Strings for your P-bass

[fretlessman71]

I tend to think of P-basses as having the biggest, booty-shakingest tone of just about anything else out there (despite YOUR evidence to the contrary - that's not what this thread is about).

Do you find that you prefer a different set of strings for your P-bass than your other basses? Different gauge, material, round vs. flats, what-have-you, in order to bring out the P-bass-y goodness of your particular bass? And have you found a good rule-of-thumb?

[Dogbertday]

I like chromes on my P-Bass. Otherwise just a not too bright round.

[dgelting]

Jamerson Labella's on the P
Roundwounds on the Rick
Of course.....

[jasper383]

I am bipolar when it comes to P Bass strings. I like the "dead thump" flats sound, and the stainless, clangy sound as well.

I currently have Pyramid flats on my '57 MIJ P Bass, and La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels on my '51 MIJ Reissue. I wish the Pyramids weren't so expensive; I'd love to swsitch them out for some SS rounds.

[fretlessman71]

Part of the reason I posted this is that I have a set of light gauge strings I could put on a P-bass I have, but I'm hesitant... it seems like the lighter strings wouldn't go with a P very well. Thoughts...? (And don't tell me to try it and see what I think; it's more work for me to change strings than it is for you. )

[Stickk]

I use DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams on all of my P-basses, they're good ass strings!

[fretlessman71]

So you don't choose strings special for your P, huh?

[Stickk]

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

So you don't choose strings special for your P, huh?

Nope. The DR Fat Beams are the best strings avaliable (IMO), they work great with all my basses (which at the time being is a jazz bass and a fretless p-bass).

[Stickk]

BTW, do you have any pictures of your Zebrawood frankenfretless? I'm making a Jazz Bass out of Zebrawood, and I just want to see how it looks on a bass (I've only seen the wood).

[denton57]

LaBella Deep Talking Flats in the 105 gauge is my favorite string. Absoulute perfect match for my P!

[DumpsterDave]

I'm use D'Addario Pro Steels Roundwounds on my P.

[htharp]

One with Nickel Low riders, one with GHS brite flats.

[fretlessman71]

What about gauges? You think 40s are too light for a P?

[DavePlaysBass]

Hello Michael,

I think 40's are too light for a P. I personally do not like the change in tone you get when going from the A to the D and I think 40 and 60 on the D and G would make it worse. I would recommend 45-100 or 50-105 to try to minimize the pickup location difference when going from A to D.

On my P I have liked Fender 7250s (45-100), GHS Boomers (45-100), and some flats that violate the advice I give above. But flats are different. In those I have liked 760FLs (43-104) and TIs. They can get lost in a busy mix, especially the 760FLs, but in the right setting they sound great. I have tried steel rounds a couple of times and have not really dug them. They seem to take away from the woody, warm personality of the P.

Give me a shout if you want to get together. I have been really busy playing with a new Gospel thing at church but I am off the next couple of weeks. I would be happy to throw on a set of strings for you and solder a cap on your P if you still are looking for the 0.1uF sound. And I could bring over my P which is presently strung with TIs.

Dave

[Lurker79]

I've been using chromes, .100-.45 on my pbass for 6 months. <3