Strings for a 2008 Fender Precision V - Page 3

CapnSev · #41 10-05-2009, 04:31 PM

Against popular opinion, I ordered a set of light-gauge Compressors, and strung them up the other day.

I am really impressed. I wanted a good all-around string that could cover just about any style, since the P5 is officially my main bass these days. Rounds on a P are too "clanky" sounding to me with a lot a finger noise, ringing, and fret-clacking. Flats weren't going to cut it for me either, because in the two bands I play in most of the time I would need more bite (one is a 90s cover band, the other is soul/funk).

The Compressors fir the bill perfectly. They still bite and slap like rounds, but have a nice thud in the bass registers. The best part is the clank and finger noise is gone!

Joe Smithberger · #42 10-05-2009, 05:12 PM

I had a set of Compressors on mine for a little while. The ones with purple silk. I don't know if those were light or medium.

BTW the P5 (with TI flats) has become my main bass as well. The '78 and the Dingwall are both stuck in their cases.

Joe Smithberger · #43 03-04-2010, 12:50 PM

Is anyone using LaBella Tapewounds?

CapnSev · #44 03-04-2010, 03:12 PM

I think somebody was using them in the other thread about strings for the P5, but I can't seem to find the thread. (It was started after yours was.)

EDIT: Those LaBellas are pretty high on the tension scale too, and compared to what you are usually putting on your P5, you might be in for a shock.

Joe Smithberger · #45 09-25-2010, 07:59 AM

Resurecting an old thread for updates. I have been pretty happy for the past 6 mo or so with a Chromes set 50-105 with their .130 B string (I was not a fan of the standard 5 string set). Currently it is wearing Rotosound Flats and they seem to work very well with this bass. The B string is great and the G is fat. They are a growly string with pretty high tension. I have tried these before on another bass and was a little put off by the tension and the low output, but on the P5 it all seems to work, The pickup in mine is crazy hot anyway.

I guess I have progressed to higher tension strings over the past year or so.

CapnSev · #46 09-25-2010, 08:48 AM

Nice. I'm still stuck on the TI flats myself. I've taken them off and tried a few other strings, but the TIs are still the king for me.

My next step for mine is the P Retro preamp.

Joe Smithberger · #47 12-17-2010, 03:40 PM

After a rounds binge (Circle K and DDT's) and a pickup change to the Nordy, I just put the TI's back on.

Hello, my name is Joe and I have an OCD strings problem.....(group says "hello Joe")...

CapnSev · #48 12-17-2010, 09:51 PM

Hello joe. My name is Mark, and I have the same problem. I've been wanting to go back to compressors, but every time I buy something to replace my TIs, I'm pissed that I did, and end up putting the TIs back on.

PS- Did you ever put in the nordstrand pickup?

Joe Smithberger · #49 12-18-2010, 07:42 AM

Yup. That has prompted the latest string adventures. I think it was a good move as far as eveness of tone and a less peaky response. Subtle stuff though.

Unfortunately my bar band broke up again. Still playing at church 3 times a week, but I am rethinking rigs, strings, approach...everything. All because I am not playing as much - typical right? I have recently added a Tone Hammer to my church rig and a Shuttle 6.0 to my other setup. Moving away from GK grind and into a lower, growly sound with the tube (or emulator) cranked and parametric low mids so I gotta try the TI flats in this setup.

If you are like me, If I play a bass with good flats and then pick up a roundwound strung bass, I can't stand it. If I start with the rounds and stick with them, I hear how great the B sounds and lamely slap a bit and convince myself that they are fantastic. Prepping for Christmas, I busted out the '78 P with Chromes and fell in love with singing D and G string notes - Dammit when will it end.

CapnSev · #50 12-19-2010, 06:29 PM

I hear you man. I'm actually going to put the stock pickup back in, because I like the glassy highs on the d and g. This will be like the 3rd time I've gone back and forth between the two pickups. I am a tool.

Joe Smithberger · #51 12-29-2010, 10:58 AM

Having a little fling with LaBella tapewounds now...maybe...

The D and G are pretty strong with a nice singing sound. The B is OK but more setup tweeks may square it away pretty well.

Regardless of sound, they look pretty cool on my black and maple p5 with the white guard.

CapnSev · #52 12-29-2010, 11:02 AM

I actually went back to the Nordstrand again, mainly because I just installed a new P Retro that I got for Christmas.

Thing's freakin' incredible!

DylanB · #53 12-29-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Smithberger

If my set of LaBellas weren't so old when I put them on, they would still be there. I think the B is the first to go belly up on those. It can't be completely dead.

I know this is an old comment, just adding my $0.02.

I bought a really heavy set of La Bellas (trying to be Jamerson, it didn't work). Frustrated with them, I bought a lighter set, which were brilliant except the B came completely dead. Thankfully, the B strings on La Bella sets are all .128, so I'm now using the B string from the old set with the other 4 from the new set. It fits in fine, apart from having a different colour winding!

So basically, I'm not convinced that the La Bella B strings are consistently brilliant. Had I not had another one on hand I would have returned the set.

I'd be interested in trying Chromes, I tried TIs once and hated the ridiculous gauges and low tension.

Joe Smithberger · #54 12-29-2010, 06:16 PM

My issue with the Chromes was that the B string didn't fit (sound wise) with the light set (.040-.100 or whatever). I liked the B string with the medium set and thought it fit a lot better with the set. Sounds like your Labellas were the same way. Love flats on a P bass, but the B strings keep disappointing me. I am now hoping that the black nylon tapes are some sort of compromise that gives me a growly B and E string sound with reasonable sustain (like rounds) and fat sounding D and G string's (like flats). I should have a decent handle on it in a week or so