Three basses... three different sounds... string suggestions ?

[artfahie]

I've got a Wendler "Electro-Acoustic" with TI flats on it... it has a nice acoustic quality to it... just what I'm looking for when it comes to trio stuff, or even just playing against an acoustic guitar like I did last week.

I just got a "Tony Franklin" P-Bass... serious stuff, I always loved P-bass action, I use to play one back in the 60's and beat the crap out of it. It comes equipped with roundwounds... I haven't really plugged it in yet... it has great sustain and is easily heard without amplification. I did try it in the store (Guitar Center) where it had been ordered for a guy who returned it (along with a Jaco model) because he wasn't happy with them ! This is also a terrific bass... I'm getting more comfortable without frets than with them ! Any ideas for alternate string sets... or should I just leave them alone. (I'm very happy with them.. but am I just being "naive"?)

I'm looking on getting a Fender P51 re-issue... basically for the old R&R, Sam & Dave, let's get a little drunk and have a good time kind of music that I grew up with in the 60's. I'm looking to do more blues (Taj Mahal, Michelle Wilson, Ruth Brown) kind of stuff with it than anything else. Should I keep the bass stock or change out the strings (or whatever).

Three different basses... totally unique from each other, each with their own agenda.

Any thoughts on what to do one these to get the most out of them ?

This is it for me on buying... I think these three will let me go full-circle with my musical tastes.

(BTW I use GK speakers & head, as well as an Acoustic Image "Contra" for the more intimate stuff)

Thanks.

Art Fahie
Maine

[FretlessMonster]

I use DR Sunbeams on the fretless... 45 - 105's - love 'em!

TF

[kherber]

Welcome to the boards, Tony. I see you registered today, on my birthday!

I got a sunburst Franklin Fretless last June. Love it. It's the only bass I gig with. I've got it strung with Chromes, but I'm old school and love my flats.

Doc

[ilovenofrets]

It's a matter of trial and error, and personal taste. Flats do indeed play and sound great on a fretless(especially the nylon tapewounds), but I tend to like roundwounds myself.