Strings for Fretless Electric Bass

cddave · #1 11-13-2007, 03:29 PM

I am new to this board and have signed up to get some experienced opinions in regard to what strings should I consder putting on a fretless bass guitar ... more specific, the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass Fretless. I have just ordered it and am going be taking it to a technician for set up.

Dave

flyman · #2 11-13-2007, 05:39 PM

Search.

You're welcome.

ThunderSix66 · #3 11-13-2007, 06:19 PM

instead of telling him to search, try to help answer his question.

A bunch of "Strings" threads with the word "fretless" in the thread name.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search...archid=5993642

You can narrow the search a little more if you want, but that'll get you started

Gintaras · #4 11-13-2007, 06:35 PM

I tried 4 different sets of strings on my fretless but finally found the set that I really love.... DR Sunbeams

thehamsterman · #5 11-13-2007, 06:41 PM

i used D'Addario chromes on my fretless. i was new to buying strings, but i knew d'addario made my upright bass strings, so i figured thier flatwounds would be good too. never had any problems with them

cddave · #6 11-13-2007, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the replies ... I did search ... man, this forum is a great source of information ... I am really getting excited to get the new fretless ... I am glad I found this website ... thanks again.

Dave

cddave · #7 11-13-2007, 06:59 PM

Gintaras ... are your DR Sunbeams flatwound or roundwound? Have any of you tried Elixirs? Elixer are what I use on my acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars.

bikeplate · #8 11-13-2007, 07:02 PM

HI

I use Sadowsky flats, medium gauge on mine. No board wear with flats. Sounds awesome

Rob

Gintaras · #9 11-13-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cddave

Gintaras ... are your DR Sunbeams flatwound or roundwound? Have any of you tried Elixirs? Elixer are what I use on my acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars.

The sunbeams are roundwound. I have tried Elixers but they were not my favorite. I did like the Sit Silencers but they did not last long. Dr also states that part of the development of the Sunbeam was for fretless. I also use Sunbeams on my Grendel 5

doctorjazz · #10 11-13-2007, 07:37 PM

I'm a big fan of Hi-Beams on my fretless.

the low one · #11 11-14-2007, 03:15 AM

I like Rotosound flats. I keep meaning to try D'Addario chromes but the Rotosounds have been on for almost 2 years and still sound great.

SUNNyday r. · #12 11-14-2007, 03:33 AM

TI Jazz Flats.

cddave · #13 11-14-2007, 06:34 AM

I just stumbled on the the "Strings Poll" in the archives here ... I think I hit the mother lode of information on strings. I am leaning more to getting flats over the rounds ... 45-105 guage ... I am wanting more of an upright bass sound than a 'solo' bass sound. The musicians I play with are mostly bluegrass, but I also jam on occasion with classic rock (Eagles, America, Byrds, NDGB kind of stuff). I will look into the brands that you guys have mentioned here .... really do appreciate your input. This is a great board here!

Minimaul · #14 11-14-2007, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUNNyday r.

TI Jazz Flats.

That's what I use on my jazz fretless, and di'addario chromes on my fretted jazz.

cddave · #15 11-14-2007, 12:30 PM

Minimaul ... what guage TI Jazz Flat are you using your fretless? What kind of music are you playing?

BellBottomBlues · #16 11-14-2007, 01:54 PM

How about Labella flats? They're a very thumpy bass string and don't feel rubbery like the TIs do to me.

Mayers · #17 11-15-2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gintaras

The sunbeams are roundwound. I have tried Elixers but they were not my favorite. I did like the Sit Silencers but they did not last long. Dr also states that part of the development of the Sunbeam was for fretless. I also use Sunbeams on my Grendel 5

I use elixir strings on my Carvin BB70PF 4 strings fretless and LB76F 6 strings fretless and this is the best I found for my style. I tried Labella flat , good sound , very upright kind of sound with the peizo bridge but they are good only for balad or jazz to me. Elixir cut through more , I prefer cutting in High than trying to give more High. And I love the feel of Elixir strings , smooth , last almost one year , don't feel sticky like flat

cddave · #18 11-15-2007, 09:38 AM

Well ... I orderd the D'Addario ECB82 Chromes 50-70-85-105 ... will let you know how it turns out!

Thanks again folks!

demented6th · #19 11-15-2007, 10:25 AM

Don't have a clue what's on my fretless except they are rounds. They were on it when I bought it in 1980. I think I replaced the 'D' about 15 years ago. They still sound great! Don't flats sound a bit .. er ..... flat?

Russell