Brightest Nickel Rounds

[Lo-E]

Speaking of holding up, the Rotos were still doing okay in the tone department after about two months, but I went ahead and switched to the Sadowskys because I just never warmed up to the tension and surface feel of the Rotos. I guess I'll never know how long they really last....

 

[Toptube]

The brightest nickel strings I have used so far, are Elixir Nanowebs. They have a sweeeet top end and it mostly stays----for a long time. They sound open and a bit airy. They seem to lack a bit of low mid, but the overall sound is surprisingly good. They are also quite slick. The easiest strings to slide fingers on.

For bright non stainless, I also really really like GHS progressives. Another really nice top end, albeit a little unique. They also have a TIGHT and ballsy low end. To make this happen, they aren't the warmest strings. They do sound a bit cold. But I wouldn't say "scooped". The feel under the fingers is very smooth. Some of the smoothest "rounds" I've used. (I actually think they may technically be compression wound).

I really like rotosound SB66 nickels a lot, but would agree they aren't the absolute brightest. Like their stainless brothers, they emphasize more of a high mid/low-high center. I find them to be quite barky in the mids. Warm, but not middy or a mid hump.

 

[Duckwater]

I love my GHS Progressives but I don't find them to be that bright(good thing for me), the tapered E is great though. Their nickel/iron alloy gives them a unique and powerful sound and the tension is high(another good thing for me). I like a string with a lot of dynamic range, that can take whatever abuse I give it without much fret noise/buzz while still being able to have low-ish action.

 

[Lo-E]

The brightest nickel strings I have used so far, are Elixir Nanowebs.

I haven't tried coated strings in a very, very long time and a lot has changed in that arena. I'll have to look into these further.

For bright non stainless, I also really really like GHS progressives. Another really nice top end, albeit a little unique. They also have a TIGHT and ballsy low end.

I've never found GHS - or pressurewounds - to be especially bright, and I'm not really into tapered core. Probably not what I'm after.

I really like rotosound SB66 nickels a lot, but would agree they aren't the absolute brightest.

The sound was never the problem with these. They actually sounded pretty good. I was put off by the feel and the tension.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may look into those Elixers.

 

[boynamedsuse]

This is a great thread. I appreciate the long-term follow up, Lo-E. I am glad I only found it today, since it saved me a year of waiting!

 

[Lo-E]

You're stuck now, though! I've still got some more sets to test!

 

[boynamedsuse]

I understand. I still "saved" a year so far. Using D'Addario EXL170 and EXL170-5 on two of my basses now, I will be looking forward to learning if something "better" is available, since I think we are looking for the same thing.

 

[Ian_Flash]

If you like really light gauges, check out the Fodera 40-95 (Previously the Victor Wooten Signatures).... otherwise, D'Add XL's or Ken Smith Bass Burners.

 

[Lo-E]

I don't especially like light gauges. I like pretty average gauges, really: 45 - 65 - 80 - 105. That's my preference, anyway.

I like an 80 better than an 85 on the A because I've always felt the output was better balanced and I prefer medium or low tension and a smooth feel.

Certainly willing to try the Smith Burners, though. I can't remember whether they made my list yet or not. Thanks for the tip!

 

[tylerwylie]

I don't especially like light gauges. I like pretty average gauges, really: 45 - 65 - 80 - 105. That's my preference, anyway.

I like an 80 better than an 85 on the A because I've always felt the output was better balanced and I prefer medium or low tension and a smooth feel.

Certainly willing to try the Smith Burners, though. I can't remember whether they made my list yet or not. Thanks for the tip!

Try a .060 instead of a .065 and you'll play what I usually play. Running those in EXP's on my Bongo 5 HS at the moment, with a .130 B

 

[Ian_Flash]

I don't especially like light gauges. I like pretty average gauges, really: 45 - 65 - 80 - 105. That's my preference, anyway.

I like an 80 better than an 85 on the A because I've always felt the output was better balanced and I prefer medium or low tension and a smooth feel.

Certainly willing to try the Smith Burners, though. I can't remember whether they made my list yet or not. Thanks for the tip!

Whenever I get a bass that's real "Dark" and needs a brightness boost, I put the Burners on. They have excellent tension, a nice, quick response and attack, and they're not too "Plump" in the midrange either.

I also like a smaller A and a fatter E. In most pre-packaged sets, the E is a lower tension than the A. I always go 80/105... sometimes even 80/110 to get a better balance.

 

[Lo-E]

It turns out there's a set of Burners on deck awaiting it's turn. It's been so long since I started this test, I forgot what I bought!

 

[Lo-E]

Try a .060 instead of a .065 and you'll play what I usually play. Running those in EXP's on my Bongo 5 HS at the moment, with a .130 B

Interesting... I've never tried a 60 D. On the B I like a 128, but usually settle for a 130 'cause 128 is hard to find.

 

[tylerwylie]

Interesting... I've never tried a 60 D. On the B I like a 128, but usually settle for a 130 'cause 128 is hard to find.

Do it. Try a .060 next time

 

[Ian_Flash]

Do it. Try a .060 next time

+1 on the .060... .065 is almost always higher in tension and output than a .045 in standard tuning. I stopped buying "Sets"
22 years ago... I balance my own sets on my basses.

 

[Lo-E]

Aaugh! Now you guys are confusing me!! There I was, happily looking for bright sounding nickel rounds when, all of a sudden, BAM!. Now you've got me questioning everything I've come to believe in!

 

[Ian_Flash]

Aaugh! Now you guys are confusing me!! There I was, happily looking for bright sounding nickel rounds when, all of a sudden, BAM!. Now you've got me questioning everything I've come to believe in!

OHHHHHH.... Just put the Burners on, then go have some Fava Beans with a nice Chi-yannti!!!!!!

 

[Lo-E]

Okay... maybe not everything I believe in.

I used the Sadowskys on a gig last night. The house backline cabinet was one of those Marshall 15 + 2x10 jobs with lots of damage and lots of mods. I have no idea what the strings sounded like. I was lucky just to get the bass to sound like a bass!

Rats... I was hoping I could do a little evaluation but it was not to be. I think it's a couple weeks before my next gig, so I won't get the benefit of a gig with the strings still new. That's okay, though. We'll see how they sound after a few weeks. It's not like this test has been highly scientific, anyway!

 

[Ian_Flash]

Sorry to hear... it happens to me a lot and it's frustrating as heck but you're right. You do what you need to get some kind of sound that works, say a Hail Mary, a Sheva Brachot, finish the gig, collect and have a BEER! Be patient son.. good things will come!

 

[Lo-E]

Sorry to hear... it happens to me a lot and it's frustrating as heck but you're right. You do what you need to get some kind of sound that works, say a Hail Mary, a Sheva Brachot, finish the gig, collect and have a BEER! Be patient son.. good things will come!

This describes many backline experiences at NYC clubs. I'm used to it. It's no big deal. I sounded fine - just nothing I'd want to write a sonnet about. The audience was perfectly happy. ...and it sure beats schlepping a cabinet!