The strings on my momose mjfive2 have gone dead. I use this bass for just about everything from big band jazz to death metal to classic rock to indie to modern pop to fusion to just about anything you can possibly think of. I had elixir nanowebs on this bass which were way to bright when I first got it then they were solid for a bit after and then they just got too dull. I like a fat thick sound with lots of sustain that isn't tinny or buzzy but i need to get some growl out of them when i dig in and play death metal. my main concern is i cant show up to big band with something super bright like the hi beams i have on my p and i cant show up to play death metal with flatwounds or a really mellow set of nickels, i just need a neutral set of strings that last a while and sound consistent over time. What strings do you guys recommend?
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.
I was going to say any NPS rounds, but there are subtle differences. For example, in my experience over the decades, GHS Boomers have lower mid push; if GHS Progressives were still being manufactured, they have mid grind; D'A XL have an upper bass dip. I would try Ernie Ball Slinky's for an even tone that can be easily EQ'd.
Try the Ernie Ball hybrid Slinky flat wound Cobalt strings.
For me they still have the smooth warm flat wound tone but with the ability to also have power and the ability to cut through the mix. They're one of those sets of strings that people talk about where the lighter or more aggressive you play really changes the tonal characteristics of the strings
For me they still have the smooth warm flat wound tone but with the ability to also have power and the ability to cut through the mix. They're one of those sets of strings that people talk about where the lighter or more aggressive you play really changes the tonal characteristics of the strings
I use DR Pure Blues. They're a little warmer and more controllable than Hi Beams. They might still be a little more aggressive than you want, but I think they're easier to dial back than Hi Beams.
My rehearsal bass has DR Sunbeams on it. Those are almost a little dark, but I've noticed they do have a nice high end shimmer and click that does cut through in a loud rock mix.
If you're considering flatwounds, I use Fender 9050s all the time with my punk band. I wouldn't say they have growl, but they have something that fits in with distorted guitars. Of you're more serious about treble, you could check out Ernie Ball Slinky Flats.
Another idea is GHS Boomers. They don't have a ton of highs, but they do have really stout mids. They have a lot of definition when you dial back the tone, and they growl like crazy with the tone up. I prefer the feel of DRs though. I've never tried the round core Boomers, which would presumably feel a bit more supple.
My rehearsal bass has DR Sunbeams on it. Those are almost a little dark, but I've noticed they do have a nice high end shimmer and click that does cut through in a loud rock mix.
If you're considering flatwounds, I use Fender 9050s all the time with my punk band. I wouldn't say they have growl, but they have something that fits in with distorted guitars. Of you're more serious about treble, you could check out Ernie Ball Slinky Flats.
Another idea is GHS Boomers. They don't have a ton of highs, but they do have really stout mids. They have a lot of definition when you dial back the tone, and they growl like crazy with the tone up. I prefer the feel of DRs though. I've never tried the round core Boomers, which would presumably feel a bit more supple.
Last edited:
Forget the Pressure wound, try DR nickel Lo rider and use Dunlop string cleaner after each show.
EB Cobalt Flats. Don’t let the words “flat wound” on the package make you think they aren’t bright enough 
I have been using DR Dragon Skin coated strings. Not too bright but bright enough and seem to last forever. Have some going on 5 years old that still sound OK. Granted they are not my current daily player but the set on it are almost a year old and still going strong. The sound reminds me of Rotosound Swings after a couple of weeks but long before they are dead.
Another for the Cobalt flats. I had them on my PJ when I played in multiple bands. However, if you’re playing the more aggressive side of metal (from Deicide to Lorna Shore) I don’t think they’re good for that. I ran Cobalt rounds on the bass I used for that style.
I use D'Addario Prosteel strings because it's possible to warm up or deaden a bright string but it's nearly impossible to brighten a dead one. I've never played death metal but I've done a lot of punk and steel strings with a pick can be super bright, but you switch the pick out for fingers and roll the tone knob down a bit and all of a sudden you have a fairly warm instrument for something like big band. The EQ on your amp can go a good distance helping cover the gap between the two styles too.
I have a Momose ash/rosewood ‘70s style J bass 4 string. Strung with DR Pure Blues it’s the best J bass sound I’ve gotten - bright and full with a very detailed growly midrange. Deep but not muddy on the neck pickup, clear and articulate and well supported on the bridge, nicely scooped but still cutting blended. Bright enough that I keep the passive tone rolled back to about half and then dial up when I need a more piercing sound. The bass also sound phenomenal with flats - LaBella Balanced Tension, TI Jazz Flats, and DR Legends (the latter are the brightest and most slappable of the bunch). I’ll note that all these strings are round core which I’ve found I prefer for their flexibility (especially when plucking over bridge pickup) and note definition.
Don’t know whether it’s the bass, the Pure Blues or both but I can switch between techniques without having to futz with pickup blend or external EQ too much. Some other J’s I’ve played, a pickup setting that works for slapping might sound abhorrent for pick playing or fingerstyle or vice versa.
Don’t know whether it’s the bass, the Pure Blues or both but I can switch between techniques without having to futz with pickup blend or external EQ too much. Some other J’s I’ve played, a pickup setting that works for slapping might sound abhorrent for pick playing or fingerstyle or vice versa.
Last edited:
Another vote for GHS Pressurewounds. Round wound sound with the tone up and a great mid growl. Mellow and defined with the tone rolled down. There is a reason so many TBers love them.
