Strings For Fretless?

[nittanyfan025]

Hey Guys, My fretless bass currently has stock roundwounds on it...they seem to be making indentations on the ebanol fingerboard. Should i get Flatwounds, because ive heard they are easier on the fretboard.

Do any of you know what the best kind of strings are for fretless basses? in terms of sound, and durability? Thanks!

 

[Mystic Michael]

If your bass has an ebanol board, then you really needn't worry about using any type of strings your little heart desires. Frankly, I'm surprised you're getting even indentations, because ebanol is super hard stuff. Superficial scratches should be the absolute extent of it...

As to recommendations for strings, you're gonna have to narrow things down for our resident experts here, because opinions vary hugely about what is "best" (i.e. best according to what specific criteria?). Likewise, longevity varies greatly from one make/model of string to another.

Personally, I prefer roundwounds for fretless, because I love the lively, modern "mwah" sound that they make possible. Currently playing DR Fat Beams on my fretless with epoxied board, and loving 'em.

More traditionally-minded cats swear by flatwounds or tapewounds - and each has his preferred brand. Go figure.

MM

 

[yellofury]

If your bass has an ebanol board, then you really needn't worry about using any type of strings your little heart desires. Frankly, I'm surprised you're getting even indentations, because ebanol is super hard stuff. Superficial scratches should be the absolute extent of it...

As to recommendations for strings, you're gonna have to narrow things down for our resident experts here, because opinions vary hugely about what is "best" (i.e. best according to what specific criteria?). Likewise, longevity varies greatly from one make/model of string to another.

Personally, I prefer roundwounds for fretless, because I love the lively, modern "mwah" sound that they make possible. Currently playing DR Fat Beams on my fretless with epoxied board, and loving 'em.

More traditionally-minded cats swear by flatwounds or tapewounds - and each has his preferred brand. Go figure.

MM

+1 I started on flats for fretless but I wasn't get the tone I wanted
It sounded deep and uprighty but I wanted more Pino and Jaco
not Mingus.
it came to the point of which was more important to me

protecting my fingerboard or tone? I chose tone and put Rotosound rounds which are pretty harsh even on fretted basses but the zing it makes on fretless is priceless. Its an SX fretless mind you but even if it was a US Sabre or Stingray I would still use rounds

 

[LaklandBass]

Ive got two fretless basses. One uses Daddario nickel rounds and the other is still stock for now but ive got some TI flats coming. You could always try the daddario half rounds which sound amazing but after using a set I came to the realization that they dont play all too well. very abbrasive on the left hand.

 

[powerbass]

I can't speak to the round wounds but I have TI Jazz Flats and they are some very nice strings - low tension and have a nice balance between mellow and bright.

 

[nittanyfan025]

Thanks for the responses...heres the thing with my bass, the fretboard has what looks like little scratches on the ebanol after about 4 months of having the bass, but you can feel the scratches too, theyre not just visible. So, im not sure if this is a problem or not. As of now i havent noticed it affecting the sound but i expect it will get worse.

Anyway, i think im going to give flats a try, and keep rounds on my cheap p-bass.