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String set advice please

M

Maxomii

Sep 18, 2008
9
0
36
North-east, UK
#1
Hi, I'm in the middle of doing my first re-finish and I thought while I was at it I'd make it a fretless conversion too. All I need to finish it is a set of strings. Therein lies my dilemma. I've never owned a fretless and so don't know anything about flatwounds.

I'm on a VERY limited budget, so I'm either gonna get:
Rotosound Jazz flats 40-100 = £24
or:
GHS Precision flats 45-95 = £22

My main concern is life, and which set will last me the longest. I've only found the GHS at a decent price from the US, so I'd have to wait longer to get them but if the rotosounds are gonna wear out quicker I'm sure it's a better deal to get the GHS.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

P.s. Sorry to ramble for so long :)

thanks, Max.
 
#2
I cannot tell you anything about the Rotos other than they have a good reputation here. The GHS .45-.95 set I have used for many years. They are long lasting. They have more of a tradtional sound with a very deep thump, and are very much worth the money. Their finish is very smooth and easy on your fingers and fingerboard.
 
#3
I would suggest you consider TI flats which are great on a fretless. they are pretty pricey here, but I have heard they aren't too expensive in the UK. they last forever, you won't need to change strings for 4-5 years, and they have an upright like tone. They sustain more than other flats, and have a great midrange, which is why so many like them on fretless. Check em out, you won't be sorry!
 
#4
I do really want to try the TIs but the cheapest set I could find was £36, and I just plain don't have that much spare cash but they'll definately be my next set I think.

Now, I wouldn't say I like Fender for strings but I've seen a set for sale waaay cheaper than the rotos or GHS, so how do Fender 9050's rate? I've seen them get good reviews but I'm still relunctant to buy fender.

thanks again
 
#5
Maxomii said:
I've never owned a fretless and so don't know anything about flatwounds.
Click to expand...

DR Sunbeams, Ken Smith Compressors, GHS pressurewounds, they're all pretty soft and gentle nickel roundwounds that work great on fretless. You might see a few tiny marks on the fretboard after awhile, and after a few years, it might bother you enough to refinish the neck, but they'll sound better for fretless.

If you must listen to the "chew up the fretboard" paranoia, I'd go with D'addario chrome flats. I found Fender 9050's really really stiff and annoying.
 

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