Specific String Advice

John Flynn · #1 11-26-2011, 10:21 AM

I'm fairly new to bass guitar, having played mandolin and octave mandolin for years. I have read through the string advice threads on this forum and while they are fascinating, they are also overwhelming, too much info. I am looking for some very basic string advice:

> I only play at church, backing everything from Gregorian Chant played in the pipe organ to contemporary praise and workship music played on guitars. I play very simple, straightforward bass lines intended to add what I would call "warmth and foundation" for what is being played.

> I play an MTD Kingston CRB bass, which is basically a P-bass configuration. The stock strings are not bad, but perhaps a bit bright. The instrument came with a "medium" set of strings, E=.105. Those feel about right to me, tension-wise. I play through an Acoustic B100.

> I am looking for mellowness, sustain and long life. I would like to get as close to a stand-up bass tone as I can. I'm not on a super tight budget, but I don't want to spend more than I need to. I like a good deal (who doesn't!?) and I really don't want to do a lot of experimentation.

Any advice on string type (round, ground, flat, etc) composition (nickel, steel, stainless, etc.), brand, and where to buy would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

jp58 · #2 11-26-2011, 01:45 PM

Search Electric Bass String Sets and Singles by String Type on BassStringsOnline.com

Sounds like Flats are what you're looking for. Flats are much better at providing a mellow "thump" instead of being too bright and zingy.

XylemBassGuitar · #3 11-26-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Flynn

I would like to get as close to a stand-up bass tone as I can.

Yep, flats will definitely help get you a more upright-y tone.

I know you're not looking for a new bass, but if you ever are in the future and still want the upright sound, you might want to get something with a 36" scale length or higher. Longer scales tend to sound more like uprights.

I'm not sure about the brands you might want. Brand A's strings might feel stiffer than brand B's strings...even if they are the same gauge.

Rotosounds tend to be a little bright, but they do make flatwounds and they generally have a stiffer feel compared to other brands.

Pilgrim · #4 11-26-2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Flynn

> I am looking for mellowness, sustain and long life. I would like to get as close to a stand-up bass tone as I can. I'm not on a super tight budget, but I don't want to spend more than I need to. I like a good deal (who doesn't!?) and I really don't want to do a lot of experimentation.

Either flats (Labella Deep Talkin' flats 760FL light gauge in .43-.105 are my fave) or tapewound strings.

The tapewounds will sound closer to upright; the flats last for decades.

Rodger Bryan · #5 11-26-2011, 03:04 PM

If you want sustain with the mellow tone there is going to be some compromise. Flats will get you the tone, but perhaps not the sustain.

Are there flats out there that have this quality? I've only tried LaBella Deep and tapewound. TI's???

soulman969 · #6 11-26-2011, 03:22 PM

I'm goin' with the crowd. Flats are what you need to use to give you the tones your looking for. I suggest an exchange of emails with Jason at BassStringsOline so you can develop a short list of those that will best fit your needs.

This is the approach I took in replacing the strings on my Jazz Bass. Jason and I narrowed it down to two DR Round Wound choices that would work well for me and the GHS Pressure Wounds I eventually chose. I couldn't be more satisfied with his help and my choice.

His prices are about the best you'll find and his knowledge of his product lines is extensive. Once you find what you're looking for you'll have them on your bass about 3days later. This is a great way to get to where you want to go quickly and efficiently.

Happy hunting!

I'll add this PS having just now seen that you also want some sustain which is not the forte of a flat. Look into the Pressure Wounds like I play. They're a step between a round and a flat. Darker, mellower tone like a round but characteristcially they feel more and play more like a round. Better sustain than flats. More piano like clarity but without being too bright.

Elsie8687 · #7 11-27-2011, 12:41 AM

I tend to favor the GHS Precision Flats......and please, share what it's like to accompany Gregorian Chants played on a pipe organ.........

One Drop · #8 11-27-2011, 05:24 AM

Sounds like LaBella tapes would do the trick.

tekdiver500ft · #9 11-27-2011, 06:11 AM

You certainly want flats and/or tapes, no possible doubt. Which ones? For upright tone, then you want LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats (760fl). For sustain, try D'Addario Chromes. For playability, try Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats or Sadowsky Black Label flats. I use Sadowskys, as they were the best for me. They are darn near as thumpy as LaBellas, can be brighter than Chromes, sustain really well, are low tension, and really rewarding to play. As seen in my sig, I also play in a P&W group, on a Fender P Bass.

John Flynn · #10 02-07-2012, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elsie8687

I tend to favor the GHS Precision Flats......and please, share what it's like to accompany Gregorian Chants played on a pipe organ.........

LOL. Great question. As I'm sure you know, many congregations don't really do Gregorian Chant as true plainchant these days. Most congregations and even a lot of choirs couldn't really do it justice. They do what I call "hymn-izing," meaning they take the chant melody and put it to a somewhat more modern musical arrangement, including chords and a bass part. When they do that, it is more or less like accompanying any other hymn played on a pipe organ.

And thanks again everyone for all the great string advice!