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Low mid growly strings, less harsh high end

GTH007

GTH007

Guest
Apr 13, 2015
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#1
Im looking for a roundwound(possibly half/pressure/tape/flat?wounds that emphasizes the low mids with a growl/grunt/ whatever.
It seems that my bass it too bright for my liking, mainly when i pop the higher strings for slapping. The thing is, its harsh bright.
What string is consistent and long lasting and not too harsh on the fingers and frets as well?

If you cannot give a specific brand and make suggestion, please guide me in terms of nickel/steel, round/hex core, round/flat, higher/lower gauge?

I play a Musicman Stingray classic(pre ernie ball 2 band) with a maple fretboard. I mainly play all kinds of rock such as punk to classic to psychedelic, and funk too.
 
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#2
I've tried ernie ball Slinkys and didnt really like em. Just am trying GHS boomers now and it seemed to be really bright until broken in, but it may still be a bit more bright(or harsh?) then im looking for.
Im thinking about trying DR low riders or sunbeams, or Dunlop super brights. Any other suggestions?
 
#9
eriky4003 said:
DR Lo-Riders? More bottom but a nice light top end to the string... ...I've never used the DR Sunbeams but they may also fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Between the two mentioned, the Lo-Riders would be a better fit for the "low-mid growl" the OP is looking for. The Sunbeams are more for the full warmth at the bottom.

What's so special about the Pressurewound I recommended earlier is the Alloy 52, which is a magnetically-active nickel-iron alloy that's longer-lasting than the standard SS or NPS. The set I have on my Jazz is over six months old now and they still sound fabulous with a tight, focused bottom and clear, punchy mids. The Nickel Lo-Riders I once tried would have been sounding a bit dull by now.
 
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#10
If Boomers are way too bright for you, you'll want to go with Pressurewounds or Flats. Boomers are by far the least bright of the strings you mentioned.

Also keep in mind that your bass is designed to be very very bright, so it may be time for something different there.

You also didn't mention what amp you are using, maybe that's the issue?
 
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#12
GTH007 said:
I've tried ernie ball Slinkys and didnt really like em. Just am trying GHS boomers now and it seemed to be really bright until broken in, but it may still be a bit more bright(or harsh?) then im looking for.
Im thinking about trying DR low riders or sunbeams, or Dunlop super brights. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Hi-beams and Super Brights are bright strings (as the names suggest). They won't give you a warmer sound than GHS Boomers. If you want to try DR, Lo-RIders or their coated strings like the Black Beauties might work.
I've always found that Stingrays have a very particular attack that is nearly glassy when the tone is wide open and you really dig in. This may sound a little too simple, but what are your feelings on the attack when you back the tone off a little?
 
#14
I'd certainly say Lo Riders on a Stingray sound fantastic. Lo Riders (especially the nickels) are my favorite string and, even though I'll occasionally try other strings on it and my other basses, I always go back to the nickel Lo Riders. They have a stiffer feel that I like, a full warm low end with great low mids, and I've always gotten great string life out of them. The one thing I can't really address is how they sound slapped/popped. I'll occasionally work on it just to try it but I don't do it often enough to be good enough to let anyone hear me do it. :facepalm:

For the sound you want and the ind of music you play, I think they're be a great fit for you. FWIW, I play my Stingray through GK heads as well (mostly an MB500, but occasionally through my 1001-RBII). Great combination!
 
#17
Chromes might be a decent bet for you actually, they're tonally pretty much what you're after. They are flats though, so that might be a deal breaker for you.

You might try SIT out, their Nickel Power Core line have a nice low mid and low end. Very little highs as well, almost prohibitively so (coming from somebody who likes flatwounds, lol). I loved their midrange, but need something brighter for my MTD, so I use their new Rockbrights (definitely too zingy for you). The Power Cores have a hex core, and are some of the stiffest that I've ever found. I personally love that about them, because I do lots of tremolo picking and need to have that resistance, but others might find them a bit too unforgiving.

and to top it all off, they're pretty cheap :)
 
#19
Regarding the suggestions for the DR Lo-Riders. I am a slapper, and I found them difficult to slap due to their stiffness. If you do go for them, you want the nickel ones, not the stainless steel. I believe stainless steel strings in general will be too bright for your tastes. In contrast with Michael T, I think the Sunbeams are just what the doctor ordered here. Plenty of low-mid growl, with just enough top end for slap.
 
#20
michael_t said:
Between the two mentioned, the Lo-Riders would be a better fit for the "low-mid growl" the OP is looking for. The Sunbeams are more for the full warmth at the bottom.

What's so special about the Pressurewound I recommended earlier is the Alloy 52, which is a magnetically-active nickel-iron alloy that's longer-lasting than the standard SS or NPS. The set I have on my Jazz is over six months old now and they still sound fabulous with a tight, focused bottom and clear, punchy mids. The Nickel Lo-Riders I once tried would have been sounding a bit dull by now.
Click to expand...
+1 I too like GHS Pressurewounds far better than DR Lo-Riders. Better tone that lasts longer. Easy on the fingers & frets too.
 
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