• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New Strings, recommendations?

Scott Sauna

Scott Sauna

Oct 12, 2012
193
19
Oregon
#1
I will be buying some new strings tomorrow for my Squier VM P Bass and I would like to know what other people like. I play with a pick primarily and I enjoy Roger Waters tone quite a bit. Would flatwounds be the way to go? I absolutely hate Ernie Ball Super Slinky roundwounds that it has on right now. Really bright on the D and G strings and too flubby on the E string. Thanks!
 
#4
lakefx said:
I love D'Addario Chromes on my P, although I have a fretless American Standard, but it shouldn't be too different. They have enough brightness for punch, but get a really good thump with the tone rolled off.
Click to expand...

I play moderately aggressive blues and psychedelic music so I keep my tone pretty close to 10. Looking for some kind of mix between Geezer Butler and Roger Waters.
 
#5
Chromes will definitely get you closer to a Geezer Butler and Roger Waters sound with a P bass. They both used Rotosound 77 flats back in the day but chromes are just as bright and keep their brightness for longer IME. Also, I highly recommend the new Fender 9050 flats, they're a lot like chromes but have a slightly more aggressive sound in my opinion.
 
#6
Scott Sauna said:
I will be buying some new strings tomorrow for my Squier VM P Bass and I would like to know what other people like. I play with a pick primarily and I enjoy Roger Waters tone quite a bit. Would flatwounds be the way to go? I absolutely hate Ernie Ball Super Slinky roundwounds that it has on right now. Really bright on the D and G strings and too flubby on the E string. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have no idea what strings Roger Waters uses. But I own a 2011 70's Reissue P-Bass, strung with LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats, gauged (IIRC) 45-65-85-105, and I cannot play a B natural on that bass without immediately hearing the entire "Money" riff in my head, the tone is that close (to my ear anyway).
 
#8
This video helped immensely when I was choosing flats for my Am Std. Liked the chromes, but chose the roto 77's. Like others have said, the initial brightness wore off faster, but the thump/thunk when played with a pick is the best I've ever heard IMO. The 77's have way more tension (which I prefer) than the chromes. Might be a drawback for you. Good luck.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back