Help finding a string

[Selim]

I have a new instrument, 5 string jazz style bass (not a Fender), 34.5" scale. It came with D'Addario nickel XLs 45 65 80 100 130.

The intonation is EXCELLENT on the whole fingerboard and I like the tension and feel of the XLs, but not the tone.

Is there a string that comes to mind that has similar construction, has a similarly great B string and similar tension but sounds less spanky?

I'll add the bass came with the strings mounted thru the body - which may have helped with the excellent B string response? (You tell me - I've actually never strung thru the body.)

For reference, I like DR nickel low riders (I actually prefer flats in general). In fact, I put a used set of low riders on to see how they sounded on this bass (they sound good) - top loaded. But I missed the more taut feel immediately and I ended up putting the D'Addario B back on - thru the body) just the B.

Perhaps a new set of low riders string the body is the ticket?

 

[Selim]

Or do the D'Addario nickels mellow and get more groovy after (hopefully short) time?

I've never used them.

 

[michael_t]

Perhaps a new set of low riders string the body is the ticket?

Yes, definitely worth a shot.

Or do the D'Addario nickels mellow and get more groovy after (hopefully short) time?

If you like the Nickel Lo-Riders, you probably won't be happy with the XL Nickels even after they're broken in.

 

[MIMike]

You might try SIT Powerwounds. I have a set on my Jazz Bass 24, strung through the body (4 string) and I like them.
I've been a fan of XL's for well over 40 years, but I do like those SIT's, as well as the NY XL's that I have on my fretless.
All rounds mellow with age…usually pretty quickly.

 

[Selim]

You might try SIT Powerwounds

Are they a little more organic and less spanky/crispy sounding than the XLs but similar tautness?

 

[michael_t]

Are they a little more organic and less spanky/crispy sounding than the XLs but similar tautness?

SIT Power Wound Nickels are my #1 all-purpose nickel rounds. They're closer to the Nickel Lo-Riders than to the XL Nickels in their tonal character. A nice midrange bite and definition without the harshness of the XL Nickel. They're also smoother in surface texture like the NLR.

 

[Selim]

SIT Power Wound Nickels are my #1 all-purpose nickel rounds. They're closer to the Nickel Lo-Riders than to the XL Nickels in their tonal character. A nice midrange bite and definition without the harshness of the XL Nickel. They're also smoother in surface texture like the NLR.

Ok thanks for the suggestion. They sound worth trying out

 

[Element Zero]

Elixir Nickels. Slick feel but not plasticy. LONG lasting tone. Upper end of medium/high tension.

 

[Carl Hillman]

The intonation is EXCELLENT on the whole fingerboard and I like the tension and feel of the XLs, but not the tone.

Just rub in some chicken fat on those babies.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

It can be difficult to tell and you may need to try a few different sets because this is all quite subjective. But based on what you're describing I'd suggest DR Sunbeams, if you're open to using round core. GHS Boomers if you want something stiffer.

 

[Five or Six]

Put your favorite strings on and see what shakes out. You will get a bunch of "this is what I use" post. Use your choice. String chasing can become expensive.

 

[Selim]

It can be difficult to tell and you may need to try a few different sets because this is all quite subjective. But based on what you're describing I'd suggest DR Sunbeams, if you're open to using round core. GHS Boomers if you want something stiffer.

Thanks, I used the Suns and liked them many years ago on a jazz style bass. And I've used the DR Blues more recently and liked those. I think I would love those two strings more if they were hex core. There's something about the attack of hex cores..

 

[pbass2]

For reference, I like DR nickel low riders (I actually prefer flats in general).

Me too. My basses that don't wear flats of some kind all wear Nickel Low Riders.

 

[Humabass]

I love DR Lowrider nickel on my 5 string. I use that bass primarily as a song support instrument. I don't slap on it and don't solo on it. It mixes really well and seems closet to what I get with my P bass with TI flats. I use DR Sunbeams on my 4 string fretless and DR Pure Blues on my four strings that I slap or solo on since they have a little more zing and flexibility to them. I've been going through a lot of strings lately ( Labella, MTD, GHS ) mainly due to experimenting with shorter scale length basses that DR has no offerings for. I still keep coming back to my DRs which I have been using since the first year they came out. Tried a bunch of flats and just LOVE TIs.

 

[Selim]

String chasing can become expensive.

Don't I know it — I've been chasing them for 40+ years!

At least it was easier in the early days since there just wasn't a lot of choices..

 

[iiipopes]

Or do the D'Addario nickels mellow and get more groovy after (hopefully short) time?

I've never used them.

YES! Stay with the D'A XL strings for an entire life cycle so you can see what they do. I have played a D'A XL170BT set with an added 130 for the B string, well, since 2012. They are consistent, inexpensive, slot well in the mix, and mellow well with good longevity. It ain't broke - don't "fix" it!

 

[Selim]

YES! Stay with the D'A XL strings for an entire life cycle so you can see what they do. I have played a D'A XL170BT set with an added 130 for the B string, well, since 2012. They are consistent, inexpensive, slot well in the mix, and mellow well with good longevity. It ain't broke - don't "fix" it!

I did put the whole set back on for that reason. Thanks for the reinforcement!

 

[Prodigus Filius]

I did put the whole set back on for that reason. Thanks for the reinforcement!

It's great you followed iiipopes advice. He knows his stuff. If you ever want to downtune to D standard, the EXL160BT set is the bee's knees. If you ever do a 5iver in E standard you just grab XLB142 as a single and add it to the EXL170BT set and you good to go, or can go BEAD with the 142 and drop the 45. I personally use the XLB160 for B added to the bottom 3 of the 160BT set. I like it. Great thing about D'addario XL's is you can get em on just about every place ( maybe not Antarctica he he). And they are a good price. I actually used to hate roundwounds in general, and XL's in particular ( they are stock on so many new bass brands and model). But I have done a 180 and like em now. And with a foam mute, I get a sound that does the job for me.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

A 5iver in B standard I should say

 

[Selim]

I've ordered the SIT power nickels as recommended and also a new set of DR nickel low riders (the only round that has worked for me so far).

I'll see what the XLs can be once they've mellowed completely. I like them a lot more since they've mellowed some and the intonation is excellent (but I don't know how much of that is the new bass new bass).

Thanks everyone for your input