Some warm rounds

u84six · #1 09-13-2011, 10:28 PM

With all this "switching to flats" going on around here, I figured I'd join in and try some rounds. I've been a flatwound user ever since I started playing bass (25+ years). Can you recommend some deep, warm, low tension roundwounds that you think I'll love? I don't slap, pop, or shred. I'm just dark and moody.

On a side note, don't bother recommending Rotosounds. I hate them all.

)

Double Agent · #2 09-13-2011, 10:34 PM

DR Sunbeams.

Warmest rounds I've ever used. They actually have a good deal of highs, but they are so flexible that it takes very little effort to get a loud note out of them. Consequently, you wind up plucking lighter than you normally would have to and getting big, warm fundamental tone all over the place. Plus, once they break in they get REALLY warm and fat. I put some on my P-bass after it had worn flats for 1.5 years. What I liked about them was they could pass for flats when I wanted them to, but they had a much looser feel than most flats and, when I used a pick or dug in a little with the picking hand, they can deliver some nice, roundwound sizzle. They will never be confused for Hi-Beams, mind you, but they have enough of the edge from rounds to satisfy when you need that. They are the best of both worlds IMO.

invalidprotocol · #3 09-13-2011, 10:43 PM

I second the DR Sunbeams. Warm, flexible and have a nice smooth feel. A little bright out of the gate but not as bright as most I've tried. The edge comes off after a short break in.

Another option is Dunlop nickels. Very warm, pretty flexible and good feel. I thought they sound too dull but if you're used to flats you might like them. But you get that from day one.

u84six · #4 09-13-2011, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Agent

DR Sunbeams.

Warmest rounds I've ever used. They actually have a good deal of highs, but they are so flexible that it takes very little effort to get a loud note out of them. Consequently, you wind up plucking lighter than you normally would have to and getting big, warm fundamental tone all over the place. Plus, once they break in they get REALLY warm and fat. I put some on my P-bass after it had worn flats for 1.5 years. What I liked about them was they could pass for flats when I wanted them to, but they had a much looser feel than most flats and, when I used a pick or dug in a little with the picking hand, they can deliver some nice, roundwound sizzle. They will never be confused for Hi-Beams, mind you, but they have enough of the edge from rounds to satisfy when you need that. They are the best of both worlds IMO.

Would you say that they're low tension? I play (light) finger style, rarely dig in, and I don't like tightness on fret hand. I have La Bella DTs on my P bass and I consider them VERY hi tension. They have a great sound, but not very enjoyable to play (love/hate relationship).

Marton · #5 09-13-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by u84six

Would you say that they're low tension? I play (light) finger style, rarely dig in, and I don't like tightness on fret hand. I have La Bella DTs on my P bass and I consider them VERY hi tension. They have a great sound, but not very enjoyable to play (love/hate relationship).

Sunbeams are low-tension. Too much for me. (I play 40-100 D'addario chromes).

Kenova · #6 09-14-2011, 04:24 AM

Thomastk Infeld Super Alloys or TI Jazz Rounds!

u84six · #7 09-14-2011, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenova

Thomastk Infeld Super Alloys or TI Jazz Rounds!

I like TIs. I like the low tension, but I always have a problem with balance. It's like the G an D strings sound too different from the A and E. It's like having two different pairs of strings.

mmbongo · #8 09-14-2011, 07:07 AM

Sunbeams by a mile!

You can even build a custom set here:
DR SUNBEAMS Build your own Custom String Set!

Once you sign up there as a TB user, you even get a discount

klokker · #9 09-14-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Sunbeams by a mile!

You can even build a custom set here:
DR SUNBEAMS Build your own Custom String Set!

Once you sign up there as a TB user, you even get a discount

Although I prefer DR nickel lo-riders for the rock band, I agree that DR Sunbeams are a great choice for a "warm" string.

Johnny Alien · #10 09-14-2011, 07:25 AM

TI Jazz Rounds are very low tension. More of a mid-heavy string tone wise when compared to DR Sunbeams. Sunbeams are close to the same tension but with slightly more highs. Of the two I would take the Jazz Rounds any day of the week but the Sunbeams are pretty great after a break in period. TI Superalloys are hex core and not as low in tension. Great lows though which sounds like something you would like but I am not sure they would be low enough tension for you. No balance issues I have ever noticed with the Jazz Rounds. I have heard about some people with that issue on the Jazz Flats but I think that is sometimes caused by bad strings.

steve_rolfeca · #11 09-14-2011, 07:37 AM

Don't want to confuse the issue, but when I get a new bass, I generally have to swap a few sets of strings to find the optimum set for that particular instrument. Horses for courses...

For instance, I like warmer-sounding nickel rounds, and loved DR Sunbeams on my '62 American Vintage Precision. However, the EMG P5/P5-equipped bass in my sig and my Ibanez ATK both sound much better with D'Addario. I'm about to try a set of Dunlops on the Ibby, just out of curiosity.

dougjwray · #12 09-14-2011, 07:45 AM

I like GHS Boomers (45-65-85-105) much better than any comparable D'Addarios, DRs, or Dunlops.
A lot of people seem to find them uninspiring, but to me they're very warm, not scooped, and have just the right amount of tension. They're NOT particularly "modern" sounding, which is one reason why I like them.

markanini · #13 09-14-2011, 08:14 AM