D'Addario Pro Steels for ebony fretless

mozarwasagenius · #1 06-13-2011, 08:24 AM

I like the Nickel rounds on my ebony boarded bass (I use a radiused sanding block every year or so to smooth out the board, so I'm not too concerned about wear - I'm much more concerned about tone) but am considering a change. I am looking for something that holds brightness a bit longer.

Are the Pro Steels too rough on the fingerboard compared to the nickels?

Thanks

SLaPiNFuNK · #2 06-13-2011, 10:32 AM

The main strings I use on my fretless w/ ebony board are stainless steel rounds. They are not D'Addario Pro-Steels... But I do not find they are too aggressive on the board.

I haven't noticed any excessive wear. I have used a few sets of Pressure Wounds / Compression Wounds, but I always go back to the sound of the SS Rounds.

I like the fretless to ring out a lot...

mozarwasagenius · #3 06-20-2011, 11:33 PM

I'm still curious

Thanks

darkstorm · #4 06-21-2011, 03:26 PM

Ebony is gonna be less prone to wear then rosewood. Id say nope, daddario pro steels arent too rough. Id use rotosound swing 66 on an ebony fretless with no qaulms or fears of excessive wear myself. Though I'm also not heavy handed with my fretting. Its been awhile since I tried daddarios, but they wherent as rough as rotosounds feel wise. Dunno if that helps answer your question any.

mozarwasagenius · #5 06-21-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Ebony is gonna be less prone to wear then rosewood. Id say nope, daddario pro steels arent too rough. Id use rotosound swing 66 on an ebony fretless with no qaulms or fears of excessive wear myself. Though I'm also not heavy handed with my fretting. Its been awhile since I tried daddarios, but they wherent as rough as rotosounds feel wise. Dunno if that helps answer your question any.

actually it does. I have decided to order them and give 'em a try.

Thanks

FunkMetalBass · #6 06-21-2011, 03:50 PM

I don't know that steel strings will retain their brightness any longer than nickel strings, but they will be initially much brighter.

If you're looking for longevity, a set of coated strings is probably up your alley. Ernie Ball and DR coated strings get a lot of love around here, and of course, there are always Elixirs too (but they tend to be a bit mellow for my taste).

mozarwasagenius · #7 06-25-2011, 06:59 PM

I REALLY like them so far!

playing with a light pick is a fantastic alternative sound