Need Advice: What's my perfect match?

[Nick B.]

So up until recently I've been a "flatwound fanatic", I was just playing at my church and they sounded like a match made in heaven with my Pbass and Ampeg BA115 combo. But now I've got a little folk/jazz/classic rock/whatever goes band together (Drums, Guitar, Djembe) and the flats just aren't doing it for me anymore.

Anyways, I think I want Nickel rounds... But I'm still not certain. Anyone got some help for poor old me? What is the perfect round for an ex-flat user with a Pbass. I'm looking for a little growl, good lows, and minimal twang.

[OOZMAN]

Nickel

[markanini]

I bet you'll love pressurewounds, GHS and Ken Smith make these. Personally I'm not convinced the nickel alone is the be-all end-all, espeically after browsing basstasters.com.

[Johnny Alien]

You like low or medium tension?

Low tension suggestions....Ti Jazz Rounds or DR Sunbeams

Medium tension suggestions...Ti Superalloy, GHS Bass Boomers (seriously), Curt Mangan Nickels

[Johnny Alien]

To further my post if I was someone coming to round after flats for awhile I would try the GHS Boomers first. They are great sounding and a very good example of a non-zingy round. They are affordable and can help you gauge what things you like or don't like about rounds. I would start with a medium gauge too.

[Nick B.]

I've thought about the Bass Boomers. I think now I'm down to Bass Boomers, D'addario Half Wounds, DR Nickel Low Riders, and DR Sunbeams... Decisions.

[rodl2005]

Elixir (coated) rounds are DAMN good strings. DR coateds are nice too. Elixir's have minimal 'twang' -due to the coating- but STAY sounding like new for a LONG time.

DR coated's -same story but these have a round-core so If ya like the Sunbeams....

[bassist4dalord]

I've always really liked the D'Addario nickel rounds. They mellow out, but have just the right amount of zing when ya need it.

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by CFNickB

I've thought about the Bass Boomers. I think now I'm down to Bass Boomers, D'addario Half Wounds, DR Nickel Low Riders, and DR Sunbeams... Decisions.

Sunbeams are nice but pretty low tension. I would also steer clear of trying halfwounds for your first taste test. If you find you don't like certain traits then you know what to look for but I would really suggest just going for a nice all around good set of nickel rounds. Of the ones you listed I would stick to the Boomers or the Low Riders and personal preference would steer me towards the Boomers.

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

I've always really liked the D'Addario nickel rounds. They mellow out, but have just the right amount of zing when ya need it.

I agree but they seem to die very very quickly. At least that has been my experience.

[phmike]

GHS Pressure Wounds (growl without twang) were my step between flats and rounds and glad I tried them.

[Plays_For_Dog]

I love DR strings. They have several lines, but I've only played a few different types of them. I don't change my strings that often :/

[JustDavid]

What Flats are you used to? If Chromes or TIJFs, you're already at the 'bright' end of the Flat range.

[dogbluedrummer]

Another plug for DR Sunbeams.
Trust us, they're awesome.

[OOZMAN]

Originally Posted by CFNickB

I've thought about the Bass Boomers. I think now I'm down to Bass Boomers, D'addario Half Wounds, DR Nickel Low Riders, and DR Sunbeams... Decisions.

I've tried Di'Addario half rounds and they were rubbish. I strongly suggest not buying them.

[fretlessguy]

Funny, I play roots music such as folk, Southern Gospel, and country and have sat in with a classic rock groupa time or two, and my flats (GHS Precision Flats, .45-.95) fit well. But, I would second the notion of GHS Pressure Wounds since they are a little brighter and just sound great.