Strings for Lakland 55-01 to emphasise fundamental

[subfeeder]

I like many aspects of the Lakland Skyline 55-01 but find it a very bright bass. I am currently using the strings it came with (Lakland I presume, with grey silk winding - maybe stainless-steels?) but want to get some new strings that give more of the fundamental than the harmonics and "zing". I've tried flatwounds (TI) but didn't get on with them - I like a vintage tone but like to slap sometimes. So I've thought of 3 choices:

Lakland nickels (maybe not as bright as the SS?)
Fender 250 Nickel Plated Super Bass (Bass Player String ReviewDec04 says these have a vintage vibe)
DR Sunbeams

What do you think - which will give me a good fundamental tone?

Thanks

[ShowKing]

nickel would fit wat your looking for i think.
it'll have more warmth than steels and brighter than flats.
lakland strings die too fast for my taste, and fender strings die even faster.
mayb you should try different brand of nickels?

edit: oh and yes the grey silk strings are the lakland steels.
nickel lakland strings have red.

[billbern]

I really like the TI Superalloys on my 55-01.
Bill

[subfeeder]

Originally Posted by billbern

I really like the TI Superalloys on my 55-01.
Bill

OK, I don't think TI Superalloys are easily available in the UK. How would you say they compare to the stock Lakland strings?

[sir juice]

The DR Jonas Hellborg are designed to emphasize fundamental, never played them though

[billbern]

Originally Posted by jassibi

OK, I don't think TI Superalloys are easily available in the UK. How would you say they compare to the stock Lakland strings?

My experiece is, once they break in the low mids are punchier and the high are more mellow, creamier.

[Billy Low]

The instruments are shipped out with Stainless roundwound strings (grey silk) unless other wise requested. Try a set of nickels, it may give you more of what you are looking for. Another consideration is to try and dial out some of the top end "zing". Remember that the MK electronics were designed to have more of a "modern" tone meant to cut thru a mix with realative ease. It can be a touch difficult trying to find traditional (P, J, MM) tones with an 01. I find that by bringing the treble back about 10%-20% from the detent position and bringing back the mids just a hair pretty muc eliminates the brightness with out creating a muddy or boomy sound.

[edwinhurwitz]

I think the DR Sunbeams would be a good bet. I use them and get plenty of bottom and in my experience, they last a very long time. I can get a month of gigging on one set on my Modulus Q6.

Edwin
Disclosure: I am an endorser, but I don't get 'em for free. I endorse them because I love 'em!

[subfeeder]

Originally Posted by edwinhurwitz

I think the DR Sunbeams would be a good bet. I use them and get plenty of bottom and in my experience, they last a very long time. I can get a month of gigging on one set on my Modulus Q6.

Edwin
Disclosure: I am an endorser, but I don't get 'em for free. I endorse them because I love 'em!

I'm thinking that these may be the ones to try next although quite a bit more expensive than the Laklands or Fenders. How about flexibility? I find it quite difficult to do much vibrato on the 5501 due to the 35" scale length.

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by jassibi

I'm thinking that these may be the ones to try next although quite a bit more expensive than the Laklands or Fenders. How about flexibility? I find it quite difficult to do much vibrato on the 5501 due to the 35" scale length.

Due to their round core, Sunbeams have very low tension (not as low as Thomastiks, though). Great strings - my favorite roundwound set by far.

Also, have you tried top loading the strings at the bridge, as opposed to through the body? That might help a bit with the tension issue you're experiencing too.