Best strings for smooth jazz?

[lucas vigor]

I admit I have not bought any new strings since 2003, so I have no clue what is out there (Yes, all my basses currently have old flats)

so what I am looking for is a good choice for Smooth jazz, urban, etc....obviously round wound.

I only like Nickel strings, and am looking for that hi-end, sophisticated sound, not a growly or wild sound at all....

any suggestions?

 

[DeathFromBelow]

Oh, the irony...

 

[FrenchBassQC]

I like the DR Sunbeam, I get all of the spectrum I like on my 5 string bass with these.

 

[Mystic Michael]

so what I am looking for is a good choice for Smooth jazz, urban, etc....obviously round wound.

I only like Nickel strings, and am looking for that hi-end, sophisticated sound, not a growly or wild sound at all....

You want DR strings. I would recommend either Hi-Beams or Fat Beams. Yes, they're both stainless steel, but maybe you should try them anyway, as you might be pleasantly surprised. I certainly was. Very little of that annoying metallic clack in the upper midrange. Smooth and relatively warm for stainless steel strings, but still bright and modern.

If you're still dead-set against stainless steel, then try the Sunbeams or the nickel Lo-Riders...

MM

 

[waleross]

I have La Bella Deeptalking strings flats that came with my fretless................

 

[RCCollins]

I'm not sure rounds are the only choice these days. D'Addario Chromes and THomastik Infeld flats are two flatwound sets that you might find appropriate for the style.

 

[lucas vigor]

How about the hi end strings? Fodera, Smith, etc...? Anyone using those for the types of music I listed?

 

[lucas vigor]

I'm not sure rounds are the only choice these days. D'Addario Chromes and THomastik Infeld flats are two flatwound sets that you might find appropriate for the style.

I have 5 basses. All have flats. I already use chromes, TIs, etc...I am looking for the best strings for smooth jazz, which includes slapping.

 

[lucas vigor]

Oh, the irony...

What do you mean?

 

[onebassplayer5]

I use Ken Smith Custom 5s with .44 G - Love them! DR is also a very good string which I have also used, just have a personal preference for KS currently.

 

[JimmyM]

The best strings for smooth jazz are the exact same strings that are best for metal...whatever the heck you want.

 

[SBsoundguy]

You'll definitely want rounds so I second the Hi-Beams suggestion. I don't hear flats used very often for smooth jazz. Most bassists of the genre have a Marcus-esque tone.

 

[SurferJoe46]

I've been moving into Jazz for the past three years and the only strings I like for it are Elixir Nanos.

Admittedly I've been playing the small dinner clubs and some Cheese & Wine tasting rooms, and these strings fit the venues very well.

Not boom-y, not shrill and no string whizzing at all. When you play a small jazz combo, string noise stands out badly.

I think the coating makes them a lot faster too and since they are coated, I can get 6-8 sets in without the strings eating up my fingers.

Plus they last forever if you don't aggressively over-clean them.