so...using TI flats on my CVC P bass...i use an assortment of GK and Ampeg heads and i do use od and fuzz sometimes...not sure if i should go for some round wound strings instead? the TI flats are awsome but i wonder...should i try some rounds? would i miss the TI flats? or maybe some rounds would just rock for rock? haha...help!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
help...need P bass rock strings...
- Thread starter raul
- Start date
IMO it all depends on what type of music you're playing? OD and fuzz don't sound good with flats to my ears. That's just me though.
I play rock with a P and rounds really help me to sit in the mix. The brightness and clarity really helps. Sounds better with OD or fuzz IMO too.
Exactly. I played with flats before and it would've never worked in my band. We're an original hard rock band with a little prog and harder riffed blues mixed in at times. I need that bite and flats just don't so that for me.
The TIs ARE awesome but not maybe when you dig as you do in rock!
Try nickel strings, or nickel-plated! Maybe roundcore, as they may be closer to to feeling of TIs.
Why not DR Sunbeams, or if that is to muddy, Fender Pure Nickels?
Or LaBella Stainless Steels, or Deep Talking Rounds, or... yeah, there is a lot of strings out there.
Rotosounds Swing! DR Fat or Hi beams!
Try nickel strings, or nickel-plated! Maybe roundcore, as they may be closer to to feeling of TIs.
Why not DR Sunbeams, or if that is to muddy, Fender Pure Nickels?
Or LaBella Stainless Steels, or Deep Talking Rounds, or... yeah, there is a lot of strings out there.
Rotosounds Swing! DR Fat or Hi beams!
For me, it's always been Sunbeams when I wanted a round wound for rock. They were the perfect string to alternate back and forth from TI's, because their tension and midrange warmth are somewhat in the same league, IMO. For me, DR Sunbeams are the perfect balance between vintage and modern because they can achieve a super crisp top end with zero sacrifice to the all important mids. Tons of bottom end too. I originally went the them because of their tension, round core and tighter outer wrap wire, but I stayed for the tone.
Edit: For the record, I use a GK 700RBII and GK Neo115-III and the DR Sunbeams are the shizzle on my P with that rig. I no longer use TI's (for no other reason than the fact that my attack has gotten heavier somehow in the last year) but IMO the two finest strings made for ANY style are TI's and Sunbeams. If you're happy with the TI's, no harm in putting them back on after trying something else.
Edit: For the record, I use a GK 700RBII and GK Neo115-III and the DR Sunbeams are the shizzle on my P with that rig. I no longer use TI's (for no other reason than the fact that my attack has gotten heavier somehow in the last year) but IMO the two finest strings made for ANY style are TI's and Sunbeams. If you're happy with the TI's, no harm in putting them back on after trying something else.
Not all flats are created equal. For example, I'd agree with your statement if we were talking about Chromes, but TI's aren't really like any flat on the market.
Rotosound Swing Bass 66 stainless steel. If you prefer NPS strings, it's hard to beat D'Addario XLs for quality, consistency, sound, and price.
Rotosound Nickel Swing 66s. Or the Stainless Steel version as stated above, although, and I can't quite put my finger on why, I way prefer the Nickels.
I'm kind of intrigued by La Bella Hard Rockin Steels and Daddario Nickel XL's for my rock P bass string...of the two now, i wonder which? A great all around rock string that last long and works well with od and fuzz pedals into a GK or ampeg head...the Rotosounds just seem like they would die fast but i do love love the tone a lot they are awesome just want something that will rock as much and last long as well...
If you are OK with higher tension, I can report that I have had success on my P5 w/the following (in order of my perceived brightness):
-GHS Pressurewounds
-Chromes
-LaBella Deep Talking flats.
For lower tension and/or nickel strings, I've found nothing I prefer more than Circle K strings.
-GHS Pressurewounds
-Chromes
-LaBella Deep Talking flats.
For lower tension and/or nickel strings, I've found nothing I prefer more than Circle K strings.
I've got the LaBella Deep Talkin' Rounds on my SR5 now playing punk, and they sound great. I had Chromes flats before putting these on, and the 'Bellas have that big bottom end of flats with the top end bite of rounds. I've got the .046 to .110 set (.125 B). Mine have lasted about 4-6 weeks with consistent gigging before losing zing. One thing to note, though, is that LaBella doesn't recommend using the heavier strings on string-thru bodies because the extreme angles can cause breakage. FWIW, if you search through the forums here, there are instructions on how to build a string cleaner/restorer with PVC pipe and denatured alcohol. It works wonders.
