String Recommendation for an Old Gem

mrbass02 · #1 09-10-2009, 02:58 PM

So I found this pretty old fender p-bass in my school's band room. And it looks as if the strings are 20 years old. And it plays just awesome. But I think it would play much better if it had good strings. It's got a maple neck which I love. But I'm wondering what kind of strings I should get. I need them to be versatile, because we are playing genres from rock to jazz to funk. I really want them to be good for slapping, because our funk song is kind of the highlight of our show. So does anybody have any suggestions?

jenderfazz · #2 10-08-2009, 08:52 PM

i've got steel dr lo-riders on my 70s p, but i'm thinking a set of nickel lo-riders might be ideal. i like the higher tension and zing. otherwise, i think a good set of d'addario chromes would do it justice - flatwounds just bring the funk. chromes are bright enough for slapping in my experience, but it's a 60s p-funk, muddy/dirty slap.

Pilgrim · #3 10-08-2009, 10:00 PM

As Lee Corso says on ESPN Gameday, "NOT SO FAST, my friend!!!"

The strings on my '64 P were installed around 1972. It sat in its case for 23 years, but I've been playing it again since 1997 and those old strings still sound fine to me. They won't ever get changed unless one breaks.

Many people would be delighted to have those strings on their bass. Did you stop to think that maybe the REASON it sounds so awesome IS the strings?

jasper383 · #4 10-09-2009, 07:00 AM

If you take them off, please keep them. You may want to put them back on at some point.

Rounds or flats?

tranceFusion · #5 10-09-2009, 07:09 AM

i like nickel rounds for p-basses.. brings out that trembling sound..