Strings for 60s & 70s R&B?

Vandelay · #1 01-25-2007, 08:48 PM

Can you help me pick new strings? I'm in a "classic R&B" band with horns, keys, several vocalists, etc. They play some 60s Motown, a lot of 70s R&B (Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, The Spinners, Chaka Khan, etc.) and some slightly jazzy stuff like Steely Dan, maybe even Chicago.

My MIJ '62 RI Precision is currently strung with Sadowsky flats. The flats are good for the 60s Motown/Jamerson tone, but I'm not sure they work so well for the 70s stuff. I don't really slap yet, so I don't know if DR Hi-Beams are my best option, or is something else better?

All ideas welcome!

FretlessArt · #2 01-25-2007, 08:54 PM

I love the chorus like overtones I get from the DR strings It consistant across the product line. But for that Old 70s sound I keep my P bass and my fretless set up with Nickle strings or a coated string. I find the Nickle strings are a lot warmer. FretlessArt

markjazzbassist · #3 01-25-2007, 11:08 PM

I'd suggest either keeping the flats or switching to a brighter set of flats (for slapping and such) OR get some DR Hi-Beams. The DR's have a great slap tone, and a good mid punch too IMO.

Nighttrain1127 · #4 01-26-2007, 02:59 AM

Check out Thomastik Jazz Flats JF-344 is the 4 string 34" scale and JF-345 would be the 5 string 34" scale. These are a lot brighter than your average flat with a kind of woody natural thump and more low mids than Like a LaBella Deep talkin' Or Diaddario Chrome flat. Very low string tension so they are very east you fret and plenty bright if you are used to flats.

Vandelay · #5 01-26-2007, 06:49 AM

Thanks for the suggestions so far. (Morning bump to see if there are more suggestions).

Brass Nut · #6 01-26-2007, 07:38 AM

I put a set of TI's on my 5 string and love them to death.
Some say they're "slinky" (floppy) feeling, But I disagree. Not being one to beat on it either though, Aggressive yes, but with a lighter touch. (had to re-work the nut though for the B string)

On my 4 stringers I've used GHS Brite Flats for years and find no reason to change. However, I feel they do mellow with age and the first couple of weeks I'm not too pleased with the sound, afterwards, it's all about good tones. They are matched up with paired EMG Select pickups on one that's my main squeeze. (yea, it's an oldie, early 70's)