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String recommendations please? '75 P

1stOfficerRiker

1stOfficerRiker

Mar 5, 2004
250
241
48
Cincinnati
#1
Sorry for the long post but I want to be descriptive and get good answers back.

This is a new to me 75 precision, and I need new strings. From the feel, I can tell they're D'addarios.

So on my other basses (mostly jazz) I've tried many different string over the years and have settled on Fat Beams as my favorite sound and feel. Until I bought them for my usa MM sterling (if you're not familiar with it, it's pretty much a small body stingray with a thinner neck 1.5" nut. Same electronics as the ray). These were way too bright and clanky, so I went with a set of elixir SS nanowebs, and I like those on the MM.

I would march straight to the local store and grab some more Fat Beams, but wanted to see what others recommend first. The only one I can say I've consistantly never been fond of is D'addario XL rounds mainly bc of the feel and sound.

I play mostly 90's rock and do a small amount of drop d tuning. I'm open to trying a flatwound, semi flat or whatever. And bc it's a 43 y/o bass, I dont mind something easy on the frets, but still want a solid rock tone.

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#4
I have them on a Fender Elite P and a Ric 4003 and I rate them highly for both. Definitely worth a try for anyone, I reckon and particularly given desired outcomes in OP's last paragraph.
 
#6
Nice bass! I was a Fat Beam stalwart on my jazz until I switched to flatwounds, and when I got my first P I tried DR sunbeams on it for a few months and really liked the combination. I eventually switched to flats on everything though (TIs mostly - they're great for a warmer, fatter round-ish kind of sound, good for rock IMO)
 
#8
1stOfficerRiker said:
My last GHS purchase was 10 years ago or better but didn't go back to them after my 3rd set bc they went dead pretty quick, but great while they were fresh. Is this still the case with them or have they changed?
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It hasn't been my experience but, then again I'm not particularly an authority on GHS. Dave Pomeroy touts their consistency in the video (all-be it in a paid presentation, but it's still his reputation on the line).
 
#9
1stOfficerRiker said:
My last GHS purchase was 10 years ago or better but didn't go back to them after my 3rd set bc they went dead pretty quick, but great while they were fresh. Is this still the case with them or have they changed?
Click to expand...

NMTB said:
It hasn't been my experience but, then again I'm not particularly an authority on GHS. Dave Pomeroy touts their consistency in the video (all-be it in a paid presentation, but it's still his reputation on the line).
Click to expand...

One's "dead" is another's "well-broken-in"... It's all in the perspective.
Most of the GHS offerings, based on my experience, appeal more to those who dig the sound of "broken-in" strings over the zing and clank of a fresh set out of the pack.

I personally like my strings to be like a comfortable pair of jeans - nicely worn in but not worn out. And GHS delivers in that respect.
 
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#11
1stOfficerRiker said:
My last GHS purchase was 10 years ago or better but didn't go back to them after my 3rd set bc they went dead pretty quick, but great while they were fresh. Is this still the case with them or have they changed?
Click to expand...
They've changed! And for the better I might add. I just changed out my Balanced Nickels after a year on my #1 everyday Fender Precision. This review contains a years worth of updates. Review: GHS Balanced Nickels 4M-NB
 
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#12
NMTB said:
GHS Pressurewound might be worth a try for you.
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Seconded. After a long spell with Rotosounds, I decided I didn't like the super-bright zing of rounds or the way they chewed up my fingertips. Pressurewounds are my go-to for bright strings now. All of the grit and bite of rounds without the high-end clankiness. I have them on my early 80s Tokai Hard Puncher, and they work great.

If you want to explore flats, D'Addario Chromes have a lot of high-end for 90s rock. I've also been experimenting with D'Addario tapewounds. They are brighter than I thought they'd be, have low tension (great for old necks) and feel smooth as glass. However, they can be a bit noisy since you're isolated from the ground loop. Then again, in a split coil bass it's not too noticeable.
 
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