My String swapping Adventure

markjazzbassist · #1 12-02-2007, 12:21 AM

Well I got this new to me bass recently, a 1969 Fender Jazz. I've been going back and forth with strings on this thing and haven't found a set that is "it" yet.

It started with TI Jazz Flats and they were too thumpy/dark for me. I went to D'addario Chromes and they were a little brighter but still too thumpy and not enough growl/bite to the. Then to D'addario XL Nickels. These are pretty dang good (and my favorite nickel rounds) so I thought these would take the cake. They haven't. They have nice thump and low end, but I think they lack a little bite/growl. I've got some DR Lo-riders and D'addario Prosteels on the way and I'm gonna see if those can't remedy the situation.

I've thought about DR Hi-Beams, but I can't deal with the low tension. I gotta have at least D'addario Nickel round tension or more.

thoughts?

markdavid · #2 12-02-2007, 06:50 AM

Rotos are quite growly. Anyhow good luck with this, I'm in a similar situation , Ive got a bass with quarterpounders and although i'm a flats kind of person it doesn't quite sound right with flats but everytime I switch to rounds im horrified by the lack of low end

6stringbassist · #3 12-02-2007, 07:04 AM

I'm going through the same thing with my Modulus Q6, I'd wanted flats originally like Steve Lawson, but I can't find ones that I really like.
They're all either too stiff, rotosounds, Status etc, or too thumpy and not enough depth like the TI's that I tried.

The roundwounds were all too bright, the Modulus is a very bright sounding bass as it is.

The problem is that I can't get a good selection of strings here in the UK.

I've got a 5 string set of Labella flats at the moment, with the high C from the TI set.

I've a set of Labella supersteps on its way at the moment.

Gintaras · #4 12-02-2007, 08:31 AM

I've gone through lots of strings changes while going through a learning curve. Eventually I come back to DR's. I have the HiBeam Flats on my Carvin AC40 and they seem to have more growl than any flats that I have tried though I am not a flats specialist. I have Sunbeams on my Grendel 5 and FrankenJazz fretless. And black beauties on my Franken GeddyP J/MM

DavePlaysBass · #5 12-02-2007, 09:56 AM

On my Modulus, D'Addario XLs took the cake. They really are matched to the that bass. DR Nickel Lo Riders did not compare to the XLs. I would try Chromes if looking for flats on a Modulus.

I have a 61 J that has a great feeling neck and tone but can get lost in a mix. I have tried a lot of things with it over the years. I settled on TI flats, but I use this bass for those moments when flats are appropriate. As for rounds, it was Dean Markley Blue Steels and Rotosound 66s that sounded the best. And the frets show the wear (hence TI flats are in order). That was before DR so I am not sure how they would compare. Hi Beams and ProSteels are mid scooped which probably will not do well on a J. And the Lo Riders have never really floated my boat. I might try a set of Labella or Ken Smith Steels because they have nice mids and highes.

Dave

gary2nd · #6 12-02-2007, 11:36 AM

My main bass is a '62 Jazz that I've used for 45 years. Of all the strings I've used DR HiBeam mediums are my favorite. Used for Jazz to Country to Rock. The strings have a balanced output, easy playability, and last a long time. My amp settings dials in the tone. I'm happy with 'em.

6stringbassist · #7 12-02-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

On my Modulus, D'Addario XLs took the cake. They really are matched to the that bass. DR Nickel Lo Riders did not compare to the XLs. I would try Chromes if looking for flats on a Modulus.

I have a 61 J that has a great feeling neck and tone but can get lost in a mix. I have tried a lot of things with it over the years. I settled on TI flats, but I use this bass for those moments when flats are appropriate. As for rounds, it was Dean Markley Blue Steels and Rotosound 66s that sounded the best. And the frets show the wear (hence TI flats are in order). That was before DR so I am not sure how they would compare. Hi Beams and ProSteels are mid scooped which probably will not do well on a J. And the Lo Riders have never really floated my boat. I might try a set of Labella or Ken Smith Steels because they have nice mids and highes.

Dave

You know, I was thinking about XLs earlier, Michael Manring uses them on his basses.

Stuggi · #8 12-02-2007, 01:43 PM

Try some Rotosound RS66LD's, I just switched from EXL-170's to these and they're a tad brighter and stingier.

DavePlaysBass · #9 12-02-2007, 03:17 PM

If you get XLs for a Modulus, make sure you go superlong.