Strinsg for maple fret board

myhot4 · #1 08-14-2007, 05:58 PM

Just wondering what strings you use on your basses with maple fret board. So far I have tried Dr Lo riders, EB Slinkys, GHS Boomers and DR Hi beams. All these strings sound harsh/metalic with a maple fret board So i can't get the sound that is in my head. So maybe, what works for you, might work for me.

Tony G · #2 08-14-2007, 06:04 PM

I suggest you try a nickel string, or maybe even ground wounds or flats.

JohnSS · #3 08-14-2007, 06:08 PM

Groundwound D'addarios sound great w/my brother's 70's P-Bass. Have enough twang for John Entwistle kind of lines but enough bottom for James Jamerson groove.

Siegy · #4 08-14-2007, 06:09 PM

This may seem like a dumb question, but have you tried letting the strings deaden out a bit before deciding you didn't like them? I had a similar experience the last time i tried a new set of strings, I gave them time to settle and now i love the sound.

jmceachern36 · #5 08-14-2007, 09:30 PM

Like the above poster said. Let them deaden a bit. I've got GHS Boomers on my basses. After a couple of weeks that harsh sound goes away.

myhot4 · #6 08-15-2007, 06:37 PM

thanks for your advise guys. I will be trying Daddario xls next.

david fitch · #7 08-15-2007, 07:14 PM

Myhot4, I hope you like the Daddario XL Nickels. I use them on a '97 American Standard P-Bass and a 1973 P-Bass. Both have maple boards and the XL's sound great. Like Siegy says let them age a bit. They will sound "Bright" at first but turn nice and warm after some playing. I can't find a better string for my needs. Dave

bassmanrocke · #8 08-15-2007, 07:15 PM

Rotosounds sound great out of the box, and get warmer the longer they're on the bass.