Which nickel??

Deaky · #1 10-09-2011, 09:46 AM

Hi guys

Im looking for some nickels for my G&L ASAT. Getting fed up with flats

Ive narrowed it down to either D'Addarios or Rotosound 66 Swing nickel plated.

Would love to hear what you would recommend.

Peace

Deaky

mmbongo · #2 10-09-2011, 10:24 AM

DR Sunbeams

Just curious..what led you to pick those two?

And...what do you hate about flats? I mean, I know why *I* hate flats....but what are you looking to change? Tension? Brightness? Gauges? Tapers?

Deaky · #3 10-09-2011, 10:27 AM

Price really

chadhargis · #4 10-09-2011, 10:46 AM

I love flats, but there is a time and a place for rounds too. I've use the D'Addarios and they are good nickels, but I was really surprised by the Dunlop nickels. They should broken in straight from the box. I really like the tone.

But I tend to like my bass to sound like a bass. I don't tap, slap, or play chords. I'm a "meat and taters" player and don't like a lot of top end zing in my tone.

Right now my P with TI flats with the tone control rolled almost all the way off is pleasing me.

steamthief · #5 10-09-2011, 11:02 AM

Rotos for the growl!

Muzoid · #6 10-09-2011, 11:04 AM

Rotos!

You won't be disappointed, that's for sure.

invalidprotocol · #7 10-09-2011, 11:21 AM

mmbongo brings up an important question about your dislike of the flats... that would have a lot of bearing on what to pick.

I have no experience with the Rotosounds but the Daddario's aren't the warmest of nickels IMHO. They are a very consistent string from set to set and the twin packs are a really good deal. I used them for a long time before trying anything else and was growing tired of a thinness and tinny quality to the tone. I personally wouldn't care for them on a G&L and I believe that would present a rather extreme change from the flats.

Sunbeams are awesome and you can find good deals. If you're willing to stock up on a sale, I've found ThePerfectBass.com to have the best deal on them. They have a smoother feel to them which might be a more comfortable transition from flats. Their round core makes them very low tension.

Another alternative might be Dunlop nickels. They are not quite as smooth as the Sunbeams but will have a warmer and more broken in tone with higher tension than the Sunbeams. These have been available on a number of BOGO sales.

Deaky · #8 10-09-2011, 11:30 AM

I love flats don't get me wrong it's just I would like a livelier sound if you know what I mean.

I like playing to bands like Queen and Rush in particular hence the need for a brighter overall tone...

Craig_S · #9 10-09-2011, 11:45 AM

Dunlop nickel is what I use. They sound great even when they lose their zing.

mmbongo · #10 10-09-2011, 11:59 AM

Sunbeams are still my faves, the round core and smooth feel are just bliss. But they are low tension, and coming from high tension flats there will be a huge difference for you.

So since price is the main factor in your decision, I'm going to suggest Rotosound RotoBass strings. They have become my favorite low cost string and will use them before even considering D'Addario. I think they are basically Nickel SwingBass without the silks, so they are cheaper. These actually replaced Sunbeams on my Warwick, they are tighter and snappier which is what that bass needed. They are not nearly as smooth feeling though, but that's Rotosound for you

Rotosound Rotobass - 4 String Set

Jason will get you an even better price on them once you register on his site and tell him you're a TB member.