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Need some help with string recommendation

T

TDBASSMAN86

Jan 15, 2019
105
93
#1
I'm playing around with some strings and I wanted to see if anyone could help me find what im looking for.

I've found that I like very booming bottom, but not much in the mid range. I guess tone wise i'd be looking for dark, warm sounds. I like the warmth that I get more when I play higher up on the neck as opposed to the punchier sound lower.

I've played with some flats, my favorite so far are Ernie Ball Cobalts, but I'm looking for a bit more thud on the bottom. The very last thing is that I hate when I sound thin, I'm really looking for a "feel" the bass, more than a "hear" the bass kind of tone.

Obviously I know pickups play a huge part in this, I have a few basses, most have humbuckers though.
 
#4
Forget about the Ernie ball group flat, they are MID/Upper MID bite flatwound with tight low end.

From your description, i think the Gibson/Epiphone EB-3 or Fender Telecaster bass + Aggressive hand/pick easily fullfill the tone you looking for.

My2cents
 
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#6
michael_t said:
Try the Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats. A little more traditional in their tone than the Cobalt Flats.
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Just so I’m clear Michael, do EB Stainless Steel flats wear the “Group” designation? If so, I agree they’re more trad, but they don’t “gut punch” as much as DTF’s or GHS flats, IME. ...very smooth, and very even across the set, especially as they age.
 
#7
TomB said:
Just so I’m clear Michael, do EB Stainless Steel flats wear the “Group” designation? If so, I agree they’re more trad, but they don’t “gut punch” as much as DTF’s or GHS flats, IME. ...very smooth, and very even across the set, especially as they age.
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I know some people refer to them as "Group Flats", but EB uses the term "Group I, II, III, IV..." simply to refer to different sets of gauges, like "Power Slinky", "Super Slinky", etc. I always refer to them as "stainless steel" to distinguish them from "cobalt".

You're right about La Bella and GHS being more traditional with more thump and thud. I only suggested EB SS Flats as something one step closer to a more traditional tone relative to the Cobalt Flats the OP has been using.
 
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#8
TDBASSMAN86 said:
I've played with some flats, my favorite so far are Ernie Ball Cobalts, but I'm looking for a bit more thud on the bottom. The very last thing is that I hate when I sound thin, I'm really looking for a "feel" the bass, more than a "hear" the bass kind of tone.
Click to expand...

GodPlayedBass said:
Heres a video of me playing Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound strings.
Click to expand...

o_O
 
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#9
TDBASSMAN86 said:
I'm playing around with some strings and I wanted to see if anyone could help me find what im looking for.

I've found that I like very booming bottom, but not much in the mid range. I guess tone wise i'd be looking for dark, warm sounds. I like the warmth that I get more when I play higher up on the neck as opposed to the punchier sound lower.

I've played with some flats, my favorite so far are Ernie Ball Cobalts, but I'm looking for a bit more thud on the bottom. The very last thing is that I hate when I sound thin, I'm really looking for a "feel" the bass, more than a "hear" the bass kind of tone.

Obviously I know pickups play a huge part in this, I have a few basses, most have humbuckers though.
Click to expand...
Oh, you'd like RB Flatwounds. I had them on for a good little while. They are exactly what youre describing. And the attack is very quick. Really silky feel too. Really cool strings.
 
#12
Seems to me like the sound you’re looking for is something that could best be delivered by the judicious application of the right sort of compression and EQ. Those could help you get the punch, girth, and mid scoop you’re describing.
 
#13
GHS Pressure Wound sounds like what you’re lookin for to me based off recent experience. Warm and NOT growly after they settle in from a dozen hours of really playing. They’re a bit more on the tight side of flexibility which is right up my alley. Overall they weren’t my cup of tea on my main bass but I’ll give em a try on my wife’s main so we’ll see.
 
#14
First thing I thought of was Labellas Deep Talkin. If you feel they need to be broken in quicker, I’ve tried the Eucerin method (you can search here for the thread). The low E will sound more thumpy than the others, but supposedly once they break in they will all be balanced.
 
#16
TDBASSMAN86 said:
Sounds like I should try the La Bella 760FS or the Optima RB strings. So damn expensive though. Doesn't look like they have the RBs for 5 strings though.
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Awww, that sucks man. Like I said, those RB flats are pretty cool strings dude. Really mellow. Really cool feel. Completely different than just about anything I've ever played. And, they feel great out the package. Where as all other flats I've ever put on had to be broken in first. Those don't grab your fingers at all.
 
#18
TDBASSMAN86 said:
Sounds like I should try the La Bella 760FS or the Optima RB strings. So damn expensive though. Doesn't look like they have the RBs for 5 strings though.
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Oh, I just put on some fender flats a second ago. They seem alright. Feel like flats. Still have some tone, but not near as bright as the cobalts (which are on my other bass), and they have sea foam green silk ends (which looks pretty dope). A little stiff, a little grubby, but not half as bad as some others people seem to love around here. I'm gonna give them a fair run. Its the .55 - .105 set.
15958154897963254239356979166364.jpg
15958155080384038740497390878347.jpg
15958155161268970913697534079105.jpg

Of course, you could always try some tapewounds. I'd probably hit the white fenders. They look dope. Heard good things about them too.
 
#20
Cutter8 said:
I think Pyramid Gold Chrome-Nickel Polished Flats provide exactly what you are after, and they feel fantastic if you like silky-smooth, supple strings.
View attachment 3920649 View attachment 3920650 View attachment 3920652 View attachment 3920653 View attachment 3920651
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Highly under-mentioned flat it is. I first used Pyramids last year due to the purchase of a Hofner. Turns out they sound good on everything, and they have forced La Bella into my number two spot.
 
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