Low tension roundwounds with impact?

[smeet]

Just got a new 4-string Bongo, and I want to restring it. I don't really care for the Ernie Balls that are on it now, not enough low mids, more clank than I like.

I'm looking for roundwounds, with a nice midrange impact for fingerstyle, also good for a funky Marcus (as opposed to Wooten) slapping sound.

I would like a low-tension feel, so I can add vibrato low on the E string, etc. I tried the TI jazz roundwound set, and they felt a bit too thin.

I'm thinking about the DR FatBeams, does that sound like the right direction?

On the subject of the TI's, I felt like they lacked bottom and impact, and that the G string was thin sounding. Am I letting the feel of the strings influence my ears? Should I give them another try?

[rsautrey]

The Fatbeams will certainly give you some mids but I wouldn't consider the low tension. DR Hi-Beams seem much lower in tension to me for the same gauge.

[scottbass]

DR's roundwounds are definitely lower tension than most, and chock-full-o-mids. I used to play EB's, but I'm now a devoted DR fan. I play sunbeams to get a slightly smoother (more vintage?) nickel sound and action, but the hi-beams are probably better for slapping.

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by rsautrey

DR Hi-Beams seem much lower in tension to me for the same gauge.

+1

those are the lowest tensioned strings i've played. flop city IMO. but i like a tight string.

[snowdan]

i am pretty sure you will like a 40-100 DR fatbeam set. go for that.

great low mid growl, great marcus slap tone.

i have these on my G&L.