Please recommend a set of strings for me.

K2000 · #1 01-24-2008, 02:15 AM

I've been playing for quite a while, but "back in the day" I always used Rotosound Swing Bass rounds, and never switched brands. So I know almost nothing about strings.

Now I have some specific needs:

Low tension (or somewhat low at least. Definitely not high tension)
I downtune to D or sometimes C#
Must have good sustain
I *really* like the feel of flats, but the lessened sustain rules them out
I play heavy rock, fingerstyle, on a Fender MIJ P Bass.

Can you give me some suggestions? I just paid 20 bucks for a set of strings that I don't love (good sustain, but too taut compared to the rounds I've been using for the past two years, and I keep wishing they felt smooth like flats). I need to make a more-educated purchase...

dragoon419 · #2 01-24-2008, 09:43 AM

I recommend D'addario XL 50-105. They don't have much tension when tuned D. But if you're going to tune C# or C, buy the 55-110 set. They work very well for both C# and C tuning.

K2000 · #3 01-26-2008, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the reply. I currently have a set of GHS Boomers (50-115, Heavy) on the bass, good strings but I'm not totally satisfied. Even detuned to C standard, the strings seem very taut... string bends are harder to do, and that's a real drag for me.

I was previously using a set of flatwounds (unknown brand -- I bought the bass used, but they were Medium weight for sure) and I grew to depend on the low tension, lack of string noise, and smooth feel. The only problem with flats was lack of sustain. If I could get the long sustain with low tension flats, I'd be very happy.

dragoon419 · #4 01-26-2008, 09:19 PM

You could try DR Hi Beams (50-110), they have round cores so they're not as stiff as most other strings (GHS, D'addario).

Hi Beams come in steel, but DR also has Sun Beams which are the same string but in nickel. Though I don't know if the Sun Beams are pure nickel or nickel plated.

funkboy5 · #5 01-26-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K2000

I've been playing for quite a while, but "back in the day" I always used Rotosound Swing Bass rounds, and never switched brands. So I know almost nothing about strings.

Now I have some specific needs:

Low tension (or somewhat low at least. Definitely not high tension)
I downtune to D or sometimes C#
Must have good sustain
I *really* like the feel of flats, but the lessened sustain rules them out
I play heavy rock, fingerstyle, on a Fender MIJ P Bass.

Can you give me some suggestions? I just paid 20 bucks for a set of strings that I don't love (good sustain, but too taut compared to the rounds I've been using for the past two years, and I keep wishing they felt smooth like flats). I need to make a more-educated purchase...

Try some Carvin stainless steels 40-60-80-100-128. Great for fingerstyle. They're are cheap too. With shipping charges your looking at about $16.00 per pair if you order at least 3 sets. Hope this helps.....mg

fearceol · #6 01-27-2008, 05:25 AM

TI (Thomastik/Infeld) jazz flats might be what you are looking for. They are one of the lowest tension flats. They are expensive but worth it IMO. I have them on my G&L Trib. and they have good sustain. If you do a search here you'll see lots of positive opinions on them.

xav_paris · #7 01-27-2008, 12:08 PM

see the current thread on sadoswky
run for nickel blue gauges 105/45

if stainless

F-bass ( from la bella ) are stainless with excellent strings to strings balance

perucci · #8 01-28-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

TI (Thomastik/Infeld) jazz flats might be what you are looking for. They are one of the lowest tension flats. They are expensive but worth it IMO. I have them on my G&L Trib. and they have good sustain. If you do a search here you'll see lots of positive opinions on them.

+1, based on your initial post.

I personally prefer "real" flats or "real" rounds, but it sounded like you wanted something in-between, and TI Jazz Flats have about the lowest tension you'll find.

Very sweet string, just not my "thang"...

Mike Shevlin · #9 01-28-2008, 09:46 AM

+1 big time for DR High Beams. I also use Dean Markley Blue Steels & they have a similar sound & feel to me IMO.

One Drop · #10 01-28-2008, 01:33 PM

I have Sadowsky flats on a jazz, detuned a whole step. I can't imagine any situation where I'd want or need more sustain than I get with these (despite being seriously broken in), and they sound incredibly powerful and growly. They are a bit stiff feeling like most flats, but the tension is average, like Labella flats. Detuned i wouldn't want them any stiffer as they already feel a drop floppy to me.

K2000 · #11 01-29-2008, 04:37 AM

The finger noise on the Boomers is driving me crazy.

I'm leaning towards the DR Sunbeams, I think.

I want less fingernoise (!!!) less tension (the heavy gauge Boomers are too heavy for my needs, I realize) and just "normal rounds' sustain". Will the Sunbeams do it?

The TI Jazz Flats seem interesting to me (I think it's because they are real flats, mainly) but I'm getting the impression they are voiced very mid-range...(?) Not true? Remember I am playing hard rock, tuned to D or C# standard.

Thanks for the replies!

fearceol · #12 01-29-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K2000

but I'm getting the impression they are voiced very mid-range...(?) Not true?

True. Though they (TI's) are also fairly bright for flats.

Rapisme · #13 01-29-2008, 08:13 AM

R.Cocco's Check them out nice tension on the B. Boutique style and well worth it.

joelb79 · #14 01-29-2008, 08:15 AM

DR hi-beams have a more rock sound to my ears. Sunbeams were higher tension to my fingers with an overbalance of high frequencies.

I would try www.juststrings.com. Order the following single DR highbeam strings:

E - 110
A - 85
D - 65
G - 45

Also, Fatbeams have a nice meaty low end and a slightly muted top compared to hi-beams which works REALLY well for me. They are my new go-to string for a Jazz Bass. You cant get a 110 on the Low E for them however which is why I would recommend Hi-beams.