Best strings for harmonics

[babaseen]

Just curious what the collective minds at TB have to say...
obviously there are certain parameters that play into this (besides the bass and amp and technique), like putting on brand new roundwounds and string tension (higher tension=better harmonics). There are certain brands that have a track record like Rotos Swingbass 66 or DR Low riders, maybe even Labella's
...but maybe somebody's on to something else that they would be kind enough to share that seem to make harmonics effortless and shine in volume in regards to string selection

 

[mikezimmerman]

Actually, in my experience, lighter gauge (i.e. lower tension) strings seem to produce better harmonics than heavier strings. And for me, steels work better than nickels for harmonics.

Other obvious things would be to favor the bridge pickup, and to boost the mids (particularly in the 250-500Hz range, if you can narrow it down) and a bit of the highs in your EQ.

Mike

 

[xshawnxearthx]

they packaging on my stainless lo-riders say that the strings give you enhanced harmonics. didn't really notice it because the only time i use harmonics is when i tune which seems about the same as high beams.

 

[babaseen]

I have also read somewhere that harmonics improve with a hex core string over the round core variety

 

[Stingray_EB]

Best so far for me are DR Hi Beams.

 

[mbrsart]

Actually, in my experience, lighter gauge (i.e. lower tension) strings seem to produce better harmonics than heavier strings. And for me, steels work better than nickels for harmonics.

Other obvious things would be to favor the bridge pickup, and to boost the mids (particularly in the 250-500Hz range, if you can narrow it down) and a bit of the highs in your EQ.

Mike

I agree with you on the light gauge string bit; I play the "super soft gauge" .040s as my usual string. But my mom got me D'Addario Prosteels by mistake, and they're already going dead (not to mention shredding my poor fingers).

In order to get decent harmonics for Portrait of Tracy I have to use only the bridge pickup, and my version of the song uses both pickups. Nickel always lasted for me, even after they lost their initial zing.

 

[P-BASSLOVER]

DR FatBeams, Lo-Riders, and Rotosound 66's.

 

[Stealth]

Any new strings get the harmonics done. I've had no trouble playing Portrait of Tracy over a set of year-old strings.

 

[tasty sweeps]

i like the hi-beams, the carl thompson branded nickelwounds, and everly b52s.

 

[babaseen]

After trying many of your suggestions for the past three years, I'm back to Rotosound 45-65-85-105 for the win

 

[darkstorm]

Light to medium gauge roundwounds. Of the strings Ive played and really liked, the DR sunbeams would be my first pick for best easy harmonics. They are a little warmer toned then the neons, and of couirse hibeams. I prefer the little bit brighter tone of neons. But gotta say sunbeams pop harmonics and bell tone little bit easier. Rotosound swing 66 would be another great choice to btw imo. Though lacking the extended bass of the DR's. Lol.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Roundcore strings should make harmonics easier, open string and false. Since the string can vibrate freely in any direction with the round core.

However, the majority of the strings I use are Hex Core and produce harmonics natural and false just fine.

Primarily I use light gauge / medium gauge rounds or pressure wounds on the instruments I play the typical harmonic stuff (portrait / continuum / birdland / etc)...

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Pickup location has absolutely the most bearing on which harmonics sound. If your pickup has a narrow aperture and is placed directly at a harmonic node, there's nothing you can do to make it any louder unless you cut all of the other frequencies.

 

[Fallen Zephyr]

With my limited string experience, I like fresh Circle K balanced tension strings.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

With my limited string experience, I like fresh Circle K balanced tension strings.

Circle K's are a sound recommendation for any situation. You've learned a lot.

 

[AmadeusXeno]

DR Low-Riders seem to work best for me.

 

[Josh Pelican]

I personally thonk Chromes sound nice, at least compared to a lot of the strings I've tried.

Circle K and Rotosounds are definitely other good choices.

 

[ixlramp]

Something with a very flexible structure, as stiffness reduces the higher harmonics and also creates a more inharmonic tone = harmonics are more out of tune. A lighter set helps since it is thinner and therefore more flexible. Fewer layers of wrap wire makes a more flexible string. I hear that Circle Ks are made super-flexy.

 

[babaseen]

Something with a very flexible structure, as stiffness reduces the higher harmonics and also creates a more inharmonic tone = harmonics are more out of tune. A lighter set helps since it is thinner and therefore more flexible. Fewer layers of wrap wire makes a more flexible string. I hear that Circle Ks are made super-flexy.

String gauge aside, I would have thought it was the other way around since from my experience Roto's seem to be much higher tension than the loose/light tension of TIs and from a harmonics capability, just about anywhere on the string the Roto's blow the TI's away...(qualifier)from my limited experience

 

[Ric5]

roundwounds ... also use a 3 or 4 band preamp.