Which Nickel Rounds Age Best?

[Groover]

I'd like to use some Nickel Rounds on a passive Jazz Bass. I typically like flats, but I'd like to go NP rounds (I have Labella Flats on a P), but have them be a little thumpy.

I can deal with the brightness at first, as long as they age nicely so they'll somewhat resemble flats in the long run.

I have TI on the bass now, but I want to change them (I just can’t get used to the tension).

My preferred gauge would be .45-105 (or close)

I'm thinking Fender strings?

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[bassbully]

Fenders nickels do age well and get thumpy if you play them heavy. I bought a MIM jazz once with a new set on it (nickels) and rode that set for a year and a half in a classic rock band . They were awsome sounding by then but really in several months they get good. I then moved on to a mod/rock band and took them off cuz i needed a bright tone. I did miss those strings thou.

[r379]

I can't remember any nickel round wounds I would decribe as thumpy in the sense that flat wounds are. My preference for nickel round wounds would be TI Superalloys. Great tone and they seem to last. YMMV.

[Phalex]

I like the way GHS Boomers age. I'm thinkin that's why they call em boomers. I don't know that there is any substitute for a nice worn in flat though. How's bout something in a nice compression wound, or maybe a half round??

[bluesquidd]

Dean Markley NickelSteel Bass. I use the light gauge 40-60-80-100-128 on my StingRay 5H. I've tried just about every brand. They sound great. Bright, zingy with good mids. They have a great feel and last a long time. Check out the Dean Markley site for the gauges that suite you. I order mine from www.juststrings.com.
Those are the 3 main factors in a good string: Sound, Life and Feel.

[UBU]

I have a set of 6 or 8 month old DR sunbeams on a jazz bass of mine...they sound great.

[Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by UBU

I have a set of 6 or 8 month old DR sunbeams on a jazz bass of mine...they sound great.

+1 Sunbeams

[fishtx]

Originally Posted by sjb64

Ernie Ball.

+1

[Beefbass]

Fenders

[Dincrest]

After having tried all kinds of strings: Markley, DR, Fodera, SIT, a whole bunch of others... my favorite nickel rounds are good ol' D'Addario XLs. They're smooth, sound good, have consistent quality, and are priced right.

[GlassJaw]

I'm really digging my Sunbeams as well. I have them on my Zon fretless and my MIA P-bass. I've been playing my P-bass a lot lately and I'm still really digging the feel and sound of the Sunbeams. They are holding up really well.