Deeper sound (newb in need of help)

[woody357]

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!

+1

 

[woody357]

I have not been playing that long, just over thirty years or so. What is a poppy sound?

 

[Marty Forrer]

I've got some bad news for you. It's gonna cost. Only you can hear the sound you want, and that's going to involve trying several sets, also the above suggestion of taking your bass to a shop and trying some amps out will help you determine whether "your" sound comes from a new amp, new strings, or both.

 

[KingRazor]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet:

Have you tried cutting out the bridge pickup? I've found the bridge pickup can sound really bright and poppy on a P/J bass. Turn the volume down on the bridge pickup and turn down the tone knob, if the strings are old you should hear no highs at all.

I own a $70 amp, if that can sound deep and low than I'm sure your little crate can.

 

[fourfinger]

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.

+1

Absolutely give flats a try. I've used TI and Chromes and would recommend both. Buy 'em used on TB and save your money.

TI's have extremely low tension and Chromes in light gauge (.100 E string) are low enough for any bass.

The effect on the sound will impress you. Rounds create a lot of noise and highs, which you are trying to get rid of.

 

[vin*tone]

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....

No. I can'tt find the data but they're pretty much the same these days I think.

I remember checking string tensions of roundwounds when considering putting rounds on my '74 Ric 4001. A common misconception is that it's bad to put rounds on a 4001 bc the tension is greater and you could warp your neck. It turns out that this was true in the 70's but it doesn't matter any more - they're pretty much the same.

There are charts out there if you want to follow it up.

Excuse the thread derail. .

 

[KingRazor]

It matters more what you tune the strings to than it does gauges. Just get the appropriate gauge for the tuning you want to use and you'll be fine.