What strings for clear chords and "piano like" tone?

[Lorenzop]

The premise:

I have a 5 string bass (Tune Custom MiJ) that come with strings I don't know. They are round wound and I've never heard such a clear resonant intonation when playing two or more strings together! The bass is overall not v. low centered I'd say, I need to boost lows to get more warmth, but all flat it isn't midrangey (no "telephone" or growl) either. I'd say it's quite polite and crystal clear (bartolini mighty mites pus) which I like esp for chords and high soloing.

My question: I have to replace the strings cos I'm gonna go E to high C as I think the high c will sound better than low B on this bass. Anyways I don't need low B.
I think the current strings have a clear attack & fundamental, plus endless sustain up top, and v clear highs.

So, what strings will give me this great crystal clear chordal intonation again?
Should I go for "scooped" strings (DR Hi Beams) or some with more midrange presence?

Is theoretically a clear chord achieved with more scoop or more midrange content ?

Thanks

[gkbass13]

Loving Fodera Nickels or Steels E-C for this exact tonal goal.The next best I've played were DR Sunbeams.

[Lorenzop]

Ok. Nickels. The Sunbeams are more midrange focused. So do you think midrange growl actually adds to chordal clarity as opposed to scoop??

[cnltb]

I like newtone steel exposed core round core strings .

[Lorenzop]

Ok - can you describe their character?

Just so we don't get off topic with " I like this and that" my question is really simple:

Do clear harmonies appear more out of scooped tones or out of good midrange frequencies blending together?

Thanks

[NKUSigEp]

DR HiBeams - I like them specifically for their clarity and attack. I would say they give a nice, even response but have a little brightness which enhances chord definition. Plus their more flexible than most strings which makes it easier to fret and bend.

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by Lorenzop

Ok - can you describe their character?

Just so we don't get off topic with " I like this and that" my question is really simple:

Do clear harmonies appear more out of scooped tones or out of good midrange frequencies blending together?

Thanks

The newtones sound quite even to me.
Not scooped and no exaggerated midrange either retaining clarity throughout the range.
Most of all that is the bass anyways, rather than the strings, in my experience, and the set up.
My particular instrument, a passive 5 string 36" scale bass with no electronics sounds very good with them.
The bass also sustains as long as I need it to.

[MoeGJBeener]

Ernie Ball Cobalts have the clearest tone I've ever heard on my Stingray. Compared to Dr hi beams and fat beams, Dunlop Stainless's, Ernie ball nickels, ghs bass boomers, DR dragon skins, dean Markley blue steels, and d'addario Prosteels

[Lorenzop]

Logically a scooped tone I thought...with resonant highs.

Do you think string gauge makes significant change?

Maybe lower gauge resonates longer / produces more harmonics?

[SolarMan]

Originally Posted by Lorenzop

Logically a scooped tone I thought...with resonant highs.

Do you think string gauge makes significant change?

Maybe lower gauge resonates longer / produces more harmonics?

From what I understand a Fatter string produces more harmonics and a Thinner string produces more fundamental.

[khutch]

Originally Posted by Lorenzop

So, what strings will give me this great crystal clear chordal intonation again?

Have you tried asking Tune what strings they use?

Ken

[gkbass13]

For a scooped tone, Fodera Steel 28-106(i think that is the gauge I'm using currently). They sound and feel amazing on a 34 inch scale.

[Emibass]

I wouldn´t look for a scooped or mid heavy sound strings. I´d go for something very balanced hi-fi sound types of strings.

I didn´t try out the Foder Nickels but man I want to, they´re on my radar specially for chordal work but in my case I do need the low B.

[bass12]

I'd say the bass has much more to do with it than the string. Having said that, I've had good luck with MTD strings as well as DR Hi-Beams and Smiths. You might also want to check out some Infeld Superalloys (I found these to be very lean and clean sounding). I don't do a whole lot of chordal playing but I do tend to favour strings and basses that are very articulate sounding ("modern" more than "classic").

[Lorenzop]

Any more suggestions? Midrange or scoop ??

[Solarmist]

Piano tones? Try some D'Add Prosteels - they're nice and bright with some deep tight lows. They are really inexpensive too ... try a set.

[Hobobob]

For clear, articulate, and hi-fi, I'm gonna have to suggest Circle K's. They're a nickel/steel alloy, and they have the bright extended highs of stainless and the warm even mids of nickels. They're also balanced tension, so they feel and sound extremely uniform. They totally brought my Jazz bass to life, and now I'm just waiting for the strings on my 6'er to go dead so I can slap some Circle K's on her!

[Steve Dallman]

Dean Markley SR2000's are the brightest, clangiest, longest lasting strings I've ever used. I love them (and I don't care for Blue Steels.)

[tekdiver500ft]

I've found TI Jazz Flats and D'Addario Chromes (both when new) sound very piano-like. You need a string that is mid-forward and a little weak in the fundamental to get that piano chime.

[OzzyGreg]

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Piano tone?

Rotosound RS99 Piano bass strings.

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