Non Metalic Strings

Robert Spencer · #1 06-13-2010, 12:24 PM

I`m kind of new to this so am looking for advise about strings.
I have two basses. One an Epiphone Jack Casady which sounds great strung with flatwound chromes. I use this one for R&R and R&B stuff and am very happy with everything .
My second bass is a full body acoustic Hohner HAB-40 which I intend to use to learm music reading & playing in church activities. From this one I wish to get a more natural sound much the same as a guitar would when playing classical music on nylon or gut strings.
Are there non metalic strings available that will bring out the true acoustic sound of this instrument? Thanks & take care. Bob

deliciouspesto · #2 06-13-2010, 12:28 PM

maybe ti jazz flat, they are bright flats that seem to resonate in a special way. A worn in set are the least piano/metallic sounding strings I've heard (that didn't need damping).

giacomini · #3 06-13-2010, 12:33 PM

The best you can get are the nylon tapewounds (the black wrapped ones). They're made by labella, fender, rotosound... But they still have a metalic core, because you'll need something to create a magnetic field when you're playing an electric bass with magnetic pickups. You could use nylon or whatever non-metalic string there is for bass, as long as you have a piezo type pickup or if the bass has a mic inside.

Update: I see the Hohner must have the piezo, but I really don't know much about non-metal strings... Thou the nylon tapewounds still might be a good call for you.

Robert Spencer · #4 06-13-2010, 10:29 PM

The GHS Black Nylon Tapewound look interesting but there was no review of them listed here on this site. Perhaps someone that has tried them could offer an opinion. Thanks & take care. Bob

Robert Spencer · #5 06-14-2010, 09:46 PM

When doing more research I found this: The Comprehensive List of Black Nylon Tapewound Strings!!!
Which led me right back here to this very forum. Pretty much covers it all. Thanks again & take care. Bob