Strings for fretless acoustic 5-string?

allstar255 · #1 05-03-2007, 07:50 PM

I just bought a Michael Kelly Dragonfly acoustic fretless 5-string, and am looking to upgrade the strings for better sound and minimal fretboard wear. I am pretty sure it has D'Addario bronze roundwounds on it right now. Looking on Musician's Friend, the only strings I can find for it are Dean Markley PhosBronze (45-55-78-98-105) and DR Rare Phosphor Bronze (45-65-85-105-125).

Do you know of any other strings that would be good for my bass, and what would you recommend? Thanks.

Daleb · #2 05-15-2007, 07:29 AM

Try some tapewounds. I just borrowed the same exact bass from a friend of mine and he has La Bella tapewounds on it. It has a great round, dark tone for an upright kind of vibe. I would recommend getting them from Carvin for the best price. (it's what they use on their acoustic basses AC40 & AC50) Even with the $9.00 shipping the price is better than you can find anywhere else.

allstar255 · #3 05-20-2007, 01:25 PM

I'm considering getting Rotosound RS885LD strings for it, but I'm still open to other black nylons. Does anyone know if they are a good fit for the Kelly? (it's a 34" scale)

Lokire · #4 05-21-2007, 02:23 AM

I tried the RotoSound tapewounds on my 30" acoustic bass, and I didn't like them at all. They sounded really hollow and plasticy to me.

I like tapewound strings on electric basses though. The ones that Status-Graphite makes are my favorite. They have a more standard gauge than most tapewounds.

My prefered string for acoustic basses are TI Acousticores. They're expensive they last forever. Light gauge bronze wrappings over a nylon core, so they have a nice deep tone and low tension. And they only sound better with age!

That's just my preference though

SGT. Pepper · #5 05-22-2007, 01:56 PM

Roto solo bass 55's

FenderP · #6 05-24-2007, 04:39 PM

I've used the RS88 set on all of my fretless basses for the past 15 years. Nice big, beefy sound on the right bass.

When I first got a Rick Turner (long since gone) and it had the Acousticores on them. Hated 'em. Wouldn't recommend them, and they'd most likely tear up a fretless neck over time.