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Smoothest (best sounding) roundwounds
- Thread starter Tonecaster
- Start date
I tried TI Rounds, but they weren't for me.
Pressurewounds are great, and I like Nickel Lo riders - but I prefer them on Jazz basses and I don't know if smooth is at the top of the list in describing them.
GHS Balanced Nickels and especially Elixir's are the 1st thing that comes to mind when I think "smooth".
BUT for what you're describing: I would absolutely recommend trying Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats.
They will sound like a smooth Round - and NOT like a "bright flat".
Pressurewounds are great, and I like Nickel Lo riders - but I prefer them on Jazz basses and I don't know if smooth is at the top of the list in describing them.
GHS Balanced Nickels and especially Elixir's are the 1st thing that comes to mind when I think "smooth".
BUT for what you're describing: I would absolutely recommend trying Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats.
They will sound like a smooth Round - and NOT like a "bright flat".
For me, on a jazz bass, it always been the original Fender nickel with the treble pot down 20% or 10%.
For a p bass, TI would be my choice in your situation but my best is really without a doubt the Ernie Ball cobalt flat………. I know, not a round wound but they give me the best of both worlds on my p bass.
For a p bass, TI would be my choice in your situation but my best is really without a doubt the Ernie Ball cobalt flat………. I know, not a round wound but they give me the best of both worlds on my p bass.
Wow! Such great responses! You folks rock.
Based on the answers, I'm ordering a set of each of the DR Sunbeams, GHS PWs, and TI's.
I used Roto's on the 73 Jazz on my avatar back in the '70s/'80s playing rock and prog rock, so used to the feel and sound. Have gravitated to R&B/Soul/Funk as time has gone on. The cover band I'm in does several songs that call for rounds, hence the addition.
In the end, I'm sure this will be an explorative journey. As a number of you so astutely pointed out, there's also the string's sound and tension to consider as well.
I'll report back.
Thanks again to all of you!
ATB,
Ed
Based on the answers, I'm ordering a set of each of the DR Sunbeams, GHS PWs, and TI's.
I used Roto's on the 73 Jazz on my avatar back in the '70s/'80s playing rock and prog rock, so used to the feel and sound. Have gravitated to R&B/Soul/Funk as time has gone on. The cover band I'm in does several songs that call for rounds, hence the addition.
In the end, I'm sure this will be an explorative journey. As a number of you so astutely pointed out, there's also the string's sound and tension to consider as well.
I'll report back.
Thanks again to all of you!
ATB,
Ed
Not inexpensive, but this is really the only way to find what you like.
D'Addario XL nickel rounds are readily available, capable sets in whatever gauge is desired. Other brands listed are great, but control over the mids is what I want, and D'Addario delivers. It’s that cheap and simple.
Yes, overall a great string especially at their price point.
You dont mess around! The GHS PW sound great right off as do the TI from what ive read..no experience with DR Sunbeams.
D
From that list? TI Jazz Rounds, by quite some distance. You won't get smoother sounding roundwounds than those. I love the short scale sets but personally I find the long scale sets too floppy. They are EXTREMELY low tension. It might also be worth mentioning that the short scale sets are designed for short scale basses with a tail piece so the actual winding length is more like medium length from most string manufacturers.
Other smooth sounding roundwounds are Pyramid Pure Nickels and GHS Balanced Nickels. The Pyramids need to be broken in, like a good set of flats, before they develop their fat, warm tone. Once they're broken in they are my personal favourite roundwounds. Not the best choice if you need a smooth tone FAST though. The GHS nickels are quite smooth out of the box but don't age anywhere near as gracefully as the Pyramids. The GHS nickels are round core, so they're also more flexible/floppier (depending on how you look at it) than their gauges may suggest.
GHS Pressurewounds have a very strong midrange presence that you may or may not like. They're not particularly smooth at all. They're not really roundwounds either.
Other smooth sounding roundwounds are Pyramid Pure Nickels and GHS Balanced Nickels. The Pyramids need to be broken in, like a good set of flats, before they develop their fat, warm tone. Once they're broken in they are my personal favourite roundwounds. Not the best choice if you need a smooth tone FAST though. The GHS nickels are quite smooth out of the box but don't age anywhere near as gracefully as the Pyramids. The GHS nickels are round core, so they're also more flexible/floppier (depending on how you look at it) than their gauges may suggest.
GHS Pressurewounds have a very strong midrange presence that you may or may not like. They're not particularly smooth at all. They're not really roundwounds either.
Thanks, I just figure it's easier to spend an afternoon swapping strings and seeing how they feel and sound, rather than wondering what if. Truthfully all of the strings that have been suggested are probably stellar, and at any given time I might prefer one over the other.
In the 70's I loved Roto Swingbass for instance...
ATB,
Ed
Best wishes on your string journey. I'm one of those "gotta try 'em all" folks when it comes to strings, and am still trying to find "my" string (Been playing since I was 15, am 45 now, and still haven't settled on a string). While changing strings is the least expensive way to explore new tones on your bass, it can get expensive, especially when you get into luxe brands like Infeld or Dogal (where a set of strings is more than my monthly electric bill).
And, as always, let your hands, body, and ears decide what strings fit you best. TalkBass is a great resource for finding out what's out there, but what's all the rage in our community may not be your thing. For example, TalkBass is why I sampled Dunlop SuperBright steels, but while most people adore them, I couldn't stand them. I'm still glad I tried them, though. And while they're not for me, they will definitely fulfill the needs of others here.
And, as always, let your hands, body, and ears decide what strings fit you best. TalkBass is a great resource for finding out what's out there, but what's all the rage in our community may not be your thing. For example, TalkBass is why I sampled Dunlop SuperBright steels, but while most people adore them, I couldn't stand them. I'm still glad I tried them, though. And while they're not for me, they will definitely fulfill the needs of others here.
Hey Dincrest,
NJ native here. Started when I was 15 as well. 67 and again playing clubs, (thankfully the cigarette smoke is gone...).
ATB,
Ed
Interesting comment on the PWs as I don't favor a strong mid presence. That said, the new bass is a Mod Shop with a different pickup, so who knows?
"This is the best part of the trip, the trip itself, the best part"... Jim Morrison
I think in the end, none of us know where we ultimately will end up on this journey. So just have fun along the way and know that you'll try some things that may not, ultimately, be to your liking.
Hopefully, this won't be a spouse...
;-)
ATB,
Ed
GHS Pressurewounds definitely arent the smoothest in feel but have their own sound as you mention...you wont know unless you try them....I find them to be smooth enough.
I am curious about the TI RW on a shorty.....am surprised you find the SS tension to be good as in not too floppy.
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