NBD: Fender AVRI ‘62 Precision and String Recommendation?

[rockdude4492]

So a while back I posted about a Rickenbacker 4003S that I modded to 4001 specs. After a good year of fighting with it to sit right in a band setting, I decided it was time for something else. It was odd because I lusted after this instrument for so long but letting it go was a necessary evil as it was time for something different and debatably more classic:

It’s an American Vintage ‘62 reissue, posted as in excellent condition with the only change being a pickup swap for the newer ‘63 ri pickup. The original is included if I want to swap it back. It is supposed to arrive Tuesday, though I’d love for it to arrive Monday so I can use it at my next band practice.

Now a conundrum. I’m trying to decide what string to use next on this. It is currently set up with Labella tapewounds which I’m not super into. I will of course give it a go since they’re already on there, but I’m thinking of switching to some form of Rotosound, either the flats (RS77LD) or regular or nickel rounds. I like the sound John Deacon and Roger Waters got with a P and Rotosound flats, and I tend to prefer the sound of flats. However, I like the feel/flexibility of rounds, plus the Roto flats are supposedly very stiff and high tension and I’m not sure how well I’ll get on with them. So I’m a bit torn there and I’m looking for suggestions here. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

 

[king_biscuit]

I think La Bella 760FS flats are great on vintage style Fenders. Also, I would put the original pickup back in and sell the other.

 

[rockdude4492]

I think La Bella 760FS flats are great on vintage style Fenders. Also, I would put the original pickup back in and sell the other.

Thanks for the reply. I’ve thought about Labellas but they aren’t as readily available for me whereas the Rotos are. Do you personally have experience with that set? How is the tension and stiffness comparatively?

Also That’s not a bad idea re:the pickup, though most of the reviews of the ‘63 pickup have been stellar and I’m definitely interested in hearing it

 

[Tom F]

I’ve been through a ton of strings on my ‘89 AVRI - my two favorites have been Sadowsky Blue Label Nickel Wounds, and it’s current set, TI Jazz Flats.

The TI’s were a good match for the Aguilar pickup I had in it for about a year, but came to life with a approximately period correct Fender Original P Bass pickup. Just a nice, balanced tone that can do aggressive or thumpy depending on hand position and tone control. Tension is on the lighter side for sure.

the LaBellas and Roto flats are also excellent. I think you’ll have a hard time finding a string you don’t like on that bass. My 62 AVRI (pic attached below) is a lifer, which is an accomplishment in my house!

 

[4-fingers]

So a while back I posted about a Rickenbacker 4003S that I modded to 4001 specs. After a good year of fighting with it to sit right in a band setting, I decided it was time for something else. It was odd because I lusted after this instrument for so long but letting it go was a necessary evil as it was time for something different and debatably more classic:

View attachment 3691391
View attachment 3691392

It’s an American Vintage ‘62 reissue, posted as in excellent condition with the only change being a pickup swap for the newer ‘63 ri pickup. The original is included if I want to swap it back. It is supposed to arrive Tuesday, though I’d love for it to arrive Monday so I can use it at my next band practice.

Now a conundrum. I’m trying to decide what string to use next on this. It is currently set up with Labella tapewounds which I’m not super into. I will of course give it a go since they’re already on there, but I’m thinking of switching to some form of Rotosound, either the flats (RS77LD) or regular or nickel rounds. I like the sound John Deacon and Roger Waters got with a P and Rotosound flats, and I tend to prefer the sound of flats. However, I like the feel/flexibility of rounds, plus the Roto flats are supposedly very stiff and high tension and I’m not sure how well I’ll get on with them. So I’m a bit torn there and I’m looking for suggestions here. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

Lovely bass, I have one just like it. It’s been mine for 8 years......has worn Chromes from day one. They will be great with the 63 pickup. Got one of those too!

 

[j.kernodle]

I’ve tried Fender flats, chromes, and TIs on my AVRI pbass. Once the TI’s broke in they were awesome. They’ve been on mine for 5 years.

I should be more specific about what i liked. The feel (much less stiff than the others) and a great full mid range presence.

 

[king_biscuit]

Thanks for the reply. I’ve thought about Labellas but they aren’t as readily available for me whereas the Rotos are. Do you personally have experience with that set? How is the tension and stiffness comparatively?

