Frustrated with my strings

[P-oddz]

I'll add to the pile of "my favorite strings you should try" list, and suggest DR Sunbeams.

I know a lot of guys (including myself) really like the way they play on a Jazz bass. IMO, they are a smoother nickel round, with a well balanced tone, easy playability and still a definable "growl" to them. Right out of the box they tend to be on the brighter side, but with just a little bit of play time on them, they wear in to a really nice spot - better than any other string that I've tried. Perfect definition for finger style, nice dig with a pick (I use Dunlop yellows myself), and an overall nice punch without the full "zing" that is present on a lot of other rounds.

Check out YouTube - there are a number of Jazz demos with Sunbeams on them.

Additionally, my suggestion for finger noise would be to just roll a little tone of on your bass. The punch is going to be a low-mids characteristic. I think by dialing in so much treble and presence, you are only exacerbating the problem.