Fender strings and going insane

**BullHorn** · #1 08-09-2008, 08:36 AM

My jazz bass has the default Fender strings on it. For some reason, my finger often gets 'stuck' on the string and I miss a note this way, sometimes even when play plain 8th root notes, for example.

On my other bass with ghs strings it doesn't happen. The same roundwound strings feels... smoother.

Anyone encountered this or it's all in my head?

fenderhutz · #2 08-09-2008, 08:38 AM

New Strings.

**BullHorn** · #3 08-09-2008, 08:45 AM

What do you mean new strings? I should get new strings or it happens because the strings are new? Because they aren't that new, they are a bit over a month old.

markdavid · #4 08-10-2008, 03:42 AM

I think maybe you should get a set of the ghs strings for your jazz bass as well

amos · #5 08-10-2008, 03:56 AM

GHS boomers are nickel anyway, pretty smooth that's why I use'em (and they're cheap). Maybe the fenders you are using are stainless.

Bassman316 · #6 08-10-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amos

GHS boomers are nickel anyway, pretty smooth that's why I use'em (and they're cheap). Maybe the fenders you are using are stainless.

I have D'Addario Stainless Steel strings on my Jazz Bass, and I understand what he's talking about with the strings feeling "sticky". I always used nickel roundwound strings, and decided to give stainless strings a whirl after hearing how they are known to be the brightest sounding string. One of the first things I noticed was how there was a sticky feeling while playing. It seems to have worn off since the strings have been broken in fairly well, but I think I'll stick with nickel strings. Actually, I used the GHS Bass Boomers for a long time and I'll probably throw as set of those on her soon.

sotjian · #7 08-10-2008, 08:18 AM

I have DR Low Riders on my stock 07 Jazz. The original Fender strings were "bland". When I put the DRs on the Jazz came to life.

therex · #8 08-10-2008, 08:22 AM

is your bass properly set up¿

king_biscuit · #9 08-10-2008, 09:18 AM

I don't really understand the question or the problem, but it could simply be a technique issue. In the early 80s, I had been playing a T-40 and my right hand placement was right over the bridge pickup, which was like using a ramp. When I got my first Jazz, my right hand had a very difficult time adjusting to essentually playing without a ramp. Eventually I got used to it, and now I can play any bass. I don't think ramps are a good idea, bacause they force the player into a very specific setup, rather than allowing the player to feel comfortable ( with good right hand technique) on most any instrument.

Smaz · #10 08-10-2008, 10:55 AM

I think I know where you're coming from... I have no problems with my ernie balls, or my default fender strings when I had them, but on my rotosounds on my epiphone thunderbird & the strings are awful - slides are awkward, and when shifting my hands around my fingers seem to almost grip the string when I touch them, making them harder to play. I can't help with why, other than the type of string - what they're made out of, number of coils? etc., but I'm guessing here...

amos · #11 08-10-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman316

I have D'Addario Stainless Steel strings on my Jazz Bass, and I understand what he's talking about with the strings feeling "sticky". I always used nickel roundwound strings, and decided to give stainless strings a whirl after hearing how they are known to be the brightest sounding string. One of the first things I noticed was how there was a sticky feeling while playing. It seems to have worn off since the strings have been broken in fairly well, but I think I'll stick with nickel strings. Actually, I used the GHS Bass Boomers for a long time and I'll probably throw as set of those on her soon.

Boomers are great, especially for the price. The only thing I don't like about them is the red fabric stuff on the ends, which, after rotating sets and cleaning them with denatured alcohol, starts to come off. I may switch toe Ernie's Balls for that reason.