single coil precision/ telecaster string recommendations

[lowjoe1]

I just got my dream bass yesterday--a 1968 telecaster. I'm very excited. I wanted to find out which strings my fellow TB'ers liked on their single-coil precisions and telecasters. I'm not a big fan of roundwounds, but I'd consider anything--half rounds, tapewounds, flats...What do you guys think?

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by lowjoe1

I just got my dream bass yesterday--a 1968 telecaster. I'm very excited. I wanted to find out which strings my fellow TB'ers liked on their single-coil precisions and telecasters. I'm not a big fan of roundwounds, but I'd consider anything--half rounds, tapewounds, flats...What do you guys think?

Well, I'd use flats on it just based on its age. Flats are ALOT easier on the frets, not to mention they're perfect on a bass like yours. I use Chromes (light gauge) on mine, though it isn't a '68.

[lowjoe1]

Thanks! Any other suggestions? Any tapewound users? Half round?

[hennessybass]

I used GHS tape wounds on my 68/69 tele for a long time. I liked them. They feel like playing on rubber bands.

I mostly used Rotosound flats. ...jazz bass 77, I think. Last time I changed strings, I put on DR Flats. I'm not a fan of the DR Flats on the tele. I like em on my jazz, but not for the tele. The Rotosounds have a little more "zing" to em.

I think I've used Labellas too, but they stopped selling them locally years ago, and thats when I started getting into Rotosounds, etc... Labella makes a nice string.

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by lowjoe1

Thanks! Any other suggestions? Any tapewound users? Half round?

Some/most tapewounds have at least one string that is too fat for the stock nut slot and requires fitting, grief I don't need.

Halfrounds sound too much like roundwounds.

Go with flats.

[afzoomie67]

Pics or it's not real.

[lowjoe1]

Will bad cellphone pics, one of which has my feet in it, make it real?

[hennessybass]

NICE! And you got the lollypop tuners... I think those are kind of rare.

[lowjoe1]

Yeah, I could be wrong, but i think they were only used the first half of '68. Mine is dated June 24 on the neck.

[muzikman7]

I use Ernie Ball Group II flats on mine.

[mccartneyman]

Flats and the Tele were made for each other. Sting uses rounds on his and I hate how it sounds. But I'm sure plenty of players use them.

[afzoomie67]

Originally Posted by lowjoe1

Will bad cellphone pics, one of which has my feet in it, make it real?

Yes, you, your bass, and even your feet are real. I dig it! Maybe put a black 'guard on it?

[lowjoe1]

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

Flats and the Tele were made for each other. Sting uses rounds on his and I hate how it sounds. But I'm sure plenty of players use them.

I didn't like the way TI flats sounded on my jazz, and I think they might sound similar on this bass. Am i wrong? (BTW I love TI flats on my '78 split coil P.) Do you think I might like another brand of flats on a single coil?

[lowjoe1]

Listened to some soundclips and think I'll try some chromes.

[Jefenator]

At the moment, I've got the Labella 0760M "1954 Original Vintage" heavy-gauge set on my Tele. Tougher to play but holy cow what a sound!

I've also had the medium gauge Labellas, Pyramid Gold and GHS Precisions on there and they all sounded almost as good and were easier to play and put less strain on the truss rod.

I tried RotoSound flats on a MIJ '51 and didn't care for it at all. Too abrasive (but then, the overall axe was often like that).

I may have tried Chromes at one point - I personally find those best suited for a Jazz bass.

Happy hunting, and congratulations on your score!

[lowjoe1]

Thanks to Chef for the chromes recommendation in another thread. Got'em in last night and slapped 'em on. Did a setup, too. It sounds great. Plenty warm even with the tone rolled off. Chef's a cool dude. Noticed he's very helpful to everyone on TB. Thanks!