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Better-sounding / thicker C strings?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Danny Adair, Nov 29, 2001.

  1. Nov 29, 2001 #1
    Danny Adair

    Danny Adair

    Nov 21, 2000
    San Antonio, Texas, USA
    I am in a bit of a quandary - I love the flexibility of six-string basses, bit the tiny tone of the C string is a major annoyance. Does anyone know of a better-sounding or thicker C string that might offer a slightly more substantial tone?

    I understand that it is a different string and will obviously have a different feel and sound. However, I can't help but wonder if there are other C strings out there that have a bigger sound.

    Thanks for your help! :)
     
  2. Nov 29, 2001 #2
    bassmonkeee

    bassmonkeee

    Sep 13, 2000
    Decatur, GA
    I use TI Jazz Flats with a high C, and I think the tone matches the other strings very well. But, I don't know if you are prepared to change to flats, or not.
     
  3. Nov 29, 2001 #3
    brewer9

    brewer9

    Jul 5, 2000
    What are the gauges of your strings? Are they nickel or stainless steel? Are they flatwound or round wound? What tuning do you use?

    All these factors make a huge difference in the sound and playability.

    I have a high-C, but because we tune a step low its actually an A sharp. I use a 40 gauge stainless steel roundwound, and love it!
     
  4. Nov 29, 2001 #4
    onebassplayer

    onebassplayer

    Jun 20, 2000
    Silver Spring, MD
    What do you mean when you say "tiny tone" ? Is that when you are laying down a bass line with a band, or doing a solo ? On my 6, I rarely touch the C unless I am soloing - it's great because it really cuts through with clarity and articulation. If I try to slap with it, or use it in a bass line to lay down a groove.... I find that it sounds out of place - tiny !
     
  5. Nov 29, 2001 #5
    Danny Adair

    Danny Adair

    Nov 21, 2000
    San Antonio, Texas, USA
    A little clarification... :)



    I use DR Hi Beam Medium (.30 C string) stainless steel roundwound strings on my Peavey Cirrus 6 fretless tuned to BEADGC.



    I typically use the C for chords and soloing, occasionally for a walking line on the rare occasion that I am playing jazz on my electric. By "tiny tone" I mean that the C string sounds so much thinner and weaker than the other 5 strings that it stands out and doesn't blend into the overall sound of the bass, which is a bigger problem with chords. I've found that unless I'm playing in the higher registers of the bass (e.g., above the 10-12th fret), the C sounds really weak.