First let me say that everything in this post is IMO and specific to one bass. I play classic, alternative and jam band style rock and alt country. I play through a LMIII and Aguilar/avatar cabs. Not many effects usually direct to amp. I play finger style and do not slap. Occasionally use pick, but only if I have to.
That bass is a custom build jazz bass with Villex soapbars and fully passive.
I have been looking for the right string for this bass for some time now, and went through several sets and wanted to post my conclusions.
Originally I was a daddario guy, nickels 105-45 - just always used those as they really did what I needed. But one day (after spending too much time on here reading) I decided to look into different types and brands.
First I went for all the hub bub about flats. I wanted the promised clarity in a band setting and all that was said about them. Went with chromes and actually really liked them - *when they were new*. I did not like the tone as they aged, there was no life as they were flats. Band never even noticed I put them on.
Next up: Sadowsky flats. Really liked these, but still no real life and band never noticed again. Starting to think flats are just not for me or this bass.
By this time, many months later, I decided to try out the Jonas Helborg DR string. Promised fundamentals and roundwound tone. I liked them really, but they did not cut in the band very well at all. They might be good for certain situations but did not work in my band setting.
Next up. Decided to try more DR. Low Riders both nickel and steel. 105-45 again. These were nice, but too much tension for me I think (even though I was used to the flats). Not bad though. Decided to keep trying.
Fatbeams 105-45. NOW - I really like this string. The flexibility and tension of this roundcore string was exactly what i was looking for. Easy on the hands and very responsive, and even across the board. Band noticed these, I sat nicely below the guitars and perfect with the kick (oddly everything that was promised with the flats
). But, they are really bright, I had to roll way off on the tone as I like a more old school tone - with a touch of modern.
Next up: Fender 7250 100-40. Many great comments on these throughout the forums, great lows and subdued highs was mentioned and the lower gauge should put me with the Fatbeams for tension and flexibility. They did not impress me at all, the E was undefined and louder than the rest. G was a bit too powerful and twangy, and as such I really had to pay attention to my attack on each string. Was happy to take them off this bass.
Next up: Circle K strings balanced 106,80,61,46. Wow
. This is it! Great flexibility and tension, even across the board, not too bright and wonderful lows. In fact, I can't tell there is any frequency area not equally represented here. I have never played a balanced set before, and it is just great. They have a packet in the shipment that said "Caution, using these strings can become addictive" or something like that. I agree. For this bass, my technique and music styles these are really really nice. Just wanted to share my little journey.
