VOLUME - Nylons vs Steel Core

[*fenderbass*]

Need some advice.

Right now I am running nylon core Rotosound RS4000's. I like them. They are large guage but lower tension and easy on the fingers.

I usually play amplified through a K&K preamp. However, I have a few gigs coming in November (blues & roots music)where I will be playing with 2 guitars, some drums, and vocals unamplified. I want to be heard.

I know I can dig in harder to get more volume. My question is, using the same technique, will I get substantially more volume from a steel core string?

I play pizzicato and would prefer a lower to medium tension string.

What do you think?

[Uncletoad]

There are loud synthetic core strings and loud metal core strings. I wouldn't say generally one is louder than another.

The loudest strings I have tried so far are Spirocore Mittels, Dominant Orchestras and Velvet Animas. Each bass will interact differently with them so ymmv.

I have no experience with Rotosounds DB strings.

[Whit Townsend]

No, experience w/rotosounds, but I'm a long time Supernil guy, and from what I've read they're similar.

If you go to steel, I think you'll gain sustain and some cutting powwer thru the mix. The actual volume prob won't be much louder, but you and the audience may hear it better.

But, you will prob have to change you technique and set up to accommodate steel. Plus you better change over way ahead of time and build up the calouses on your piz hand or you will really suffer.

A good compromise might be Obligatos. Steel wound synthetics. Maybe a little punchier than what your using, but still kind of soft feeling.