Also That’s not a bad idea re:the pickup, though most of the reviews of the ‘63 pickup have been stellar and I’m definitely interested in hearing it

Yeah, I have used the 760FLs and FSs a lot. I've also used Fender flats, Ernieball flats, Chrome flats, and GHS Precision flats quite a bit. I have an old set of 760FSs on my 57 reissue right now, and have used those on that bass quite a bit over the years. They have a low mid growl that the other flats I mentioned don't have. With regard to the pickups, I'm sure the 63 is a fine pickup, but I like a bass to be all original if possible, and the stock Fender Original 62 pickup sounds great on that bass. I had a 62 reissue for a few years, btw, and kept 760FLs on that bass. As far as tension, the Laballas are slightly lower that the GHSs and about the same (or slightly more) than the Chrome\EBs. Medium tension at a given gauge is how I would describe them.

Edit, I also have experience with TI flats, and for me they are way too noodly, and don't have the low mid punch or thump as Labellas.

 

[rockdude4492]

I’ve been through a ton of strings on my ‘89 AVRI - my two favorites have been Sadowsky Blue Label Nickel Wounds, and it’s current set, TI Jazz Flats.

The TI’s were a good match for the Aguilar pickup I had in it for about a year, but came to life with a approximately period correct Fender Original P Bass pickup. Just a nice, balanced tone that can do aggressive or thumpy depending on hand position and tone control. Tension is on the lighter side for sure.

the LaBellas and Roto flats are also excellent. I think you’ll have a hard time finding a string you don’t like on that bass. My 62 AVRI (pic attached below) is a lifer, which is an accomplishment in my house!


View attachment 3691727

I should have mentioned, I had TIs on my Ric, I liked them all right but I felt like they were a bit too floppy. Obviously they would feel different on a P and I have no doubt they would sound great, but I think I'd like something different.

Regardless, that is a lovely bass, black w/ white pickguard is always a good choice.

Lovely bass, I have one just like it. It’s been mine for 8 years......has worn Chromes from day one. They will be great with the 63 pickup. Got one of those too!

View attachment 3691739

Someday maybe I will amass as many P's. Nice collection!

I’ve tried Fender flats, chromes, and TIs on my AVRI pbass. Once the TI’s broke in they were awesome. They’ve been on mine for 5 years.

I should be more specific about what i liked. The feel (much less stiff than the others) and a great full mid range presence.

That's fair, they do sound great! They just feel a little floppy to me, and for the price I'd rather have a set of strings I really enjoy.

Yeah, I have used the 760FLs and FSs a lot. I've also used Fender flats, Ernieball flats, Chrome flats, and GHS Precision flats quite a bit. I have an old set of 760FSs on my 57 reissue right now, and have used those on that bass quite a bit over the years. They have a low mid growl that the other flats I mentioned don't have. With regard to the pickups, I'm sure the 63 is a fine pickup, but I like a bass to be all original if possible, and the stock Fender Original 62 pickup sounds great on that bass. I had a 62 reissue for a few years, btw, and kept 760FLs on that bass. As far as tension, the Laballas are slightly lower that the GHSs and about the same (or slightly more) than the Chrome\EBs. Medium tension at a given gauge is how I would describe them.

Edit, I also have experience with TI flats, and for me they are way too noodly, and don't have the low mid punch or thump as Labellas.

I definitely am considering the Labellas. I'd probably go with the 760FLs. At this point I'm leaning towards the Rotosounds as I also love what I've heard of those (was just listening to Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott is another bass hero of mine who used the RS77s) and they are more readily available for me. I too am more about keeping things original, but since the '63 is already in and is probably similar, I'm probably going to keep it for the time being. If I fancy I change, maybe I'll swap it back and sell the '63 pu.

Has anyone here used the Rotosound Jazz Flats? I obviously like the demos I've heard of them, but what is the feel on these like for those that have used them?

 

[russellh86]

GRATS on the new bass!

I have two AVRI ‘62 Ps. One wears a well broke in set of TI flats and the other was just recently strung with DR SunBeams in 40-100 flavor. The TIs are my favorite strings by far and are on my main bass. As of right now, the Sunbeams are the best rounds I’ve tried in a long time. Great feel, excellent sound, and nice tension for a round.

