Need a string suggestion as a plectrum user

[John723]

For specifically playing with a pick (plectrum).

What I am trying to avoid are scraping sounds, picking sounds, or clicking sounds if you will. I know this can't be eliminated completed, but it can most definitely be reduced significantly. I have not had as much problems on the G and D strings, the negative effects are easily heard on the A and E strings.

It doesn't help that I am working with dead strings to see exactly what in my technique is contributing as well, but I have a hunch that getting the set of strings I am looking for will help. (As I had a lot less problems when the strings were new.)

Please don't say its just my technique, I have seen many live and recorded bassists who play with a pick experience none of ill sounds I wish to eliminate.

I am also I string noob, so I can't really give you any details on which would more likely fit me. The bass in question that needs new strings is a ash body fender jazz that I have only used with stock strings.

[southpaw420]

ghs precision flats. awesomeeeee pick tone. No noise just perfect pick
thump. The only reason I stopped using these strings was because they sounded very dark when played fingerstyle (still sounded great, just not for everything i play). Try em. you wont be disappointed. They go for around twenty bucks which is pretty cheap for flats.

[Surly]

Depends on the sound you want, flats with a pick have a different sound than rounds. My preference would be nickel roundwounds, you could also use stainless steel rounds with the tone backed down. Again, it depends on the sound you want. Experiment, it may be fun.

[John723]

Originally Posted by southpaw420

ghs precision flats. awesomeeeee pick tone. No noise just perfect pick
thump. The only reason I stopped using these strings was because they sounded very dark when played fingerstyle (still sounded great, just not for everything i play). Try em. you wont be disappointed. They go for around twenty bucks which is pretty cheap for flats.

I will keep the consideration in mind.

Originally Posted by Surly

Depends on the sound you want, flats with a pick have a different sound than rounds. My preference would be nickel roundwounds, you could also use stainless steel rounds with the tone backed down. Again, it depends on the sound you want. Experiment, it may be fun.

I was wondering about using flatwounds though, I figured I would get the benefits of less finger noise and less groovy strings so using a pick would have less of a scratchy or clicky feel but at the same time since a pick is giving that punchier tone it would cut that sometimes dull sound from flats out of the picture.

But then on the other hand, perhaps I just need a little setup adjusting and a nice quality set of rounds.

Decisions decisions...

[ustabawannab]

I play with a large heavy Fender pick 99% of the time.

I've had a great pick tone with D'Addario ENR72 Half Rounds. They're bright without being zingy and don't produce clicks if you're not perfectly parallel with the string. If you watch your technique, there's much less finger noise than with RW.

I've used 'em on Rics, Music Man and Jazz Basses.

[R. Laevinus]

^ + 1.

Even though I avoid picks whenever possible, if I were to use a pick, I'd use half rounds.

[dmusic148]

Sorry but I'm in the technique camp. Right now I've got a set of DR Hi Beams on my P bass, which are possibly the brightest strings on earth, and I have no issues with clicky-scratchy noises at all. With a pick, I roll the Tone back about two-thirds and it's funk city. I'll allow that flats, or possibly half or pressure-wounds would make it a bit easier, but it's mostly in your hands, really.

[becker4567]

As a pick player, I can only give you what works for me. LaBella "Deep Talkin" flats with a 1mm (or bigger) Dunlop pick. Then play around with your tone knob and EQ. I play both J and PJ basses, but the PJ is my current favorite.

[mortzestus]

Originally Posted by ustabawannab

I've had a great pick tone with D'Addario ENR72 Half Rounds. They're bright without being zingy and don't produce clicks if you're not perfectly parallel with the string. If you watch your technique, there's much less finger noise than with RW.

Agreed on this, I actually switched to half rounds (D'Addario ENR71) in order to dull my sound a bit since I also play with a pick most of the time. Less finger noise was a welcome extra.

[EagleMoon]

Dunlop nylon picks. I use the 1mm black ones. No pick noise at ALL. I also use DR Hi-Beams and no problems.

[nic salsus]

a few of things come to mind here
one is to take a player whose sound you like and try deconstructing it.
specific technique might be the sound more than the gear but you need to find the balance.

hold the pick loose.
this is important. a tight grip will accentuate a scratchy sound.

choke up on the pick only letting a small amount show.
don't choke up on it and compare the sound.

observe how perpendicular the pick is to the string. striking the string with the edge or along the string rather than across it can produce unwanted noise.

practicing at higher volume helps. string noise doesn't amplify as much as the note.

practicing at low volume helps. it's good to hear all the string noise you're really making and work on disappearing it.

what strings you use won't really make a difference in the long run. ignore your current lack of technique and use what your gut reaction says is right for you. i've used a wide variety of flats and nickel rounds and can get a sound i like out of the majority of strings out there.

[Number27]

you can't here any of those string noises when playing with a band anyway (or hell even i you jam out to a record or something you should hear it).