Need strings for slapping and popping, but also want a deep tone

[u84six]

I'm primarily a flatwound user because I love the deep tone, but I'm playing some songs now that require slapping and popping but I still want that deep tone. I've tried all my flatwounds and I don't like the way they pop. Can anyone recommend some roundwounds that can pop nicely but also have a deep warm tone when playing finger style? Most rounds I've tried have too much zing and twang, hence the reason I like flats. But I'm definitely looking for a little bit of that piano tone, just not too much twang. I've tried DR Sunbeams and they seem just a tad too dull. Definitely need some punch.

 

[kander]

I use DR Lo-Riders.

 

[u84six]

I use DR Lo-Riders.

Nickel or stainless steel?

 

[u84six]

I'm thinking fairly low tension too. Better for slapping.

 

[huunjin]

I get it.. I like to pop and yet sometimes I feel the need to emulate a low piano string or pipe organ.. I get that with the R. Cocco's I have been playing for about a year. I have an older cirrus 6 string.. these strings are hand made and are killer for sustainability, intonation and over all sound. The cirrus has great tone so when I want to pop i just run everything up.. funk pop.. hit the mids high and back off the highs a touch.. and low organ.. heavy lows, back down the mids and pull back the highs.. for the piano sound i do the same but turn the highs all the way up.. each bass is different and will react differently as well but.. I love these strings... you can find em but you have to look.. hope this helps.. Kevin

 

[Jaco who?]

I Most rounds I've tried have too much zing and twang, hence the reason I like flats. But I'm definitely looking for a little bit of that piano tone, just not too much twang. I've tried DR Sunbeams and they seem just a tad too dull. Definitely need some punch.

Fat Beams?

 

[u84six]

Hmm, never heard of them. I'll have to check them out. I think I'm going to buy a bunch of different types and try them all.

 

[Lorenzini]

You need DR Fat Beams.

 

[cfsporn]

Rotosound PS99s. They have that Rotosound low-mid roar and slap like nothing else.

 

[kander]

Nickel or stainless steel?

Stainless steel.

 

[testing1two]

Play a nice bright string (D-Addario, DR Fatbeam, Fodera, etc.) and use a Gruv Gear Fret Wrap when you need to tame the zingy overtones. www.gruvgear.com/fretwraps

 

[u84six]

Play a nice bright string (D-Addario, DR Fatbeam, Fodera, etc.) and use a Gruv Gear Fret Wrap when you need to tame the zingy overtones. www.gruvgear.com/fretwraps

I remember seeing a Victor Wooten video and was wondering what that was. Thanks for the link!

 

[billgwx]

Are Rotosound Jazz Bass 77's part of your flatwound collection? IMO they have enough brightness for slapping plus deep tone. The mediums (RS77LD) have pretty high tension however--you'd probably want to go with the lighter gauge (SM77).

 

[phillybass101]

D'Addario Pro Steels. Nice slap tone and substantially cheaper than DR's.

 

[cfsporn]

D'Addario Pro Steels. Nice slap tone and substantially cheaper than DR's.

Also, much better made with better customer support. IME of course.

 

[Lorenzini]

Low blow and unwarranted. DR has excellent customer service. That said -- I agree. Pro Steels are a great sounding string!

 

[u84six]

Are Rotosound Jazz Bass 77's part of your flatwound collection? IMO they have enough brightness for slapping plus deep tone. The mediums (RS77LD) have pretty high tension however--you'd probably want to go with the lighter gauge (SM77).

Yes, I've tried those strings and they actually hurt my fingers! They're like bridge cable!

 

[u84six]

The problem I have with all the rounds I've tried (haven't tried many) is that they have way too much twang and zing. I just want deep, a little pianoish, and warm. No tinniness.

 

[u84six]

I suppose I should keep trying different nickels until I find the right ones. $$

I've just ordered Fender pure nickels and DR Lo-Rider nickels. We will see.

 

[Versatek6]

Late to the game, since you already ordered, but I get what you are looking for with DR Black Beauties. Toss that in the mix for the next test-round.