Rotosounds not working need alternate.

30hrz · #1 07-23-2008, 08:38 PM

I was about to buy some Ernie Ball Slinkys for my Jaguar bass when the guy behind the counter suggested Rotosounds...I think 66. So I bought them and strung'em up. It's not too bad for finger style though a tad zingy. I cannot play pick with these strings, they sound awful, really harsh. So I'm off to buy a different set of strings. I'm wondering what I should try next.

The DR Fat Beams were not bad though I found the sound uneven and the G string to be way too bright and thin. The original Fenders weren't too bad. I play New Wave, Ska, and try to get a more P Bass tone out of my Jaguar Bass. I alternate between pick and fingers. Any suggestions?

Coelho · #2 07-23-2008, 08:42 PM

Try nickel strings (ghs boomers, d'addario XL, etc)

GeneralElectric · #3 07-23-2008, 11:53 PM

Have you tried turning the treble control down?

Rotos die pretty quick, so I suggest you wait a week or two before making a decision.

Eckie · #4 07-24-2008, 01:31 AM

When I got my Jazz 24, these were fitted as standard and were still in pretty good shape. However, I replaced them with a new set and was very impressed with the consistency across a four strings. The range is pretty good too - solid bottom end but with plenty mids highs as well, albeit not as bright as Roto's. Price (in the UK) is about the same as Roto's)
For me Roto's nealy always disappointed in that the E string didn't have parity with the other three.
Way back when I was gigging my main choice was Dean Markleys but they are a bit more expensive.
Hope this helps.

DaveF · #5 07-24-2008, 01:46 AM

As of yesterday...

Just put GHS Boomers on my Jaguar. They absolutely destroy! In a good -type-of-destruction way. Best strings I've had in a long time. And they feel great! So you have a recommendation from a fellow Jag owner...

Buskman · #6 07-24-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coelho

Try nickel strings (ghs boomers, d'addario XL, etc)

+1 on nickel strings... and I'd add DR Sunbeams to the list, too.

30hrz · #7 07-24-2008, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the replies.

Haven't tried nickles yet so maybe I will give that a go. I guess the whole experimentation phase with strings is a necessary costly one. I like to cut through the mix but still serve the role of support. I don't plan to do any amazing bass solos nor do I need to compete with a guitar. I play a lot of New Wave and stuff like Pixies and Sonic Youth.

bl2112 · #8 07-24-2008, 02:58 PM

If you like steels try Blue Steels. Just give them a really good streching before playing and they'll be fine.

MarkMcCombs · #9 07-24-2008, 03:06 PM

ah the Pixies, Kim Deal kills on the P-Bass, doesn't she?

MLM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30hrz

Thanks for the replies.

Haven't tried nickles yet so maybe I will give that a go. I guess the whole experimentation phase with strings is a necessary costly one. I like to cut through the mix but still serve the role of support. I don't plan to do any amazing bass solos nor do I need to compete with a guitar. I play a lot of New Wave and stuff like Pixies and Sonic Youth.

svtb15 · #10 07-24-2008, 03:07 PM

Have you tried DR hi Beams or SIT Brite nickels?

Coelho · #11 07-24-2008, 04:26 PM

Again, go with the nickels...

mozarwasagenius · #12 07-24-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coelho

Try nickel strings (ghs boomers, d'addario XL, etc)

+1 If you like the feel of roundwound but want less brightness this is the way to go

However, you can go the flatwound route. Fender and Thomastik make some nice flatwounds in my opinion

4Mal · #13 07-24-2008, 06:50 PM

Thomastic Super Alloys are my Fav round wound bar none. They settle in pretty quickly and then last a long time. Nice crunch to them but they aren't obnoxiously zingy. Real good body to them for a round. Good string to string balance. Very consistent quality wise.

I've heard good thingsa about the Thomastic Power Bass strings as well. I don't really like heavier than .045 - .105 though so I stick with SA's.