String Choice for Fretless

Mike · #1 10-19-2003, 11:15 AM

After yrs of putting it off I've decided to plunge into the world of fretless. I'm wondering for those of you who play them regularly or exclusively what type of strings you use. I know you can use anything for anything but was wondering if there were any generally recommended or preferred.

Thx

Mike

Stephen Soto · #2 10-19-2003, 07:44 PM

Most people I know use flat's man.

Michael Jewels · #3 10-23-2003, 05:56 PM

I'm on my second fretless now.

My first was a MIM fretless Jazz. It came with Fender flats, and these strings sounded good. I changed them to Rotosound 77s, and these were much better IMO. They had more thump, brightness, and a better feel.

Now, I have a fretless Ibanez EDA905. This came equipped from the factory with Elixir strings. I'm not a big fan of roundwounds on a fretless, but these are the exception. They're coated, as you probably know, and have a dark tone for a round string. I feel they agree with what you want to play at the moment; thump when you want it, sustain when you need it.

Regular rounds would be too bright for me, but these strings seem to give you the best of both worlds.

Although I love Ernie Ball Slinkys, I couldn't imagine them on a fretless. Like hot sauce on ice cream, know what I mean?

I'm very satisfied with the Elixirs. I highly recommend them for fretless.

Mike

Treena Foster · #4 10-23-2003, 06:02 PM

TI jazz flats would be my suggestion. I use them myself!

Treena

Big man on bass · #5 10-23-2003, 06:13 PM

I have to agree with Treena on this one. Thomastik-Infeld Jazz flats. Less string tension, long, long, long, long-lasting, and great sound. These people have been manufacturing upright strings for 90 some-odd years. I have TI's on my fretless and fretted P-basses and on my upright.

Greg

jdombrow · #6 10-27-2003, 12:27 PM

I'm using TI Jazz Roundwounds on my Roscoe fretless, and they sound killer. Very warm, but lots of mwah when I want it. Much better than the flats in my opinion.

jd

JMX · #7 10-27-2003, 12:31 PM

Pyramid stainless steel roundwounds.

Trucker · #8 10-27-2003, 12:49 PM

I use D'addario half-rounds on my fretless six string. I used to use flatwounds, but they were too dull. Half-rounds are great because they have a roundwound sound, but they're nicer to the fingerboard. In fact, I like the sound of half-rounds better than roundwounds; I find them smoother without sacrificing character.

KeithPas · #9 10-27-2003, 12:58 PM

All of the strings mentioned in this post work well for the players that use them and they give the tone that the particular players like. If you like alot of growl and mwah roundwound strings have always suited me more. If you want more thump and more of an upright like sound flats will more likely give you that tone. (Exception being the TI flats, they have nice growl and a warm blossoming fretless tone.

Mojo-Man · #10 10-27-2003, 02:13 PM

1- T.I. Flats
2- Ken Smith Compressors
3-D.I. Low Riders-Nickel

Jimbo · #11 10-27-2003, 02:32 PM

i use LaBella tapewounds on my MIM jazz fretless. i love them, its a personal preference of course but i like the amount of thump i get with them. plus they feel great on the hands.

-jimbo

bgavin · #12 10-28-2003, 08:27 AM

A set of Fender 9050M stainless flats were installed on my used MIM J fretless. They came off immediately in favor of a set of EXL-220 DA rounds I received as a gift from a friend. These are awfully small strings, but they mwah for days. And they are chewing up my rosewood board.

I'd like to install flats on the fretless again, but have doubts about TI Flats low tension in conjunction with very low action for mwah. I play TI Flats on my fretted P and really like them. Dunno about low action fretless.

I have a set of DA Chrome Flats to try on the fretless next.

Figjam · #13 10-28-2003, 04:19 PM

D'Addario flats.

Big man on bass · #14 11-14-2003, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bgavin

I'd like to install flats on the fretless again, but have doubts about TI Flats low tension in conjunction with very low action for mwah. I play TI Flats on my fretted P and really like them. Dunno about low action fretless.

I have a very low action on both my fretless and freted P-basses on which I have the JI flats. The tension hasn't been a problem for me. They have the same tension as a good set of roundwounds. Remember that flats require (typically) more tension because they usually have more mass. Not so with the TI's. Very nice to play on low action. At least in my experience. One tip: They can be expensive ($50.00 or more) so order them from Lemur Music (www.lemurmusic.com). You can get them for about 34 dollars.

Greg

eli · #15 11-17-2003, 09:02 PM

Dude Barr has 'em at the Dudepit for $35 for a 4-string set... and only $2 postage. Plus he's a TOTAL pal and usually ships that day. Paypal and everything.

http://pub206.ezboard.com/fthedudepi...icID=218.topic

C'mon... ya GOTTA support the Dude, huh?

fourstringdrums · #16 11-17-2003, 10:08 PM

Hey Mike I'm confused.. I thought you sold me your Sterling fretless because you were a fretted guy? Change your mind?

Anyway I used DR Sunbeams on the fretless first, but then I just got some TI Jazz Flats 43-53-70-100 and I love them. Nice soft feel, insanely low action. Very comfortable and easy to play.