Tapewound experts?

[Wayne8]

I just picked up an Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass in matte black at a closed door sale. Had no intention of buying another bass but the price was right and I liked the look. I think it would look even better with black strings so I guess that means tapewound, right?
Now, this bass has a mohogany body and neck with two alnico humbuckers. What do y'all think it would sound like with tapewounds?
I see through searching that most folks use tapewounds on fretless or acoustics. Are they okay on fretted electrics?

I already have a Jazz with pure nickel strings and Model J humbuckers, with a series/parallel mod. I've wanted to try flats so I thought I'd do that with this one. I'm not especially looking for an upright sound, mainly just thought of tapewounds for the looks. Would the sound of tapewounds, or even flats, be too dark on an all mahogany bass?

Any suggestions? Also, I have no idea what gauge these are, the Epiphone site is kind of skimpy on details. I really don't want to have to have the nut filed to accomodate larger strings as I don't know that I'll keep them on so I'm looking for a comparable gauge to what's on it. I just mostly play bles and classic rock.

Thanks.

[JustDavid]

There's black coated Rounds. DR Black Beauties, IIRC.

[jasper383]

Try the GHS Tapewound set. They have much more "normal" gauges, so you won't have to change your nut. Rotos and La Bella Tapes get better reviews, but the GHS are also really nice.

Hard to describe the sound of tapes. Lots of high mids, a bit like flats, perfect for everything except maybe hard rock/metal, and even then it would be worth a try. It's always nice to have a bass that has a different sound/feel around.

[Wayne8]

Thanks guys! I read up on the Black Beauties last night and found out about DR's 'Cool Blue' coated strings and ordered a set. I think I'll go ahead and order some of the GHS tapewounds, too. Guess this will be my experimentation bass. I think the electric blue colored (cool blue) strings will look great on an all black bass. Supposed to sound great, too.

[Bassamatic]

I have a Peavey Foundation that I tricked out all in black as well. Only the output jack is chrome, so I looked for black strings.

Yes on the DRs - They give the round wound zing while looking cool as well and sound fantastic on the Foundation.

[HogieWan]

I just put some LaBella tapewounds on my fretless and they are surprisingly bright. I guess I was expecting a muted, thumpy tone, but they are closer to rounds than the Chromes that were on there