Strings that will bring the funk?

[g&lplayer]

Okay, so I have recently come to terms with the fact that I am going to be playing mostly just funk for a long time. I am playing mainly a G&L JB-2 through and ampeg rig. I alternate fairly regularly between a Rocco Prestia type of figerstyle funk that needs to be low and thumpy, and more of a modern funky tone that incorporates slap and double thumping sometimes but mainly a jaco-esque type of funk. Hope this makes sense.

I have tried to be as detailed as I can, and would really appreciate suggestions for a type of string that can "bring the funk" (i.e. rounds vs. flats etc....) specific brands are very appreciated.

[dougjwray]

Personally, I find that doing the Rocco style is easier with flats, because their stiffness gives some resistance. Plus, they have a certain "old-school vibe" (jeez, I hate cliches) which suits that style.
On the other hand, the Jaco thing generally cries out for roundwounds (and he himself insisted on roundwounds "for that funky sound"). Slapping sounds good, but different, on both flats and roundwounds (Larry Graham vs. Marcus Miller).
Since you've apparently got only one bass to cover all this ground, I'd recommend roundwounds... maybe something fairly stiff, such as D'Addario XLs.
You'll get lots of other recommendations, probably all good. In reality, funkiness comes from the soul and fingers more than from a particular type or brand of string.
Off my soapbox now....

[lmfreeman9]

I'd go the other way. Flats or coated. Flats, I like Labella FL's for a funk sound but you may want to go lighter with the FX gauge. Also on a jazz bass, I think you can get that sound from DR Black Beauties, but it's been a while since I've used either.

[John Wentzien]

Rocco and Jaco both on rounds....Hard to say, but I think rounds have a bit more "punch" for finger style.
You'll just have to find what you like...I've heard greatness on both flats or rounds..
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I personally think the "funk" comes from within grasshopper!

[TIMD]

On my jazz bass Xls sound great. They sound full and even and are not overly bright once they break in.

[Jaco who?]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

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I personally think the "funk" comes from within grasshopper!

Yup, I agree totally. That said, any of the lower tension round core DR strings can really work in your favor for the 16th note Rocco stuff. I'm really liking the DR FatBeams right now. Great for what I consider "modern funky tone" too, although I've been known to have an apparently fairly bizarre interpretation of that by others.

[Beginner Bass]

I'd say flats.

[woody357]

I play mostly R&B/Funk, and Smooth Jazz, I use a MM Bongo. I have tried a lot of different strings on that bass, but I always come back to EB Slinky. I have found, when they mellow they have a nice thump, and still gives me that bite I need when slapping.

[Dellers]

Personally I use EB Regular Slinky and DR Marcus Miller signature (fat beams). Perfect for funky stuff