Seeking that low-end piano sound.

(Airfell) · #1 07-25-2009, 07:03 PM

First post btw...

I was reading all the string threads on here, and realized I had never put that much thought into strings. Normally I just use Ernie Ball med gauge strings.

I've had my Dean Edge bass for about 3 years now, and I bought it because it has somewhat of a "low key on a grand piano" type sound, and I reallydig that tone. Its time to change strings, and want to try something different, but don't really have the cash to go out and buy 4 or 5 different packs of strings, so I was hoping for some suggestions on a very basic scale.

What tones the different builds of strings bring... (flatwound, roundwound... ect ect...)

Light gauge vs dark...

What the expensive brands have to offer above cheap brands...

Whisper · #2 07-25-2009, 07:06 PM

D'Addario ProSteel.

blmeier7 · #3 07-25-2009, 07:22 PM

+1 on the D'Addario. ProSteel or even the Nickel if you want a little more warmth.

Bob C · #4 07-25-2009, 07:32 PM

Are you looking for strings to help give or keep the "piano" sound? If so, any roundwounds will put you in the ball park. Steels moreso than nickel, perhaps. Rotosound Swingbass are probably the original in that market.

Or do you just want to see what other strings sound like? I've been trying lots of different brands and gauges each time I buy a new set. I've settled on nickel plated steel roundwounds Medium light (.040-.100). That's what works for my style and my basses.

I'm currently using Ken Smith Bass Burners. I like them a lot. I don't care for Elixirs (polyweb) or D'darrio XL whatchamcallits at all. A pretty good all around string that is cheap is Dean Markley Bass Blasters. they are sold in a 2 pack for around twenty bucks.

**bassybill** · #5 07-25-2009, 08:06 PM

Piano sound = roundwounds, and yes, stainless steel rather than nickel.

I've used Rotosound Swing Bass for years, but I've been trying out DR Hi-Beams recently. I like the tone and feel of the DRs well enough, but I'll probably go back to Rotosound when I've used the three or so sets of DRs I have. I tried them because I'd heard good things about their longevity, but to me they don't really seem any different to the Rotosounds in that respect. And the Rotosounds do have that little extra zing when brand new.

So, yeah. Piano sound = Rotosound Swing Bass. Don't go too light on the gauge, or you'll lose that zing a little bit, imo. I'd go for the standard .045 - .105 set. And be prepared to change them every month or so.

(Airfell) · #6 07-25-2009, 08:11 PM

thanks for all the replies guys, I guess I should have added that I play more of a fingered, grunge/walking groove type way, I don't know how to explain it, but I use all strings and play across the whole board with more flowing walking grunge riffs.

I'm looking for a more metallic than rubber type sound, so I'll try the Steel round wounds when i get to the guitar shop later this week.

bassplace · #7 07-25-2009, 08:25 PM

You could try the Piano String Design Rotosounds where only the core of the string goes over the bridge saddle. They are steel and roundwound and, IMO, are the most piano-like, even compared to the swing bass set.

Jim C · #8 07-26-2009, 06:01 PM

Do you guys find that a single pup Pbass gest closest to piano like tones?
Agree on Rotosounds but high tesnion and hard on frets as I remember

Andyrew · #9 07-27-2009, 02:47 AM

You should probably look at some fan-fret basses! like a Dingwall, although you'll probably never find one in a store. the idea is that the larger your strings are around, the longer they are as well, just as they are on a piano. this may be the solution you need.
Also Rickenbacker basses have a low but present tone.

I am aware that this is the string forum, and I apologize, but this knowledge still could be useful.

good luck!