String with most thump for my SB2

Marley's Ghost · #1 12-08-2006, 04:26 AM

Just picked up a G&L SB2 and I was looking for a string to get a vintage classic rock/funk thump. Any suggestions?

dougjwray · #2 12-08-2006, 06:06 AM

Well, the first thing I'd suggest would be flatwound strings. I like D'Addario Chromes. GHS Precision Flats are good too, but a they're a bit stiffer.

One Drop · #3 12-08-2006, 06:50 AM

My favorite thumpy flats are the LaBella FL760 set. The Chromes are a bit too bright to nail the classic tone.

Marley's Ghost · #4 12-08-2006, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I am kinda scared to make the leap to flats

Any ideas for thumpy rounds?

fourstringdrums · #5 12-08-2006, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by One Drop

My favorite thumpy flats are the LaBella FL760 set. The Chromes are a bit too bright to nail the classic tone.

+1 on the Labellas. I use them on my SB-2. I agree on the Chromes as well. I personally can't stand them and don't see why they're recommended so much, especially when someone wants a vintage tone. But that's just my $.02

dougjwray · #6 12-08-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

Thanks for the suggestions. I am kinda scared to make the leap to flats

Any ideas for thumpy rounds?

Don't be scared, just go ahead! I can almost guarantee you that you'll be happy with the tone, immediately. Rounds just won't give you what you're looking for.
If what's scaring you is the tautness of flats, you could try Thomasik Infield (spelling?) (most people around here call them "TI") strings. They have a reputation for being flexible. Or try the Chromes. But I agree with the others here-- if you really want super-thumpiness, go for the Labellas.

fourstringdrums · #7 12-08-2006, 08:26 AM

I just posted this on another thread (got confused because Marley posted in both). But here is a video of me playing "Big Tears" by Elvis Costello on my SB-2 with the Labellas. The tone is a bit more muted and distorted because of the camera but I'd say it gives an idea to the thumpiness of the strings on this bass.

www.handidrummed.com/sb-2.wmv

Marley's Ghost · #8 12-08-2006, 04:00 PM

Thanks! Nice video!

Ordered FL760's from juststrings. Will post a review when I get them.

jasper383 · #9 12-08-2006, 06:23 PM

Fender 7150 pure nickel strings will give you the thumpiest roundwound sound there is, if you don't like the flats suggestions.

DavePlaysBass · #10 12-09-2006, 08:20 AM

TI flats are a nice match for G&L MFDs. If you are afraid of flats they are a good first flat. But the tension is low. The Sadowsky flats are supposed to have some round wound like high end but I have not played them.

Dave

Marley's Ghost · #11 12-11-2006, 07:23 PM

OMG I just put LaBella 760FL Flats on my G&L SB2 and it feels like the gods of funk and soul have taken over my bass! This is the first time in 30 years that I have used flats and they are amazing!! Can you say Duck Dunn? Sure you can!

fourstringdrums · #12 12-11-2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

OMG I just put LaBella 760FL Flats on my G&L SB2 and it feels like the gods of funk and soul have taken over my bass! This is the first time in 30 years that I have used flats and they are amazing!! Can you say Duck Dunn? Sure you can!

Nice eh?

How accurate would you say my video is to the tone you get? Granted our setups are probably different and considering the audio quality of the camera. How are you running your volumes as well? Ken Baker over at the Dude Pit played my SB-2 at Buffalo Bros. before they shipped it to me and he says that the single coil on mine has a bit higher output and is more useful as a solo pickup than some other SB-2's. Mostly though I run the neck pup the most, using the single coil as a tone control.

Marley's Ghost · #13 12-14-2006, 07:10 PM

Four,

Very similar to the tone from the video.

After a few days, I am getting accustomed to the flats. They are really growing on me. I was worried about sustain, but there is plenty.

and you cant top the thump.

Like a kick in the chest!

I have an audition for a rock/blues band coming up right after New Years, so we will see how it goes over then.

travatron4000 · #14 12-14-2006, 07:29 PM

fourstringdrums

just a tip if you're interested, turn off the snare next time and that'll clean up the sound a bit.

not to be picky but have a thing about stuff buzzing in the room when i play. I know, i picked the wrong instument right

Fab4ever · #15 12-15-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

OMG I just put LaBella 760FL Flats on my G&L SB2 and it feels like the gods of funk and soul have taken over my bass! This is the first time in 30 years that I have used flats and they are amazing!! Can you say Duck Dunn? Sure you can!

..Wow, I thought I was the only musician never to play a bass with flats. Just today I put a La Bella set on a China-made Violia-style bass and I LOVED the sound. Really a joy to play! Of course, the fact that I love my new $139 bass (Douglas WVEB model purchased at Rondo) might help matters!

fourstringdrums · #16 12-15-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travatron4000

fourstringdrums

just a tip if you're interested, turn off the snare next time and that'll clean up the sound a bit.

not to be picky but have a thing about stuff buzzing in the room when i play. I know, i picked the wrong instument right

Hmm, I didn't think I had it turned on. I listen back to the video and I have to turn it up louder to hear it but you're right, it may have been on. I usually shut it off though

I'll have to try again some other time. I've been wanting to record the Barney Miller theme *lol*

Marley's Ghost · #17 01-14-2007, 08:45 PM

Well, I have had the Labellas on for about a month now and I cant say enough about how amazing they are. Plenty of sustain and deep thump with a little muting. The lead singer/percussionist just stared at my bass and amp at my audition, commenting that no one else even cam close to my sound!