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Fender Strings too soft and floppy?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by brooklyncelbass, Apr 23, 2019.

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  1. Apr 23, 2019 #1
    brooklyncelbass

    brooklyncelbass

    Mar 16, 2011
    Greetings all,

    It's been years since I've posted here. I recently bought a new Fender Player series Precision Bass. I've modded it with a vintage pickguard, some new Hipshot tuners and Gotoh bridge. All in all I'm quite happy. So far the pickups sound good enough to my ear that upgrading them to either Dominger or Duncan Antiquity seem to be a frivolous pursuit and I much prefer to get busy making music. My question:

    On my Jazz bass, I've been using Rotosound Rounds 66's for years. Love them. The strings that ship with the new Player Precisions are Fender NPS .045-.105.

    To my fingers, these seem unbelievably soft and floppy with little of the rigidness or stability I'm used to with the Rotosounds. Perhaps this is normal and I just need to play them for a while and get used to them but so far I'm not liking them. Anyone else have this same experience. Maybe I should try some GHS, La Bella's or Rotos. Thanks!
     

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  2. Apr 23, 2019 #2
    19sixty3

    19sixty3

    Mar 13, 2019
    Goslar, Germany
    Not sure if this is the right forum, but anyway...

    Personally, I also don't like strings that feel floppy. If you cannot get used to the stock strings, I believe you should give the GHS Pressurewound strings a try. I have the ML7200 (44-58-80-102) strung on my Jazz for now almost 1 year and I still love the tone. Not too bright, very nice, rich mids, and a deep smooth bottom. I cannot comment regarding the tension, but personally I like the stiffness. Imho they feel very similar to the GHS Boomers tension wise. I am sure they will match a P perfectly too.

    Hope that helps.
     
    michael_t likes this.
  3. Apr 23, 2019 #3
    beaglesandbass

    beaglesandbass Think first, then post? Staff Member Supporting Member

    Aug 14, 2001
    Philly Suburbs
    Moved to strings
     
  4. Apr 23, 2019 #4
    trothwell

    trothwell

    Apr 9, 2008
    I don't remember those Fender strings feeling noticeably floppy, but the last time I used them was with the previous packaging. Perhaps they changed the strings? No idea.

    Regardless, if you're not happy with them, try something else! I usually would recommend GHS Balanced Nickels on a Precision bass, but they are round core, and are a little more on the flexible side. As suggested, GHS Pressurewound could be worth a try, or just go with the Rotosounds you already know you like!
     
    19sixty3 likes this.
  5. Apr 23, 2019 #5
    buldog5151bass

    buldog5151bass Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.

    Oct 22, 2003
    Connecticut
    If you want something with a similar feel, but warmer and longer lasting, try LoRiders.
     
  6. Apr 23, 2019 #6
    michael_t

    michael_t

    Feb 11, 2013
    49.8951 N, 97.1384 W
    If you're used to the stiffness of Rotosounds, most roundwound strings would feel "soft and floppy".

    For something slightly stiffer than the Fender 7250M, you can try the GHS Boomers 45-105. If you want to try the GHS Pressurewound, as suggested above, I would recommend the M7200, 44-106, instead of the ML7200 mentioned earlier as they may not be stiff enough for you.
     
    19sixty3 likes this.
  7. Apr 23, 2019 #7
    JGbassman

    JGbassman

    May 31, 2011
    The midwest. South of Lakes, North of Rocks.
    If you like Rotos, Try DiAddario Pro Steels. I describe them as a refined Roto 66. Improvements in texture, longevity, and consistency.
     
  8. Apr 23, 2019 #8
    Linnin

    Linnin

    Jul 19, 2012
    Linningrad, Earth
    mbell75 and 19sixty3 like this.
  9. Apr 24, 2019 #9
    brooklyncelbass

    brooklyncelbass

    Mar 16, 2011
    Thanks for the tips ;)
     
    19sixty3 likes this.
  10. Apr 25, 2019 #10
    ixlramp

    ixlramp Guest

    Jan 25, 2005
    brooklyncelbass, what gauges were the Rotos you used? Same gauges?
    You could reduce floppiness by using Fender NPS strings in 50-110 if they come in those gauges. Larger gauge = higher tension.
    Don't just think about brands/string lines, think about gauges too.
     
    19sixty3 likes this.