• 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.

Nickel Plated - need more high end

#22
matante said:
Which other nickel plated strings have you used besides the Slinkys? Alot of people, including myself, find the Slinkys die in a couple of days. That's not representative of nickel strings in general. D'Addario XLs take about three weeks to lose their zing for me.
Rotosound nickels also last a long time for me. You can get the "Rotobass" sets for a good price and they're the same strings as the swing bass nickels, just without the silk wrapping.
Click to expand...

Most recently I was using the Dunlop nickel Super Brights. I think they lasted longer, but I don’t have another set I can throw on to compare.

I’m basically trying to decide if I should attempt them again, or try for something that lasts longer.
 
#23
I had the same issue with GHS Boomers three decades ago. At every two-fer weekend (both Fri & Sat gigs) I would have to change at least the E string between gigs, if not the entire set. It is what made me change to Progressives: with my hand perspiration pH, the Progressives being a solid alloy reacted less although I would still have to change the E string for a two-fer weekend.

Ironically, I currently play D'Addario XL, but for some reason they interact less, even though both Boomers and XL's are nickel plated round wounds. I still have extra E strings, and now B strings for my 5-string bass, but I don't need them as much as I used to.

I've done the stainless rounds. Yes, very bright to start. But again, for me, they never mellowed progressively. I would do a gig and then the next rehearsal, clank-thud.

I've done about all the stainless strings out there, ancient and modern. For me, the ones that may not have the brightest initial zing, but retain the top end longer, and have good mids to cut the mix, are GHS Super Steels. Also, one lighter gauge will be more flexible and retain top end longer than a medium or even medium light gauge set.

Sometimes, no matter what the strings on the bass are, they just all go after awhile. Hang in there!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: GTHintz, mikewalker, Riff Ranger and 1 other person
#25
There are ways to add more high end that don't involve strings.

If you're using a high-capacitance cable on a passive bass, that will suck some highs out of your signal. Perhaps try a low-capacitance cable?

The next step up from there is a buffered output, such as the Redeemer. That requires a battery, which is (oddly) a polarizing subject around here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tindrum, matante and Phaidrus
#26
_Some Dude said:
I like the sound of NPS when new, but I’m loosing the top end response too quickly. In the past that was fine (I actually preferred the sound of week old strings) but with my current band I’m loosing too much cut too quickly. Ernie Balls for instance are basically too dead after one rehearsal. I want something that’ll retain more presence with aggressive guitars.

I think what I’m looking for is steel strings, but I figured I’d ask around.
Click to expand...


1DB400A2-B0DF-4F11-B1FF-BEB2224310AE.jpeg

In my humble opinion, every electric bassist that prefers roundwound strings should give a set of SS Rotosound Swing Bass 66 a try.

They’re the strings equivalent to an Ampeg SVT through it’s matching 810E cabinet. Every bassist should experience a set at least once.

I hadn’t used them in decades. A couple of years ago, a group of us here were discussing them, and I just had to go to my local music store and buy a set. I put them on my Precision Bass. And they sound great.

Oddly, they aren’t as overly bright as I remembered them to be. And their outer wrap feels much smoother to the touch. I’m not concerned about fretwear with this smoother surface.

They provide a full spectrum of tone, no mid-scoop here! They’re easy to find, and they’re priced right.

Give a set a try!!!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Green Hornet, GTHintz, DJ Bebop and 1 other person
#28
_Some Dude said:
Most recently I was using the Dunlop nickel Super Brights. I think they lasted longer, but I don’t have another set I can throw on to compare.

I’m basically trying to decide if I should attempt them again, or try for something that lasts longer.
Click to expand...

If you've already used them and they didn't leave a lasting impression on you, I wouldn't bother. I haven't used them but even the biggest fans of the Super Brights say they are great strings but not super bright. It's a misnomer.

You need to find out if you're killing all nickel strings with your body chemistry or if you're like some of us who just seem to kill Slinkys specifically.

I would buy a set of D'Addario XLs and a set of the stainless strings of your choice, DR will be the smoothest if that matters to you. Knowing how you feel about those will send you in the right direction. Ernie Ball also makes Stainless Slinkys that get no love around here but they are excellent strings.

Do you prefer nickels because of the sound or the feel?

ctmullins said:
There are ways to add more high end that don't involve strings.

If you're using a high-capacitance cable on a passive bass, that will suck some highs out of your signal. Perhaps try a low-capacitance cable?

The next step up from there is a buffered output, such as the Redeemer. That requires a battery, which is (oddly) a polarizing subject around here.
Click to expand...

It would be helpful to know if OP's bass is passive and if he uses a pedal board or not, how long is cables are, etc. There could be more going on here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tindrum and ctmullins
#31
scuzzy said:
DR Lo-Rider SS. As said above. Great clarity and zing, but not brittle, and they retain it for a long time.
Click to expand...
DR Lo-Rider Nickel Coated Steel are Also Nice. Not quite as Bright as S.S., but are a little warmer, and are still bright, and easier on your fingers.
GHS Boomers are also Nickel Coated Steel and are very Bright and Full sounding.
Both of these above strings use the stiffer hex core for better harmonics, and resistance to sag.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Arthur U. Poon and scuzzy
#33
IME the only strings that die quicker than Ernie Ball are bass boomers. For some reason Ernie ball are super rough on fingers and die quick.

My best advice would be to buy a better quality string in the steel played variety.
 
#34
micguy said:
Kalium doesn’t specifically call out which alloy they use, but it’s likely in the same family as alloy 52, if not identical. Having played both sets of strings, they have a lot in common
Click to expand...

Interesting. I've played both sets extensively and found Kalium hybrids to be MUCH brighter than the GHS progressives. Also not as smooth feeling, but Kalium's hybrid and stainless offerings are fantastic. Absolutely love them!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lenny JG
#36
I should mention that I like an extremely bright sound for my main stuff, and am using Newtone full steel hex cores and they are over a year and still pretty damn bright. I usually would change between every show or recording before I got these.
 
#38
I've tried a number of nickel round sets (advantages: smoother feel, less string noise on shifts), but none were quite bright enough for a long enough time. Well, I guess it's more accurate to say they didn't retain their presence (mid and upper-mid overtones) long enough.

FWIW, I used Dunlop Super Brights for years and lately switched to SIT Foundations. Tone goals are always personal, but I like the SS Foundations about the best of any strings I've used.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back