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Recommend strings that have tapewound vibe but no grounding issue?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by kittyboy, Nov 9, 2017.

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  1. Nov 9, 2017 #1
    kittyboy

    kittyboy Supporting Member

    Sep 27, 2005
    SF Bay Area
    I mostly play TI flats, but I've recently felt drawn by the tapewound sound, for instance Melody Nelson/Herbie Flowers/Graham Maby...

    I've currently got LaBella tapes regular gauge on a jazz bass. I'm digging the sound and feel overall, but I'm not thrilled with the inarticulate E-string response (open and fretted) and the unpredictable grounding buzz.

    Can anyone recommend strings that have a similar sound/feel signature as tapes, but don't have grounding issues or flabby E-string response ?

    Thanks !
     
    e-flat likes this.
  2. Nov 13, 2017 #2
    kittyboy

    kittyboy Supporting Member

    Sep 27, 2005
    SF Bay Area
    Anybody?

    I'm thinking I might take active pickup route instead, to avoid buzz.

    Probably EMG active pickups. Any suggestions?

    Thanks!
     
  3. Nov 13, 2017 #3
    e-flat

    e-flat Supporting Member

    Jun 15, 2009
    Washington State
    Man, I've never encountered a string that can do what Tapes do. I wish I could find a set, but Tapes are just so unique. I have the same issue as you with grounding noise.... Love tapes but can't live with the buzzzzz.

    I've tried & liked: La Bella White, La Bella Black, La Bella Copper, and Rotosound Black. All of them buzzed.

    As far as flats that are more lively, have you tried a set of Ernie Ball Cobalts? Those things are very clear... I have a set of the 40-95 and they sound great on fretted or fretless. Tension is moderate, not as loose as TIs. They might be close enough to some of the brighter tapes like the La Bella White. Maybe with some EQ you could get into Herbie Flowers territory??

    That intro to Melody Nelson, though.... Thats sooo Tapes :D Love Herbie Flowers.

    Good luck.
     
  4. Nov 13, 2017 #4
    Lowendtech

    Lowendtech Happily trending in my own peculiar direction. Supporting Member

    Jun 18, 2013
    Southern Ontario, Canada
    I've always like the D'addario tapes. Never had a problem with them re; no flab and good balance.
     
  5. Nov 13, 2017 #5
    jd56hawk

    jd56hawk

    Sep 12, 2011
    The Garden State
    I have GHS black tapewounds on this.
    No noise issues at all. 1510435944996.jpg
     
    thunderberg, TN WOODMAN and Lowendtech like this.
  6. Nov 14, 2017 #6
    Root 5

    Root 5

    Nov 25, 2001
    Canada
    The only alternative is to have your instrument well shielded. It will be very quiet then.
     
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  7. Nov 15, 2017 #7
    Root 5

    Root 5

    Nov 25, 2001
    Canada
    I've long thought D'Addario Half Rounds have a tapewounds like sound but with additional warmth and fundamental.
     
  8. Nov 15, 2017 #8
    Lowendtech

    Lowendtech Happily trending in my own peculiar direction. Supporting Member

    Jun 18, 2013
    Southern Ontario, Canada
    I tried a set of those and found them to have some additional "traction" when moving horizontally on the neck. Felt weird to me.
     
  9. Nov 16, 2017 #9
    Root 5

    Root 5

    Nov 25, 2001
    Canada
    They are a little tacky for a bit. It subsides with playing time. A rub with isopropyl alcohol helps too.
     
    Lowendtech likes this.
  10. Nov 18, 2017 #10
    TN WOODMAN

    TN WOODMAN

    Jan 31, 2011
    Smyrna, Tennessee.
    GHS are my favorite tapewounds but sadly been discontinued . Fenders in comparison sound good but don't feel as good on the fingers . Rotosound 88 on a short scale Rivoli are working out fine . Want to try La Bella original blacks.