New strings for a Pbass

Iron Priest · #1 03-14-2007, 09:56 PM

Hi all.

I just got an American Pbass a couple days ago and I was thiking of changing the strings. I'm looking for that big Pbass bottom end tone.

Here's some of the bands I like ( if that can help...) Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Rush, Yes, Black Sabbath, The Doors, The Police, Venom, ACDC, Led Zeppelin etc...

Could I have some recommendations on what strings would be good for that type of tone ? Should I go with roundwounds or flats ? ( I also have a Geddy Lee bass with rounds on it)

Thx for the help.

ScubaSteve · #2 03-14-2007, 10:59 PM

Seems like the strings that give me that fat bottom tone are rounds that have been played in a bit, or even ones that are old as hell. Basically strings that have lost that brightness you get once you put a new set one.

Gene Leone · #3 03-14-2007, 11:03 PM

...but I think with the list of band that you listed, consider using two basses, one with rounds, one with flats.

Do a search on the Geddy Lee bass because there was an interesting discussion on the strings. I believe DR's was a big hit with the Geddy bass. I just can't recall which ones. Keep the rounds on the Geddy.

For the Zep, Doors, etc. go with flats on the P-bass. I use Thomastik flats on my P and the tone is superb. Set is JF344.

Sir Edward V · #4 03-14-2007, 11:54 PM

flats will get a duller sound, rounds are much much brighter

ScubaSteve · #5 03-14-2007, 11:55 PM

What did John Paul Jones use on his jazz bass for all the Zep records ? His tone has always eluded me.

chenor · #6 03-15-2007, 02:19 AM

I believe John Paul Jones used flats on a jazz bass with the tone knob rolled off. ex: The Lemon Song
I also believe that later on he switched to roundwounds (i think rotosounds) while still with zep

larsg · #7 03-15-2007, 05:52 AM

hi. I have two precision basses. one us 62 reissue (rosewood fingerboard)with lindy fralin pups strung with daddario flatwounds 50 - 105 and a us bob glaub (maple fingerboard) strung with daddario XL`s 45 - 105. the only basses I need. I play everything from gospel to metal. fingerstyle only!

Iron Priest · #8 03-15-2007, 02:58 PM

Thx for the help.

I was thinking of going with D'Addario Chromes or the Fender 9050. Which strings would work best for the type of music I play ? Thx

ibnzneksrul · #9 03-15-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Leone

For the Zep, Doors, etc. go with flats on the P-bass.

+1

I like the Chromes.

Iron Priest · #10 03-15-2007, 05:57 PM

I think I will try the Chromes, but what Chromes model should I take ? There's seems to be quite a few different ones.

Should I go with .045-.100 or .50-.105 ?

ibnzneksrul · #11 03-15-2007, 07:13 PM

I recently put a set of the .50 - .105 Chromes (haven't tried the lighter gauge) on my Ibanez and found the tension to be a good bit higher than the .45 - .105 DR rounds I had on before that. So I had to tighten the truss rod some. At first they seemed too stiff compared to rounds, but after I got used to them and they've broken in a little now they play like butter, and I like the meaty tone.

YMMV.

BellBottomBlues · #12 03-16-2007, 12:16 PM

If you like Iron Maiden, you do know Steve Harris has a signature set by Rotosound?

I like the regular jazz flats IMHO

lonote · #13 03-16-2007, 07:35 PM

I use Fender 9050's on my P-Basses and D'Addario Chrome flats on my J-style basses.

Iron Priest · #14 03-21-2007, 08:18 PM

Thx for your help

What kind of strings would be good for that type of tone ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX0h8x2V6UA