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Please list your favorite roundwound 5 string sets with black silks or no silk

#22
smperry said:
I'm considering changing up strings on some of my basses and seek out your wisdom. Because they are very different sounding basses, I'm casting a wide net: nickel or steel, any gauge...as long as they are roundwounds and have black silks or (better yet) none. All of my basses are 34.5" scale top loading, so anything for a 34" or 35" scale should work.

There's a thread from 2008 here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448742 But I'm hoping for a more complete & updated list.

If you could briefly explain why you like a given set on whatever bass you're using, all the better. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


I like newtonestrings(http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448742 use the diamond strings.
No silk on them and they'll wind you anything you like pretty much.
I use exposed core steel strings.
Gauges: 46,66,86,106,126, but am currently trying out 46,65,80,105,125 which also works well.
I find newtonestrings to be very consistent and high quality.
They also pick up the phone and give advise where needed.

I have used DR, Pyramid De' angelico,Coco and GHS in the past.
 
#23
I've been using DR sunbeams on ibanez SR505. They are nickle so they tend to be a little warmer than the highbeams. But the main reason I picked them after trying just about string on the market is the even tension. They just feel good to me and sound nice and warm, the highs sound clear too. They also last a long time if taken care of. They are a great solid set of strings IMO. Best thing to do is to try out strings, talkbass helps but when ot comes down to your ears count the most.
 
#25
Hmmm...
Optima Gold is my favorite round wound 5 string set but they have dark green silks. For black or no silks I'd have to go with my second favorite string - DR Black Beauties. The strings are solid black and look great on a maple fretboard or even better on a totally blacked out unlined fretless ebony board with a black headstock, body and hardware - stealth all the way. They sound fantastic too, very mello rich buttery smooth even tone across all strings including the low B but still enough highs on the G and D strings to give clarity without clank or buzz. A lot cheaper than the Optimas also.
 
#26
I'm constantly torn between DR Low Riders and DR Hi Beams... I'd love to get my hands on some Marcus Millers, but no one seems to sell them around me... might have to be a special order.

In short... DRs... great tone... love the lighter tension as well... and the long life.
 
#27
I don't know of any strings with black silk. For no-silk:

EB Slinkys, either the 45-130 set, or I will get the 50-105 4-string set and a single .130 B. Slinkys intonate very well, have very good balance and tension and have pleasant mids to my ear. They are also cheap and readily available.

I like all the following DR strings, all in 45-125:

High Beams. Good intonation and balance, clear aggressive tone, nicer feel than most SS rounds.

DDT. Also steel but less bright than High Beams. Superb intonation, B string sounds good right up the neck.

Nickel Lo-Riders. Strong midrange and sweet highs, good intonation and balance.

Extra Life coated. Similar to High-Beams but more polite, more pleasant mids.

SIT Silencers. If you want a half-round/semi-flatwound type of string these are the best available IMO, if you don't mind the .120 B (only guage available). Once they are broken-in, they truly sit in the middle ground between a zingy round and a thumpy flat. Very versatile. Priced right too. The light-guage B sounds good but is lower-tension, not a problem if you play lightly.
 

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