Help with strings?

madbassplaya · #1 04-20-2013, 02:39 PM

Thinking about going with steels. Want something more ballsy and authoritative tone wise. Prefer something with a tapered B.

Specs of bass:
35 inch scale
Alder body
Maple/Maple neck

mmbongo · #2 04-20-2013, 05:15 PM

You know I'm all about some DR FatBeams

madbassplaya · #3 04-20-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

You know I'm all about some DR FatBeams

I'm considering those.

Also considering D'Addario Pro Steels and Sadowsky Blue Steels.

Mikhail1 · #4 04-20-2013, 05:27 PM

I've been thinking about steels for my j bass as well and thinking seriously about Ernie Balls. I remember reading that they do well and seem to last longer than nickels but in all fairness, I like Slinky nickels just fine. Just wanting to experiment I guess.

**MostlyBass** · #5 04-20-2013, 05:37 PM

In my experience the FatBeams are much bigger sounding and have more low end than the ProSteels.

Rich McCoy · #6 04-20-2013, 05:39 PM

Chromes.

tylerwylie · #7 04-20-2013, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich McCoy

Chromes.

lol

That's a good one.

I vote for Fat Beams. Or the Fodera SS, especially if you want a solid tapered B string.

madbassplaya · #8 04-20-2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerwylie

lol

That's a good one.

I vote for Fat Beams. Or the Fodera SS, especially if you want a solid tapered B string.

I really find it weird to use Ken Smith, Fodera or even Sadowsky on a bass of a different brand. lol

rojo412 · #9 04-20-2013, 10:05 PM

When I think ballsy strings, the one that comes to mind is ROTOSOUND. A lot of aggression in those.
Prosteels are nice, too. I like those second to Smith in the terms of just flat out good strings.

madbassplaya · #10 04-21-2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojo412

When I think ballsy strings, the one that comes to mind is ROTOSOUND. A lot of aggression in those.
Prosteels are nice, too. I like those second to Smith in the terms of just flat out good strings.

I really do enjoy a tapered B.

May need to try the Smiths.

D'addario and Labella are on the list.

**MostlyBass** · #11 04-21-2013, 03:15 PM

I found both Rotosound and ProSteels to be thinner than FatBeams. Fodera Diamonds are very similar to FatBeams but a little more even sounding (Foderas have a touch more mids).

TheEmptyCell · #12 04-21-2013, 03:39 PM

Circle K.

**MostlyBass** · #13 04-21-2013, 03:40 PM

I've had too many issues with Circle Ks having intonation issues and fuzzy sound. If they're good, they're nice strings.

madbassplaya · #14 04-21-2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MostlyBass

I found both Rotosound and ProSteels to be thinner than FatBeams. Fodera Diamonds are very similar to FatBeams but a little more even sounding (Foderas have a touch more mids).

Do you mean thinner in tone?

**MostlyBass** · #15 04-21-2013, 03:51 PM

Yes. Thinner in tone. Much thinner.

Solarmist · #16 04-21-2013, 03:52 PM

I really like Prosteels (EPS 165) + 130TW single. They're nice & bright with deep tight lows, and the price is right.

**MostlyBass** · #17 04-21-2013, 03:58 PM

I found the ProSteel B string to be amazing in clarity, intonation, and feel. However I felt the other ProSteels were thin sounding and lifeless.

madbassplaya · #18 04-21-2013, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MostlyBass

I found the ProSteel B string to be amazing in clarity, intonation, and feel. However I felt the other ProSteels were thin sounding and lifeless.

What gauges were the other?

What bass is this on?

What brand did you find to have a good B and the other strings to sound good as well?

**MostlyBass** · #19 04-21-2013, 04:45 PM

All were either medium (45 - 295) or light 40 - 100) on a Carvin Icon. Best overall? Probably FatBeams or Foderas for a thick sound and (surprisingly) I really like Dean Markley SolidBass for a very neutral and even sound.

Jkaz · #20 04-21-2013, 04:53 PM

You might want to try TI SuperAlloys, I put some on my Lakland Jazz, and it is by far the liveliest sound that I have out of all my basses. I think its a perfect fit for the jazz.

Reasonably priced for TI's, at the mid $30 range.

The sound is very bright, punchy, aggressive. I had Black Bueaty's on before, and the sound is night and day. Not that the BB's had a bad sound, just different.

I was typing this with my ric in my lap, and I switched over to the Jazz, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming this stuff up, and sure enough, the ric sounds subdued and mellow, whereas the jazz is punchy and vibrant. The ric has DR stainless steel Low Riders, but that's a ric for you. I'm not complaining, I like the sound of both basses, it gives me the versatility I'm looking for.