Other notable strings I’ve tried on the ‘62s:

Labella LTF - fantastic string, really really smooth, nice tension and good tone as well. Had I found these before the TIs they’d probably be my go to flats.

Labella 7060s - can’t recall exact gauges off the top of my head. Classic flatwound thump, high tension, really good feel. Ultimately, too high tension for me, but I get why people love these.

DR Legend Flats - unknown gauges and age of strings. Medium High tension, really nice feel, but with a muddy, indistinct tone.

Labella RX Nickel - Meh all around. Nothing specifically bad, but just didn’t do it for me

GHS Balanced Nickels - cool sounding string, really mellow, nice feel too for a round. Didn’t care for the tension on these.

DR LowRider Nickel - Used to be my go to rounds, but didn’t like them on the ‘62 at all, too zingy for my tastes

Dunlop SuperBright Nickel - Good feel, tension and sound. Over all really good strings. Similar to the LTFs in relation to the TI Jazz Flats, had I not found the Sunbeams these would be my my go to rounds.

 

[king_biscuit]

Has anyone here used the Rotosound Jazz Flats? I obviously like the demos I've heard of them, but what is the feel on these like for those that have used them?

I got to try them years ago on a friend's bass for like 10 minutes. I don't remember much about them except that they are not as smooth to the touch as Labellas or GHS Precisions. I would definitely like to try them again.

 

[bobba66]

Classic beauty right there. Rotosound 66.

 

[NoSlapForYou]

I love the Fender 9050s. For some reason no one's into them around here. But they're cheap by flatwound standards. And they feel amazing. I don't perceive them as being high tension at all. I use the .45-.100 gauge.

 

[brian579]

TI flats, or if you wanna try great tape wounds, give D’Addario tapes a try. DR legends are cool too. These are all great low tension old school tone strings in my humble opinion.

 

[jamro217]

Wow. You let a Ric go for that? That's not classic, it's downright futuristic! And that color scheme...too outlandish for purists. Good luck picking it out in a crowd. Especially here. Beautiful bass. It should sound great with flats. If you like the slinky feel of rounds, try the TIs. Easy to play, traditional sound.

 

[Matt B]

Fender 9050s are great

 

[king_biscuit]

TIs are definitely a niche string and they are lower tension than any rounds I would ever use. Some people like them, but if you are used to a standard adult tension string they are really loose feeling -- almost roll under the fingers when played. They are an expensive experiment!

 

[j.kernodle]

People had me scared of the TI’s because of what you’re mentioning Kingbicsuit. But I adapted pretty quickly and they became a joy to play. If I’m just picking up a bass to play or practice in for a few minutes it’s the one I go for.

Also I agree Fender 9050’s are good strings. I liked them as much as I did the D’Addario Chromes and I especially liked the light green silks on the end.

 

[NoSlapForYou]

People had me scared of the TI’s because of what you’re mentioning Kingbicsuit. But I adapted pretty quickly and they became a joy to play. If I’m just picking up a bass to play or practice in for a few minutes it’s the one I go for.

Also I agree Fender 9050’s are good strings. I liked them as much as I did the D’Addario Chromes and I especially liked the light green silks on the end.

Only problem with the silk it is it tends to fray and get all frizzy. However, the green adds some welcome "pop" to my all black bass.

 

[j.kernodle]

Oh how i hate frayed silk. I’m super careful when I first put them on and tune them up for the first time to keep any friction of the silks. I press down to keep them from rubbing up against the bottom of The string retainer. Once they’re on I try and keep them there. With flats that’s tough since they last years so if i do any maintenance like cleaning or oiling the fretboard I just detune them and move them out the nut slots. 5 years later they still look good.

Only problem with the silk it is it tends to fray and get all frizzy. However, the green adds some welcome "pop" to my all black bass.

 

[Bruiser Stone]

Flats: Labella 760FL
Angry Rounds: Rotos
Nice Rounds: Sunbeams

TI’s are beautiful strings. I could get used to the wet noodle feel, but ultimately not the mid-heavy tone. A great tone, but not quite what I wanted from flats all the time.