound more dull and last longer.
The Rotosounds, however, sound more dull and last longer. 
