Strings...again

[AuntTee]

Help! I've been reading threads all evening and haven't figured it all out yet.

Am a new owner of acoustic bass and am totally clueless (and blonde to boot!). I've always played an upright with lots of fun, but with the rising price of gas decided to downsize, literally.

DH found an acoustic in a pawn shop downtown, decided that I couldn't live without it and brought it home for me. Now what?!?

Strings are needed, but don't know where to turn. Sound need to be mellow but there to blend with bluegrass and folk stuff we all play on Saturday nights.

[fretlessguy]

Is it an acoustic only session? If not, you will probably still need a small amp since most ABGs do not have the volume to compete with other acoustic instruments. Phosphor bronze strings if you are attempting to play acoustically. Other than that, I would use a set of light gauge flats (anything larger may do damage to your top) or a set of tapewounds such as GHS, Fender, Rotosound, or LaBella.
If you are going to be miced, I,d still go with the latter choices. Bronze strings have so much fingernoise and sound too trebly for my tastes. Good luck.

[AuntTee]

Thanks, Fretless Guy.

It's got a built in pick-up - not too bad of a sound for a low-end instrument.

Will try your recommend as soon as the mail can get them to me...my local music stores (all two of 'em) only carry rounds.

[JustDavid]

What 'sound' are you after?

I'll toss in my bias for TI Jazz Flats (very low tension).

[JustRob]

I have the Fender Tapewounds on my acoustic bass. They are just bright enough to bring out the woody tone, plus the tape drastically reduces finger and fret noise. The original bronze roundwounds were louder but horribly noisy.
Note - I had to file my nut and bridge pins to accomodate the larger diameter of the tapewounds.

[AuntTee]

We play a lot of bluegrass and folk. Through in a little soft country and jazz and then an occasional classical gig. (The classical stuff is done on the upright, so no issue there.)

Visited my local music store and all they carry are rounds. Now it's time to look for the best on-line source...but that's another post!

[fretlessguy]

www.juststrings.com
www.bpstrings.com

Flatwounds and tapewounds galore. Good luck. The Fender tapes would sound good, but they are extremely large gauge and you may have trouble getting them through the bridge if it is a string through loaded one. If it has end pins like an acoustic guitar, no problem.