Make my Precision Growl

[bluebase]

Hi guys, I just love it when you get that sound that makes playing bass such a buzz. Looking to get the best from the trusty Fender and hoping some of you more experienced players can suggest some strings to try out to improve the growl factor
thanks

 

[darkstorm]

Growl is more a case of pup char and somewhat body woods. But ernie ball slinkies do help accent crunch and growl a little bit in my experience.

 

[gard0300]

Not sure if strings alone will get you there. But, I enjoy Blue Steels for Hard Rock or Metal. Flatwounds if you like that Steve Harris clank. Of course they will only sound clanky for a few days maybe a week or two. Boost your mids and play with your sweeps on the pickups may also help. Good Luck.

 

[bluebase]

Ok so if not just the strings, can I add something into the chain to help, without changing the guitar of course?

 

[markanini]

Strings help. Definitely use stainless if you can stand the feel. Use lowest capacitance cables and try boosting 1500-2000Hz. See if that helps.

 

[Jay2U]

Not easy, as I don't have a P-bass myself. I have played them occasionally. They produce that fundamental, punchy sound, in my experience. This is quite far from growling. The d'Addario chromes (flatwounds) on my Ibanez have some growl (E and A), provided I use the bridge pick-up. With the neck pick-up I don't hear the growl. To be more specific, the neck pick-up of this bass sounds a little muddy.

 

[superfunk47]

Lotsa different kinds of growl. My experience has led me to playing hard as the biggest part of getting the sound. Hit your strings hard, and you can make almost anything growl in one kind of way or another.

 

[GeneralElectric]

DR Sunbeams and hitting them hard.

 

[bluebase]

I have been playing about with the EQ settings on the amp boosting the bass and mids which seams to be helping. Also playing nearer the bridge seams to make a bit of a difference and playing a bit harder as well. Getting closer but not there yet. Next thing will be to swop the strings for something like GHS boomers or Rotosound roundwounds the budget wont stretch to DR strings just now, but on the list to test out. Thanks for you comments and tips, I willing to try out any suggestions apart from changing the bass just now. I'm always browsing new guitars – hmmm – guess is just what happens and quite normal to want just one more....

 

[Nedmundo]

Definitely go for stainless rounds for a little extra growl, at least my definition of "growl." If you can't spring for DR (I'd go Lo-Riders), Dean Markley Blue Steels sound great on P-basses IMO.

 

[markanini]

It not only about hitting the strings hard, although it certainly helps. I get the most growl with my right hand like a closed fist but with plucking fingers rather straight and diagonal to the strings. But that's just me, everyones anatomy is different.