Fretless strings

Tbfus · #1 01-20-2010, 11:17 PM

Just defretted my ESP bass and I'm looking for strings..The bass sounds awesome and the strings I have on now are roundwound...Any suggestions would be appreciated...taste is different for everyone but I would like to know which strings would be favorable to put on..I do some slapping on it but most of the time I would just fingerstyle it...thanks alot!

JTE · #2 01-21-2010, 10:18 AM

Whatever strings you like. I've been using DR Sunbeams on my fretless basses for about six or seven years now. Sound great and are very consistent set-to-set.

Search the TB string forum for other of the countless threads about fretless bass strings so we can dispense with the never-ending discussions about whether you should use rounds, half-rounds, flats, or tape-wounds however...

John

Tbfus · #3 01-21-2010, 11:21 AM

Thanks alot, maybe I'll get a little more feedback...I'm guessing everyone has a reason for using what they use, I would just like to know a few...thanks again..

Flyingaero · #4 01-21-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbfus

Just defretted my ESP bass and I'm looking for strings..The bass sounds awesome and the strings I have on now are roundwound...Any suggestions would be appreciated...taste is different for everyone but I would like to know which strings would be favorable to put on..I do some slapping on it but most of the time I would just fingerstyle it...thanks alot!

Your neck is bare? I covered mine with polyurethane becuause my roundwounds were slowly eating away at my neck and I didnt want to buy new strings ( I bought roto 66's before the impulse to defret!). I played on my bed and found the tiniest pieces of wood on my bed. You might want to go with flatwounds. Be sure to check to see if your neck is bowing and adjust your truss rod accordingly.( and use veneer instead of poly if your going that route)

Tbfus · #5 01-21-2010, 07:05 PM

Guy who builds guitars here in Charlotte defretted the bass for me and said he would set it up again when I bought new strings...He is a monstrous guitar builder and tech and he said not to worry about it right now...I was just trying to figure out what strings would be good for the bass...Not sure what he used on the fret board but it sure plays and sounds nice...I'm guessing he used what was best for the bass...it cost me 285.00...Thanks again for the reply's..

the low one · #6 01-22-2010, 07:21 AM

There's no right or wrong answer, just fit what you like. On my fretless jazz I've just finished a search and finally settled back on flats. I tried rounds, pressure wound and half rounds but when I put a set of flats on recently I finally got the tone I wanted.

JTE · #7 01-22-2010, 09:38 AM

See, the thing is you're eventually going to get just about every string there is recommended. That's because we all have different ideas about the ideal sound. To me fretless just isn't that much different from fretted to warrant a wide variation in strings. I'm blessed to have two fretless basses, so I have one with rounds and one with flats. And one of my fretless basses is just about identical to my main fretted bass so it's got either the same or very similar strings (I've forgotten whether my fretted Lakland Deluxe 4-94 has DR Sunbeams (nickle rounds on round core) or Hi-Beams (stainless rounds on round core)).

So, it's all about the sound you like to hear when you play your bass, not what I hear when I play my bass. Bottom line in ANY string discussion is that you're going to have to try some different sets out to find what works for you.

John

Tbfus · #8 01-22-2010, 10:02 AM

No doubt...On my full time gig I used a fretted bass because I go back and forth fingerstyle to slapping.... but on my Tuesday gig here in town I play both basses.....I like the tone I have with the roundswounds that are on it but will probably try the flatwounds out of curiosity and interest as well...Thanks again...TB

darkstorm · #9 01-23-2010, 03:32 AM

If its ebony board, I'd keep roundwounds on it. Its harder then rosewood so isnt gonna wear as much as rosewood fretless would. There are also halfround strings too. Not as flat sounding as flatround. Also if your not a hard fretter, its not gonna wear as much as on basses played by those who really dig in with fretting fingers.

hasbeen · #10 01-23-2010, 03:56 AM

another vote for DR Sunbeam Nickel. I have three fretlessessess and this is the only string I used on them.

The fingerboards aren't finished either.

Mr. BassmanPT · #11 01-23-2010, 08:17 AM

thomastik infeld.. best strings i have ever played. you have to try it to believe it.

Beefbass · #12 01-23-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

See, the thing is you're eventually going to get just about every string there is recommended. That's because we all have different ideas about the ideal sound. To me fretless just isn't that much different from fretted to warrant a wide variation in strings. I'm blessed to have two fretless basses, so I have one with rounds and one with flats. And one of my fretless basses is just about identical to my main fretted bass so it's got either the same or very similar strings (I've forgotten whether my fretted Lakland Deluxe 4-94 has DR Sunbeams (nickle rounds on round core) or Hi-Beams (stainless rounds on round core)).

So, it's all about the sound you like to hear when you play your bass, not what I hear when I play my bass. Bottom line in ANY string discussion is that you're going to have to try some different sets out to find what works for you.

John

+1

I personally like the Fender 7150XL pure nickels on mine, but thats what works for me on my bass.