Question for string newb

[Mean Mr Mustard]

Hi, I want to get these Rotosound strings, But are they nickel or Steel, and also what is does "Monel" flatwound mean?

Jazz Bass 77 (Monel Flatwound) is the name of the strings.

er I mean, question from a string newb. lol

[Mean Mr Mustard]

No one here knew? Well I emailed rotosound and this is what I got back..

Hi Andrew,
All music strings for electric music generally conform to having a high tensile core around which is wound either a stainless steel, nickel plated steel or Monel tape wrap or cover. Monel is an alloy of Nickel and copper and is very expensive. It is used for producing a metal tape or ribbon top cover for flatwound jazz strings and some orchestral.It is non-magnetic. Ferritic(iron rich)stainless steel wire is used for the undercovers. Stainless steel sets have stainless steel undercovers and top covers. Nickel sets have stainless steel undercovers and a nickel plated steel or iron top cover. All but the jazz strings are known as roundwounds.
Monel is also a heating element wire!
Hope this helps,
best regards,
John

I then asked him if the strings had high tension and I told him I am looking to get a McCartney esque sound out of my Violin Bass he said..

Medium tension as per our normal roundwounds. OK? We still supply Sir Paul with his!

So is he telling me McCartney uses Roundwound strings or he uses the Rotosound 77 flatwounds. I am pretty sure he didnt use Roundwounds in the early 60's and that is the sound I am going for.

[addylewis]

I know McCartney used the "tru Bass 88's" on Abbey Road...could it be that he still uses them now?

[petch]

I tried a set of Roto flats and selected a heavier gauge (50-75-95-110). The tension was too high for me. So perhaps stick with a lighter gauge on these.

[Mean Mr Mustard]

Yeah I planned on that, I dont think even a 100 E string will fit on my bass. I know the E string on the set I am getting is 90