Deeper sound (newb in need of help)

[pwnyman]

I'm kind of a bass noob and I recently inherited a squire "contemporary" bass from my stepdad. It's got both J and P bass pick ups. He told me be bought it 20+ years ago from some dude who said it was a prototype or something. The strings that are on it must have been on for 10+ years and they have a very high poppy sound which I do not like at all. My question is what type of strings should I use to give me a deeper more bassy sound?

TL;DR Need strings to give a noob deeper sounds.

Be very specific answer if possible I'm going to try and hit guitar center asap

 

[root fifth]

I like the fender nylons give it a boomy sound!

 

[sikamikanico]

well, flats and nylons come to mind... i'm not really into boomy and serious low-end, but i like the mid-punch of the flats... they can be eq-ed to some serious low end as well (as can all strings be)...

at all costs, avoid stainless strings nickel or nylon are your friends... i'd go with nickel flats and go from there (and give them about a month - depending on the make and model - to break in)...

 

[pwnyman]

well, flats and nylons come to mind... i'm not really into boomy and serious low-end, but i like the mid-punch of the flats... they can be eq-ed to some serious low end as well (as can all strings be)...

at all costs, avoid stainless strings nickel or nylon are your friends... i'd go with nickel flats and go from there (and give them about a month - depending on the make and model - to break in)...

I've read many people raving about flats, any brands you recommend? I have no idea what brands to be looking for

Why should I avoid stainless steel?

 

[root fifth]

Some one correct me if i am wrong but i wouldnt put flats on that bass.There is alot more tension with flats than most all other strings.What kind of shape is this bass in has it been played these last 20 years or sitting in a closet?If its been in a closit has it been under tension?I suggested nylons because they are lower tension than most.If it were me i take it and have it checked out and set up by a pro just hate to see some one drop 60 buck on flats to find the neck rod is shot!

 

[Staccato]

Old, old strings are not doing it for you? Search the archives in the "strings' area of TB for favorite strings of P/J bass owners. You'll learn lots more reading multiple threads, there.

My suggestion, DR Sunbeams .045-.105 (Catalog NMR-45)

 

[pwnyman]

Some one correct me if i am wrong but i wouldnt put flats on that bass.There is alot more tension with flats than most all other strings.What kind of shape is this bass in has it been played these last 20 years or sitting in a closet?If its been in a closit has it been under tension?I suggested nylons because they are lower tension than most.If it were me i take it and have it checked out and set up by a pro just hate to see some one drop 60 buck on flats to find the neck rod is shot!

Well it's been played somewhat, it's not like a PoS rustbucket. It plays fine now but I'm just not happy with the sound and thought new strings might breath some new life into it?

 

[mambo4]

old strings don't get more "poppy" they get more dull. and new Strings aren't cheap. Are you sure it's the strings you dislike? I'd try the tone knob on the bass and amp EQ tweaks before investing in strings, just to make sure you don't like them no matter what.

 

[pwnyman]

I've messed with my knobs a bunch I'm guessing that the strings he had on there were just poppy sounding ones to begin with? It just doesn't sound right at all, it's much too bright

 

[root fifth]

What are you playing it through?When i first started off i tried to cheat with a guitar amp and it was wrong sounding to do yu have a true bass amp?

 

[pwnyman]

Yeah it's this

 

[mmbongo]

GHS Bass Boomers. I personally hate flats because they are lifeless.

And, you should get a better amp.

 

[klokker]

I doubt the problem is your strings. Old strings don't equal high and poppy sound. Usually the highs are the first thing to go when strings get old. I like old strings, some folks have had the same strings on for years and like them better.

You're problem is elsewhere I'm betting.

 

[pwnyman]

With a little research, no I did not blindly post without looking at anything. I just thought the strings were the problem. looks like others are saying this amp is trash, looks like I need a new one.

 

[root fifth]

Take the bass to local music store and try it on some amps and see if thats your problem.

 

[darkstorm]

Lack of bass is gonna be largely that little bitty bass combo imo. Its got what a 8" speaker? For strings with excellent lows and no boost of treble I like Rotosound swing 66 best. The new DR neons are also very good though a little brighter. Still, not as bright as most stainless strings.

 

["Q"]

Are the strings light gauge? If theyre really light they will always have a poppy/tinny sound no matter how old they are.

 

[Denny Coon]

What kind of music do you play, and what bands have bass sounds that your looking for or comparing your to?

 

[mccartneyman]

Today's flatwound strings are not "lifeless." TI Jazz Flats, D'Addario Chromes, Sadowsky Flats and GHS Brite Flats all have plenty of top end. LaBella is also a popular choice. I shy away from nylon tapewound strings for playing live, but they do sound good in the studio. There no reason why, witha proper setup, an older bass should suffer from flats. My '59 P bass usually wore LaBella flats, .55 through .110. with no problem whatsoever.

 

[markanini]

Take the bass to local music store and try it on some amps and see if thats your problem.

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