Strings for a '51 P-Bass

[Crusher47]

I currently have D'addario Flats on my '51 style P-Bass and they sound and feel great, however I'm getting a really strange over-tone/clunk on certain frets. It's very hard to describe and although I tried to record it on my phone, it's not really audible. I can alleviate it somewhat by playing closer to the bridge but it's still there and drives me bonkers.

I'm thinking of going with some Roundwounds instead to see if it helps and really leaning towards DR Sunbeams but figured I would ask if anyone has some other recommendations

Thanks in advance!

 

[trothwell]

If you almost like the D'Addario flatwounds, you might consider Fender 9050 flatwounds. Similar to the D'Addarios in many respects, but some believe better.

For roundwounds, lots of good options... I'd suggest trying GHS Balanced Nickels.

 

[Gorn]

A thorough set up would be a better solution than new strings, no? You did say you like them.

 

[michael_t]

I currently have D'addario Flats on my '51 style P-Bass and they sound and feel great, however I'm getting a really strange over-tone/clunk on certain frets.

How old are those D'A Flats? Did you just put them on? Or, have you had them for a while and all of a sudden you started to notice this issue?

 

[2saddleslab]

TI flats on all my string thru slabs. Although I also use them on every other bass too.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Almost sounds like the pickups are too close to the strings

 

[redstrand]

TI flats on all my string thru slabs. Although I also use them on every other bass too.

TI Flats on my '57 Nash P but the 51 in my sig has custom rounds on it, a good set up might do the trick better too

 

[michael_t]

I currently have D'addario Flats on my '51 style P-Bass...

Something I forgot to ask...

'51 style P-bass - does this mean they're strung thru-body? I ask because some flats can get finicky when strung thru-body.

 

[redstrand]

Something I forgot to ask...

'51 style P-bass - does this mean they're strung thru-body? I ask because some flats can get finicky when strung thru-body.

I have labellas that string through and sound great on my T40

 

[2saddleslab]

Something I forgot to ask...

'51 style P-bass - does this mean they're strung thru-body? I ask because some flats can get finicky when strung thru-body.

With over 3 decades of flat wound string thru experience, including GHS [heavy gauge 115 to 55], Pyramid, Fender, LaBella, and TI's, I've never had an issue, ever. I take that back, there was a set of LaBella's where the E string was a bit short and had to order some longer custom made.

 

[Crusher47]

Thanks for the replies so far! I will double-check the setup, pickup height, etc. Yes, string thru body.

 

[Crusher47]

How old are those D'A Flats? Did you just put them on? Or, have you had them for a while and all of a sudden you started to notice this issue?

Brand new strings... I notice it more playing through my Ampeg stack, not so much using a smaller combo amp. I play this bass maybe once per month since the neck is really beefy, so it's not really a priority to get it sorted out, but I do appreciate everyone's help!

 

[gelinas666]

If you almost like the D'Addario flatwounds, you might consider Fender 9050 flatwounds. Similar to the D'Addarios in many respects, but some believe better.

For roundwounds, lots of good options... I'd suggest trying GHS Balanced Nickels.

If you almost like the D'Addario flatwounds, you might consider Fender 9050 flatwounds. Similar to the D'Addarios in many respects, but some believe better.

For roundwounds, lots of good options... I'd suggest trying GHS Balanced Nickels.

9050 L's on my MIJ Fender. '51.. Work great for me..

 

[Dr. Love]

I have DR Legend flats on my 51 reissue.

 

[Burwabit]

Mine had Ken Smith Compressor strings and I loved them. Kind of half round half flat. Great tone on the 51. Only bass I ever had them on.

 

[Dub56]

Sunbeams are excellent if you decide to go for rounds. Probably the string I use most of anything.

They're a pretty low-tension string, so I'd keep that in mind. Some really like it, some don't. If you prefer higher tension but like the Sunbeams, you could try one of the DR Hex Core sets as well (Nickel Lo Riders etc.)

 

[michael_t]

Mine had Ken Smith Compressor strings and I loved them. Kind of half round half flat. Great tone on the 51. Only bass I ever had them on.

Just to clarify for the OP...

Ken Smith Compressors are basically re-branded GHS Pressurewounds, which are nickel-iron alloy (aka Alloy 52) "rollerwound" (round wrap wire compressed to an oval shape). Their basic tonal quality is more round-ish than flat-ish, except with meatier and punchier lows and less of the zing up top compared to typical rounds.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Just to clarify for the OP...

Ken Smith Compressors are basically re-branded GHS Pressurewounds, which are nickel-iron alloy (aka Alloy 52) "rollerwound" (round wrap wire compressed to an oval shape). Their basic tonal quality is more round-ish than flat-ish, except with meatier and punchier lows and less of the zing up top compared to typical rounds.

I was going to suggest trying the GHS Pressurewounds. I love flats but I have these on my '56 Warmoth build and think they play and sound great with the Fralin Split '51 pickup in the bass.

 

[Marikk]

 

[bearfoot]

I doubt this is string-related.

My guess is dead spot(s), setup (neck relief?), or frets not level.