Piano sounding strings

[OhValhalla]

As the thread title says, I'm looking for strings that sound very close to the lower register of a piano, not exactly of course. I really like that wide open sound with a high end bite, especially on the lower B, E, and A strings. I am not so worried about the higher D, and G strings as most roundwounds do fine in emulating a piano sound on them. I've tried Rotosound Swing, which seems to be everyone's recommendation, but they are lacking something, that and the fact that they die extremely quickly. However I have only tried a few pairs of these strings, and perhaps I am just getting unlucky with them. If these are truly the best strings for the piano sound then I will stick with them longer. I've seen that they have a "Piano Design" string on their website, which may be what I am looking for.

Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

[Ampeg SVT]

Hi-Beams, actually some people have complained about them turning their basses into pianos.

They last for a while, the PSD99's have these adjustable ball ends that you have to manually put together.

I have never seen a set for sale before, I doubt they are very popular.

[jasper383]

I would suggest, based on all the kinds of strings I have tried, La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels, or D'Addario Pro Steels. Heavy gauge. The heavier, the more piano-like.

DR Hi Beams also good (these will be suggested, my guess), but to my ears, they are a little warmer and less "piano-like" than my two.

[Ampeg SVT]

Daddario Pro Steels while they are good strings didnt have that same kind of Piano-ness as the Hi-Beams, my memory could be deceiving me, its been awhile since I used Hi-Beams and Pro-Steels.

[OhValhalla]

Wow, thank you much for the quick replies. I have tried Heavy Gauges as my thoughts were that it would create a more pianoy sound. Unfortunately I tried GHS boomers, which in my opinion, were the worst strings I have ever tried. They were extremely tense feeling, and had an overpowering low sound which did not resemble a piano to me. Ever since I have not tried any heavy gauges. Perhaps I will try a different brand of heavy gauge in the future.

It seems like DR Hi-Beams sound like what I am looking for. But I will wait for more replies to come in to make my guess.

All in all I'm guessing I will have to try several sets of strings, and buy new strings often to maintain a pianoy sound.

[Ampeg SVT]

GHS Boomers are just that, they are very boomy.

Come to think of it the Pro Steels are advertised as Piano Sounding strings, I dont think they last as long as the Hi-Beams do though.

I love the piano string sound as well but its just too expensive to change strings every 2 weeks.

[scotts42]

DR Jonas Hellborg customs. Only made in 4 string but exactly what you are looking for.

[Deacon_Blues]

Perhaps elixirs? They will stay bright as well. When I used them on my warwick (that I sold) I always thought the slap sound was very piano-like.

[Solarmist]

SS rounds ... most people here love DR Hi Beams for the "piano" sound - there are many threads on DR strings

[P-BASSLOVER]

Ken Smith Rockers, Rotosound Piano Strings {Most Definitely}
DR Lo-Riders, D'Bella Hard Rockin Steels.

[jasper383]

Hi Beams are round core, and in my opinion, have too much flex to get that piano thing going.

Heavy, hex core steel strings. DR Stainless Low Riders in a heavy gauge would be my DR recommendation.