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Strings for a 2015 Fender P Bass Standard

FenderB

FenderB

Mar 28, 2016
1,302
1,136
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Findlay, Ohio
#1
I just bought a 2015 Fender P bass with a Maple fret board and stock strings. Would like to know what you guys would suggest as a replacement set of strings. I'm new to playing so I don't have a lot of experience with different string sets. I have a Fender Jazz with flatwound strings on it and I really like those so I would think something along that line but for a P bass.
Thanks,
Jack
 
#2
FenderB said:
I just bought a 2015 Fender P bass with a Maple fret board and stock strings. Would like to know what you guys would suggest as a replacement set of strings. I'm new to playing so I don't have a lot of experience with different string sets. I have a Fender Jazz with flatwound strings on it and I really like those so I would think something along that line but for a P bass.
Thanks,
Jack
Click to expand...
You can use the same type of strings on your Precision bass if you like them. Just make sure the gauge is right. Personally, I like DR PURE BLUES on a Precision bass. Crisp highs, thundering lows. Perfection.

Everyone else likes flats. Not me. Too one-trick-pony for my taste. But whatever you dig is what you should use.
 
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#3
FenderB said:
Would like to know what you guys would suggest as a replacement set of strings. I'm new to playing so I don't have a lot of experience with different string sets.
Click to expand...

What's wrong with the ones that came with it? When you can answer that question, then we can help you steer in the right direction.

Meanwhile, don't be so quick to change things up; instead, start where you're at and go from there till you have clear ideas as to what it is you want and need.
 
#4
I have basses that have 10+ year-old strings, so unless you're looking for that super-bright sound, older flats are probably better. I always strung my P-bass ('76 model) with Rotosound 66 because I liked Chris Squire and John Entwistle, but they are very clanky at first, and take a while to break in. If you like flats on a Jazz bass you probably won't like Rotosound Swing Bass strings.
 
#6
FenderB said:
I just bought a 2015 Fender P bass with a Maple fret board and stock strings. Would like to know what you guys would suggest as a replacement set of strings. I'm new to playing so I don't have a lot of experience with different string sets. I have a Fender Jazz with flatwound strings on it and I really like those so I would think something along that line but for a P bass.
Thanks,
Jack
Click to expand...

I'll tell ya, if I was currently in the market for a Precision Bass, I'd go for a set of Sadowsky Black Label flatwounds, gauges .45 - .105. If for any reason I couldn't find the Black Labels, I'd try EBMM Cobalt Flats, or possibly a set of DR Legend flats, same gauge.

MM
 
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#7
I'm flipping pretty big over Dunlop strings lately. Recently got a set of Dunlop flats that are killing on my Precision. Using Super Bright Nickels on my others, and they're great if you want to try rounds, too.
 
#8
JimmyM said:
I'm flipping pretty big over Dunlop strings lately. Recently got a set of Dunlop flats that are killing on my Precision. Using Super Bright Nickels on my others, and they're great if you want to try rounds, too.
Click to expand...
Bah, those are about the only flats I haven't tried yet, JimmyM.

To the OP: it's always a matter of finding the right strings for each bass. Then again, not all strings will match your preferences regarding feel, tension and sound, so it's good to narrow it down a bit. I mostly play flatwounds, and my personal favorites are

- Sadowsky Black label
- LaBella DTB 760 FL, FS or FM
- TI flats (JF344)
- Chromes or Rotos (for a more aggressive/less thumpy flat)
 
#11
Klonk said:
Bah, those are about the only flats I haven't tried yet, JimmyM.

To the OP: it's always a matter of finding the right strings for each bass. Then again, not all strings will match your preferences regarding feel, tension and sound, so it's good to narrow it down a bit. I mostly play flatwounds, and my personal favorites are

- Sadowsky Black label
- LaBella DTB 760 FL, FS or FM
- TI flats (JF344)
- Chromes or Rotos (for a more aggressive/less thumpy flat)
Click to expand...

I don't have experience with the Sadowsky flats (yet) but I agree with the rest of this list. I do think I would put Cobalts on the list if you want an aggressive flat, they really are nice.
 
#12
I previously used cobalt flats for a long time before switching to rounds. Rotosound swing 66's are great when they get broken in but I didn't like how rough they felt, GHS boomers were decent but in the end I found that I like the tension from Ernie Ball Power Slinkys.
 
#13
I have 3 Fender P Basses - I know, I have way too many basses :bassist:

Anyway:
I've tried a lot of strings this is what I currently have:
Mid 2000s MIA P with 62 RI PU - TI Jazz Flats
Mid 2000s MIA P with stock PU - Labella DTFs
2000 MIM P Deluxe with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders, Bridge PU removed - DR Sunbeams

The PUs make a difference in how the strings sound.

I play classic rock and blues, I prefer a non-modern / old school sound. They all sound good for what I do, right now I'm favoring the 62RI PU with the TI Jazz Flats.
 
#14
FenderB said:
I just bought a 2015 Fender P bass with a Maple fret board and stock strings. Would like to know what you guys would suggest as a replacement set of strings. I'm new to playing so I don't have a lot of experience with different string sets. I have a Fender Jazz with flatwound strings on it and I really like those so I would think something along that line but for a P bass.
Thanks,
Jack
Click to expand...

I'm right there with ya. Recently got my first bass ('10 mim P). Put some labella dt flats light gauge (43-104) on it. They've been on a little over a month. I like them but I'm wondering if I should've put 45-105s on it instead since that's what size I assume were on it and what the nut was cut for. The A string isn't snug in its slot. I liked the rounds that came on it but wanted to try flats. Also found them easier I play. Not sure why. I also listened to a lot of different players whose tone I liked. I noticed that Chris Stapleton's bassist used the labellas so I gave them a shot.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. If I were you I'd research some players who use p basses and see what strings they're using. Also, do a search here. There's plenty of info.
 
#15
83Sunburst said:
Recently got my first bass ('10 mim P). Put some labella dt flats light gauge (43-104) on it. They've been on a little over a month. I like them but I'm wondering if I should've put 45-105s on it instead since that's what size I assume were on it and what the nut was cut for.
Click to expand...

Don't worry too much about having strings that are slightly smaller than what the nut is cut for. As far as I'm concerned, the La Bella 760FL (43-104) is better-balanced and easier to play on compared to the 760FS (45-65-85-105).

For something a little more "middle-of-the-road, all-purpose and affordable", I would suggest the Fender 9050CL (45-60-80-105), which are not quite as "old-school" as the La Bellas.
 
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