In search of 35-95 Strings

[Chrisk-K]

I love Nickel Dunlop Super Brights 40-100 and Stainless Steel DR Hi-Beams 40-100. I recently tuned down to Eb to learn some Thin Lizzy songs and realized that I preferred the looser feel of the strings. So, I'm interested in 35-95 strings but both Dunlop and DR don't make such strings. I'm not into super bright tones but like high-end sizzle that those Dunlop and DR give me even when the tone knob on my Fenders is only 50% open. Also, those strings last long.

Would D'Addario Pro Steel 35-95 work for me? Or D'Addario Nickel 35-95? Or something else?

 

[michael_t]

I love Nickel Dunlop Super Brights 40-100 and Stainless Steel DR Hi-Beams 40-100. I recently tuned down to Eb to learn some Thin Lizzy songs and realized that I preferred the looser feel of the strings. So, I'm interested in 35-95 strings but both Dunlop and DR don't make such strings.

Dunlop Super Brights and DR Hi Beams are two of the more flexible strings to begin with the way they're designed. So, even if you could find 35-95 sets by other brands, there is no guarantee they will actually be looser in feel than those two, including D'Addario. Gauges by themselves don't tell the whole story.

If you want the ultimate in flexibility and loose feel, try the TI Jazz Rounds.

 

[michael_t]

I'm not into super bright tones but like high-end sizzle that those Dunlop and DR give me even when the tone knob on my Fenders is only 50% open.

I just realized the TI Jazz Rounds mentioned above may be a little too mellow for what you're looking for.

For something with more "high-end sizzle", you can always try the Rotosound Funkmasters 30-90.

Funkmaster 66 | FM66 30-90 • Rotosound Music Strings

 

[Chrisk-K]

Didn't Geddy use Funkmasters 30-90 on his Wal basses? I love that tone. I could be wrong but I think I've heard that Roto rounds go dead relatively quickly. Unlike Geddy, I cannot use new strings everyday...

 

[trothwell]

DR does have a 30-90 and 40-95 set of Hi Beams. Might consider trying one of those, even if not 35-95, if you're already liking the sound of Hi Beams.

 

[michael_t]

I could be wrong but I think I've heard that Roto rounds go dead relatively quickly. Unlike Geddy, I cannot use new strings everyday...

Depends on what you would consider the optimal tone. When people talk about Roto Swingbass 66 SS rounds "dying too fast", they usually mean they lose their initial zing quickly and settle into their "broken-in" tone. I've read plenty of posts by people who actually like their "broken-in" tone, which seems to last for a long time.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Bearing in mind everything @michael_t just said, you could consider a custom set. Stringjoy and Curt Mangan sets are a bit pricey relative to most, but they charge no extra for custom sets of nickel roundwounds. I’ve tried and liked both; I found the Stringjoys on the stiff side and the Mangans on the flexible side (at the same gauges), so choose gauges accordingly if you try either.

I know what you mean about low tension rounds for hard rocking bass I’ve gotten so used to the sound and feel of .105/.085/.065/.045 tuned CGCF that I tried something like .095/.075/.055/.040 for EADG and liked the result

 

[Chrisk-K]

^Cool.

I just found that Ken Smith makes nickel and SS 35-95 strings. Anyone using them?

I never thought I would go for 30-90 but it looks like I'll just need to try some different 30-90 and 35-95 brands to see what I like the most.

 

[Andre678]

....I know what you mean about low tension rounds for hard rocking bass I’ve gotten so used to the sound and feel of .105/.085/.065/.045 tuned CGCF that I tried something like .095/.075/.055/.040 for EADG and liked the result

I have discovered similarly that I think a set of 105-45 strings (usually DR Hi or Sunbeams) tuned to D Standard is just about perfect for me. Still not sure if that translates to light or extra light strings for E standard tuning. I usually stick to 105-45s even though I like much looser tension for purposes of downtuning.

One of these days I will need to figure it out. Am I a 40-100 hi beams kind of guy or should I be using TI Jazz Rounds?

 

[Riff Ranger]

^Cool.

I just found that Ken Smith makes nickel and SS 35-95 strings. Anyone using them?

I never thought I would go for 30-90 but it looks like I'll just need to try some different 30-90 and 35-95 brands to see what I like the most.

I used Smith strings a majillion years ago and liked them, but I have no recent experience, so grain of salt here: I hear they are made for Smith by GHS and therefore are likely a bit stiff for their gauge. Make of that what you will.

 

[Riff Ranger]

I have discovered similarly that I think a set of 105-45 strings (usually DR Hi or Sunbeams) tuned to D Standard is just about perfect for me. Still not sure if that translates to light or extra light strings for E standard tuning. I usually stick to 105-45s even though I like much looser tension for purposes of downtuning.

One of these days I will need to figure it out. Am I a 40-100 hi beams kind of guy or should I be using TI Jazz Rounds?

The light balanced tension D’Addarios (.040–.095) I have on my 34” EADG bass seem just a tad too light for me (primarily pick with some fingers, almost no slap or tap). The .045–.105 Dunlop nickel rounds on my 28.6” EADG bass seem just right, so my 34” might get Dunlop .040–.100 next.

 

[fretlessman71]

I have a few sets of D'Addario 35-95 XL (standard nickel-plated steel) if you'd like to try them. Unused. (I'm transitioning to half rounds.) Send me a PM if interested.

 

[Andre678]

The light balanced tension D’Addarios (.050–.095) I have on my 34” EADG bass seem just a tad too light for me (primarily pick with some fingers, almost no slap or tap). The .045–.105 Dunlop nickel rounds on my 28.6” EADG bass seem just right, so my 34” might get Dunlop .040–.100 next.

Hmmmmm some good food for thought. Thank you.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Hmmmmm some good food for thought. Thank you.

I edited my post but will make doubly sure it’s clear: the balanced tension D’Addarios have a .040 for the G, not .050. That .050 would not be remotely “balanced”

 

[iiipopes]

If you don't want a super bright tone, have you considered the light gauge of La Bella white tapes 50-65-85-105? Underneath the nylon are stainless steel rounds that are @35-50-70-90. The tape adds about 15 thou to the overall diameter, but negligible mass. Therefore, especially tuned down, the set is really loose in feel as would be a conventional roundwound set of the same gauges tuned down to Eb.

And to answer the question directly, yes, the D'Addario Pro Steels from my experience are bright, indeed, along with a little bit of lower mid scoop as well.

 

[RGerhart]

I highly recommend Stringjoy, because you can customize each string guage in the set, and they sound great and last a long time. Plus, the guys at Stringjoy are really nice, helpful, and can usually get you your custom set in less than a week.

 

[Dincrest]

Another possible option would be the Evan Marien set of GHS Super Steels. They're a 5-string set gauged 35, 58, 70, 90, 121 but at least present something off-the-shelf that mostly meets criteria.
SETS - EVAN MARIEN SIGNATURE

 

[80jazz]

Warwick makes sets in 35-95.

 

[Killing Floor]

Solved.

 

[80jazz]

I wish they made a stainless steel string.