Deadest sounding rounds

[J.Wolf]

I never thought of buying an ultrasound cleaner for strings.

Interesting. Most of the work I do involves recording work with about 10 gigs or so a year. I've found my best results come from newer strings. But I certainly understand how the twang click and rattle off new strings could drive one over the edge.

I've had pretty good luck soaking strings and denatured alcohol overnight. It doesn't bring them back completely, nor do they last as long the second time around but it does buy me a (shorter) second life.

 

[WarwickE36]

Any tips on which rounds, out of the box, sound like dead old rounds? kinda a funny request, but thats what I like on this one P bass, and dont want to spend the months/years getting bright rounds to mellow that much. thanks..

GHS Boomers, which for me is why I dislike them, but it may be your thing.

 

[salmon256]

kinda a funny request

I actually had a very similar question since The Pixies bassist tended to use dead rounds from my knowledge. So thank you for asking! I was thinking of doing in-between flats or rounds but heard not too many great things about those types of strings.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

I know you said you not for looking flats.
You may like 1/2 rounds. I put them on a J bass and love them. Not quite the same as old rounds but it works for me. When I get the J 5 years ago I couldn't wait for the rounds to age.
I also love old rounds, keep em on for years. One P bass has 10+ year old strings. So I kind of know the sound you're after.