Recommended rounds for ebony fretless?

[doctorjazz]

I've got a 6 string Carvin fretless coming... as soon as they get done building it. Point is, I've heard less than spectacular things about the quality of Carvin's factory strings, so I'm looking for something to put on it soon after it arrives.

I need a really good sounding roundwound that will help me get plenty of mwah. I realize some fretboard wear is to be expected, but I don't want to be running a wood chipper either, so I'll pass on anything with a reputation for excessive fretboard wear. Suggestions?

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by doctorjazz

I've heard less than spectacular things about the quality of Carvin's factory strings

Well, I gotta say that I've been using Carvin 5011 and 6011 strings on ALL of my basses for a few years now . . . and no MAJOR problems yet. They last about the same as the RotoSound SwingBass 66 and D'Addario XL strings that I used to use. Also have about the same number of bad strings - 1 or 2 "dead outa the bag" for every 3 or 4 new sets bought.

But they cost like 1/2 or 1/3rd the price of the "REAL" strings . . .

IIRC, the Carvin brand strings are made by D'Addario . . . (or was it La Bella?)

[Jazzdogg]

I have TI JazzFlats on mine and I love 'em

[FretlessArt]

d'Addario EXP nickel are a coated string that is lively on harmonics and ultra warm. I use them on my Fretless Warwick Infinity.

[Tony G]

I also have a fretless carvin, and I've always used round wound strings on it. Two of my favorite sets for this bass would be DR Hi-Beams and TI Jazz Rounds. The DR strings have a beautifully intense mwah, and a very nice bright, almost piano like quality. The TI Jazz rounds also get a very good mwah going, but have a more traditional, almost upright like sound to them.

[davesisk]

Just a thought...search BP Mag's site and find the string review from Dec-04. I use it all the time for picking strings based on the characteristics that I think I want.

That said, I just put Dean Markley ultra-light guage (128 - 40) Nickel Steels on my Carvin BB-5 fretless, and I like those best so far. Seems like a good fit for the Carvin...they have a strong midrange focus with reduced lows and highs, and medium tensions...this translates into good growl and good mwah, especially given the very low-heavy preamp in the BB-5. I tried some Rotosound RS-66's, but they were just too twangy (and really, really abrasive)...tried some DR LoRiders as well, but they had too much tension to get really good mwah. These Dean Markleys are nickel steel and much less abrasive, but they still get good growl.

HTH,
Dave

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by deaf pea

IIRC, the Carvin brand strings are made by D'Addario . . . (or was it La Bella?)

It's DEFINITELY La Bella !