Seeking string advice

RobTwiss · #1 12-24-2011, 08:59 AM

Hello. I am an amateur bass guitar player and I am looking for a new set of strings for my fretless Godin A4. I'd like a string that is fairly bright with as much clarity and sustain as possible. I'm a fan of harmonics and drop-D tuning. I'm quite bothered by finger noise, and I'm concerned about fingerboard-wear so I'm a little shy (but not completely opposed to!) full roundwounds. I'd also like something that is not too metalic sounding. Does anyone have any suggestions?

**yodedude2** · #2 12-26-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobTwiss

Hello. I am an amateur bass guitar player and I am looking for a new set of strings for my fretless Godin A4. I'd like a string that is fairly bright with as much clarity and sustain as possible. I'm a fan of harmonics and drop-D tuning. I'm quite bothered by finger noise, and I'm concerned about fingerboard-wear so I'm a little shy (but not completely opposed to!) full roundwounds. I'd also like something that is not too metalic sounding. Does anyone have any suggestions?

if you were me, you'd get a set of la bella tapewounds. they should meet most of your criteria, but don't expect them to have the sustain or harmonics that roundwounds generally do. they take a bit of getting used to. you may end up liking them better than roundwounds...

AmadeusXeno · #3 12-26-2011, 11:15 AM

I've found that for the most part string noise can be reduced if not eliminated by working on technique. For finding what you are looking for in a string though I'd try Elixer, some tapewound strings, or some flats that are on the brighter side. I have used Rotosound flats and thought they were quite bright for a flat. I haven't tried many different flats though so there might be others that are more like what you are looking for.

funkyjudge · #4 12-26-2011, 03:43 PM

Compression-wound strings (e.g. - Smith "Compressors"), as well as ground roundwounds, sometimes also referred to as "brite flats", may do the trick for you ... and you will get better sustain and clearer harmonics with these strings.

Of course, I get excellent harmonics and a "brightish" tone using D'Addario Chromes and Thomastik-Infeld nickel flats, although other bassists don't seem to get the same type of results. A lot of this has to do with technique (and in my case, 47 years of bass-playing).

SLaPiNFuNK · #5 12-26-2011, 03:48 PM

Compression Wound / Pressure Wound strings sound like the way to go as mentioned above!

73jbass · #6 12-26-2011, 03:52 PM

Elixir.

soulman969 · #7 12-26-2011, 08:47 PM

The GHS Pressure wounds I use on my Jazz Bass meet your description of clarity and sustain. In itself it may not be as bright as most round wounds but you can still get plenty of highs without a harsh or brittle tone and while finger noise won't go away completely it is reduced.

For my taste they're a great string for fingerstyle playing. I can get plenty of highs by eq'ing for them or take it down to almost a PBass thump. I truly have never played a round wound that I like as much as these since I was always trying to tame the high end. These strings have it tamed already. Not missing, just mellowed out some.

**lowendfriend** · #8 12-26-2011, 08:53 PM

How 'bout D'Addario Chrome flatwounds? A natural for a fretless with your specs for tone.