Strings for FAT Precision tone

[pepito666]

Hi. I'm sure this topic has been discussed before. I've used the search function but only found threads from years ago, so let's try again.

I have a Fender Precision that I really like, but I want a thicker, fuller sound. I've already changed the pickups and raised the action. Even so, I'd like it to sound a bit fuller, and it might be because of the strings. I'm using Elixir Nickel 105s, which are quite bright strings. I'd like you to recommend some roundwound strings that bring out a lot of bass and body. I don't want flatwound strings. I have another Precision with flats, and I want this one with rounds to play rock. I like medium to high tension. Thanks in advance, and best regards.

 

[dougjwray]

Try GHS Boomers, maybe. And the regular ones are stiffer than the newer round core version.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

I've used Rotosounds Roto Bass nickel-plated rounds a lot, and I think they'll answer your call. Cheaper than their Swing Bass, and last a lot longer, I find.

 

[e-flat]

DR Low Rider Nickel strings will bring some low mids that will thicken up a P Bass.

 

[michael_t]

My two favorite roundwound for bringing the low-mid punch and warmth out of a P bass...

SIT Power Wound Nickels
DR Nickel Lo-Riders

 

[Mighty Thumb]

A third vote for DR Nickel Lo-Riders here.

 

[Gervais Cote]

My two favorite roundwound for bringing the low-mid punch and warmth out of a P bass...

SIT Power Wound Nickels
DR Nickel Lo-Riders

+1 for the SIT and as a bonus, they are soft for the fingers.

 

[tzohn]

GHS Big Core Bass. Not sure if they still produce them under a new name but I guess there must be shops that still stock them.
Nice teal color silks and high tension for sure.

 

[michael_t]

GHS Big Core Bass. Not sure if they still produce them under a new name but I guess there must be shops that still stock them.
Nice teal color silks and high tension for sure.

They've been LONG gone! Good luck finding any old stock.

 

[dougjwray]

I suggested GHS Boomers, but should have added DR Nickel Lo Riders, which several other people have already suggested.

 

[BOOG]

Hi. I'm sure this topic has been discussed before. I've used the search function but only found threads from years ago, so let's try again.

I have a Fender Precision that I really like, but I want a thicker, fuller sound. I've already changed the pickups and raised the action. Even so, I'd like it to sound a bit fuller, and it might be because of the strings. I'm using Elixir Nickel 105s, which are quite bright strings. I'd like you to recommend some roundwound strings that bring out a lot of bass and body. I don't want flatwound strings. I have another Precision with flats, and I want this one with rounds to play rock. I like medium to high tension. Thanks in advance, and best regards.

Have you tried DR Pure Blues or GHS Boomers?

 

[socknroll1]

Maybe the same strings but thicker gauge, plus turning up the low-mids on your amp.

 

[FullumMusic]

It's always tricky to translate terms like "Fat tone" into actual frequency response curve because everyone might define fat differently. My guess is you want more bass even though you like bright strings? Sounds like you possibly want a scooped tone with lots of lows & highs? Correct my assumption if needed.

All other things being equal:

- The thicker the string, the more the tone shifts towards the fundamental frequency. You get more low end and more low end clarity.

- The thicker the string, the tighter it needs to be to play the same note, so that should add some stiffness too. (Think of it like this: Tuning your E string and A string to the same note, the E will be tighter and the A will be looser.)

- Nickle is warmer than nickle-plated is warmer than stainless-steel.

The tricky bit is it's kinda impossible to keep all the other variables equal, especially across different brands or even different string types within brands. A bass string isn't just a long wire. It's a core, with one or more wire wound around the core. The diameter and shape of the core change things. The diameter and shape of the winding wire change things. The metal changes things. Different recipes for the same metal changes things. Theres probably a dozen other characteristics that come into play.

So i can't just say any thicker gauge string will give you what you want. But, a good starting point to limit the variables is, if there's a specific string you like the feel and brightness of already, start with getting the thickest version of those. It'll limit how many other things that affect tone change other than the gauge. You'll see what changing just the gauge does and go from there if you don't like them.

Another option is to scoop the EQ on your amp a few dB. Maybe a bit of low-mid boost too? (I am a big fan of having the tone you want from the bass and not fixing it with EQ, leaving the EQ to adjust for the audio-situation. But it's an option.)

 

[Chicken Wing]

Daddario 105s to me are fat. Or flats.

 

[mambo4]

I Never think of changing strings, so take this all with a grain of salt :

When I want what I think of as FAT, I reach for my preamp and boost low mids between 250-500 Hz

Did you exhaust non-string FAT options?

• turn the tone knob down
• pluck near the neck not the bridge
• turn up and pluck with a lighter touch

The real way to science out what FAT is to you is with a parametric EQ or a notch filter
Sweep a frequency boost / notch across the spectrum
until you hear the FAT you seek, and note the exact Frequency
That can help you make more informed decisions going forward

 

[dfp]

DR Fat Beams?

 

[CrimsonGhost]

Labella super polished!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Technique and turn the knobs on the amp. I’d try those first because they are free

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

What is your amp setup? P bass is so simple, with the right amp you can make a P strung with rubber bands sound good.

 

[MCS4]

I've played a million different sets of rounds and can't say I could identify any of them as providing a "thicker, fuller sound" specifically. I would be thinking EQ changes at the amp or pedal level first, maybe some type of additional preamp or colored compressor second, and then possibly a pickup change last.