Which nickel-plated round wound strings should I use?

Killens84 · #1 03-10-2011, 10:08 AM

I have an '08 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass with Nordstrand NJ4 pickups in it. Trying to decide on which nickel-plated round wound strings to choose. Please give me your opinions.

tylerwylie · #2 03-10-2011, 11:30 AM

DR Nickel Lo-Riders mellow out nicely and last a long time.

bass-shy · #3 03-10-2011, 06:03 PM

+1.

Best nickel rounds on the market, IMHO.

Double Agent · #4 03-10-2011, 08:30 PM

What kind of tone are you after? Not all nickel strings sound alike. Some are very bright like SS, some are very dull almost like flats, and many variations in between.

I have used, and loved, DR Nickel Lo-Riders, but I am using DR Sunbeams on my P-bass right now and they are very different from the Lo-Riders, but equally awesome. Of the options you listed, I would go with the Lo-Riders, but if you are looking a mellower, smoother, almost flatwound-like tone from your nickel strings, try the Sunbeams.

EagleMoon · #5 03-11-2011, 02:35 PM

I would go with DR, regardless if you go with Lo-Riders or Sunbeams. Best strings out there, IMO.

Touch · #6 03-11-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Agent

...if you are looking a mellower, smoother, almost flatwound-like tone from your nickel strings, try the Sunbeams.

+1 on the Sunbeams. Tried Lakland SS rounds and D'Addario Chrome Flats on my new 5er before I settled on the Sunbeams (again). I've got them on lots of basses now and they work on all of them.

Craig_S · #7 03-11-2011, 04:48 PM

I hated the low riders on my Am DLX Jazz. Try a set of Dunlop nickels. I have them on two of my Jazz basses: one with Fralin SC's and one with Fender original SC's. They sound great.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #8 03-11-2011, 05:45 PM

I prefer steel strings, but anyway here's an interesting opinion from a respected bass builder, Mr. Bud LeCompte:

Quote:

Q. Why do you use DR Sunbeam strings and can I get something else installed on my bass?

A. I think the Sunbeams are probably the most sonically pure string I've heard to date. The nickel plating keeps things smoothed out.

Source:

LeCompte Electric Bass - Custom Bass Guitars

fretlessguy · #9 03-12-2011, 08:18 AM

Power Wound

All mentioned are good strings. I just prefer S.I.T. Powerwound Nickel these days. They sound excellent and are longlasting. Affordable as well.