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PBass strings?

#23
I've got FENDER NYLON Tapewounds on mine & I like 'em a lot. I Had a set of D'addario Chromes on it-which are now on another P-bass,- for SOME reason I'm finding lately that strings by the same co. as the bass seem to work best for me- wierd!?!?!?!?!?!?
I just found that the Fender 8250(or suthin' like that No.) rounds sounded best on my Jazz, & the Fender tapewounds sounded better than a set of LABELLA tapewounds.... Maybe I'm just goin nuts- I dunno so therefore I aint....????? ;-/
 
#24
Been using nickels for a while on the p, but switched to dr high beams. It sounds zingy and clangy solo, but sounds thick and juicy in the mix(at least to my ears). Expected a scooped sound, but brings out the low mids nicely without having to fiddle with the eq. Loving the low tension.
 
#26
GHS Precision Flats in the lightest gauge possible. However, I routinely use Lakland Joe Osborn signature flats on my SX P-Bass. They are essentially the same in terms of construction, but the gauges are pretty different. The GHS are 0.45 to 0.95, where the Lakland JO's are 0.40 to 0.102. I prefer the feel of the JO's versus the straight GHS strings myself, having tried both.
 
#29
mrnasty said:
I have a set of DR Highbeams (they are flatwounds) on my Nash 1957 Precision Bass and I love them. I use the bass in both my classic rock cover band and my jazz combo band, and the strings work equally well in both situations.

After using the DR Highbeams for a few months it will be hard to go back to the Fender flats that I have used for years.

My amp setup is completely different for each band. The classic rock rig is an Ampeg SVT head and SWR Goliath Sr. 6x10 and the jazz combo rig is a 1970s Ampeg B-15N.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate a bit on the DR Flats? Likes and dislikes if any? I want to give them a try and there is not too much info written about them.
 
#31
Deep said:
Can you elaborate a bit on the DR Flats? Likes and dislikes if any? I want to give them a try and there is not too much info written about them.
Click to expand...

I have tried the DR flats on two basses. They are very nice strings, but they are not for everyone. What I liked about them is that they are very smooth, and feel great to play on. The fundamental is very strong, and the sound is very clear, punchy, and defined.

The downside to these strings is that they lack harmonics and highs. They are almost what you would call "dull." There is punch but no crunch. Clarity, but no sparkle. If an old school fat, round, punchy sound is what you want, they are great. If you want grit, crunch, or shimmer, then they might not be what you want.

I like these strings a lot, but not enough to put them on both of my main axes. I'd also like to add that playability on these strings is amazing.
 
#32
That's a great description. So they seem very specialized for that authentic old school sound. That's great.
They would not be a main bass type string....for me anyway either.
As far as flats are concerned....what would be a good main bass string if your into flats? TI's, Chromes, GHS.....would they cover more ground?
 
#33
Generally, on my fretted basses, I use Smiths (rock masters I believe. Been a while since I put new strings on, and not near my tool kit right now to check which ones...) . On my fretless Jazz, I have TI Jazz Flats. I bought a P bass about 3 years ago, and left the Fender strings on that it came with (roundwound Fenders), but recently wanted to throw on some flat strings to get that old Motown vibe ( Jamerson used Labella flats, and supposedly never changed the strings on his P bass...). Well, the Labella Jamerson set I believe runs close to $50, and I don't have $50 right now to spend on strings ( and the TI JF"S run close to $50 as well...) So I just went over to Guitar Center and bought a cheap set of Ernie Ball flats out of their "discount" box of stuff they just want to get rid off, for $18. Just put them on last week, and so far, not too bad. I was just going for that really dead set of flat wound strings sound, and have been practicing on just the P since the string change, to break em in. The EB set was a bit more heavier set ( I think they are Mediums, and I usually play Med/Lite's), and I've found it a bit refreshing to have to work harder on the P (heavier gage and wider neck). Its sort of like jogging with ankle and hand weights. when you go back to no weights, you feel like you can run a little faster. Still would love to try out the Labella's though.
 
#34
I loved the 9050L's from Fender. Tried Steve Harris flats, was not my thing.

I started a thread for anyone interested in trying used sets of flats. it is a "lending library" system, post available flats to send to other TB-ers, or post the name of a set of some that you would like to try. Great way to try flats for the cost of shipping a set of strings. Only catch is that you have to agree to either pass them on or offer the original owner a purchase price. Enjoy...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544798&highlight=pay+forward
 
#37
I bought an SX P bass and it had RotoSound 66's and I loved them. I sold the bass w. the strings and bought a Fender '50 RI and I have had TI's and Chromes but I wasn't getting the zing i wanted. I put on Rotosound 66's and they sound great for popping w. the tone rolled up. Most of the time playing finger style I play w. it rolled about 80% back, but they still got that growl.

Love them
 

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