Looking for strings with a slightly brighter sound for a fender P bass. I have checked other threads and have not seen much. What would you guys suggest? Something that will last. I think it has rotosounds? Not sure.
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Bright and lasting = coated stainless steel.
Won't be quite as bright as an uncoated set, like the chime of new RS66, but they will last longer.
Won't be quite as bright as an uncoated set, like the chime of new RS66, but they will last longer.
Can you post closeup pics of both ends of your current string?
How long have they been on the bass?
How long have they been on the bass?
If you dont know what strings are on there, I’m guessing you didnt change them. I think your issue is the age of the strings, not a particular brand. Just change them out for a round or flat of your choice and you’ll get more brightness.
I will attach a pic this weekend. Round strings, red thread on the ends. Passive EMG's. The bass is a recent purchase, recent strings & setup.
OK then you either already have Rotosound 66's, one of the brightest ringiest zingiest clankers on planet Earth, or you've got GHS Bass Boomers known for it's powerful low mid punch and growl. Roto 66's have a very course finger and fret eating wind on the outer wrap. Boomers are far more smooth and elegant.
Not trying to be a smartass but, what about fiddling with your amp's eq?
Dunlop super brights are pretty bright. They have nickels and the Marcus Miller Stainless set. I use them on my P bass with an older unknown set of Bartolini PJ pickups that are pretty dark and low mid heavy. The bright strings give them this nice trebly zing that come alive when I dig in.
I've never had luck with rotos. I love the feel but, blue steels actually are much brighter, livelier, more bottom and just plain louder signal to the pickups. Im a huge Sheehan fan and have tried to make them work, but they don't for me. I always come back to blue steels.
After fighting to stay passive for years, I eventually installed a creative audio redeemer circuit in my basses. Cleared everything up. One of the best things I ever did. It's like running your bass into a 1' cord as opposed to a 50' one.
If you're just wanting top end, then yeah, steels all the way. Rotosound 66s have a zing like no other, but for me they deaden quickly. I love 'em, but gotta be prepared to change them out frequently. DR HighBeams are a solid choice also. I tried D'Addario ProSteels and I just disappeared from my band's mix, I'm guessing because their natural mid scoop is so severe. Recently I tried Ernie Ball steels and not only liked the zing of them new, but I actually liked them after they settled in.
How important is mid range to your sound? If you need to keep a mid range punch but want that zingy top end, I was VERY surprised by the Rotosound Nickels. They are probably my favorite string I've tried so far. Not as toppy as stainless Rotosounds, but close. A great mid punch and that Rotosound growl, plus that pillowy bottom end of Nickels. I honestly don't understand why more people don't love those strings, aside from availability being an issue. I had to order them online, either from Sweetwater or BassStringsOnline.com.
**edit: all of the above experiences were on the stock Fender P5 in my avatar.
How important is mid range to your sound? If you need to keep a mid range punch but want that zingy top end, I was VERY surprised by the Rotosound Nickels. They are probably my favorite string I've tried so far. Not as toppy as stainless Rotosounds, but close. A great mid punch and that Rotosound growl, plus that pillowy bottom end of Nickels. I honestly don't understand why more people don't love those strings, aside from availability being an issue. I had to order them online, either from Sweetwater or BassStringsOnline.com.
**edit: all of the above experiences were on the stock Fender P5 in my avatar.
Can highly recommend Sadowsky Blue Labels! Get the light guage and they're really bright and last long. 
