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Strings for playing Jazz
- Thread starter SugarBearonBass
- Start date
Your question is way too vague and general...
Can you give some specific examples of what kind of sound you're trying to emulate?
Can you give some specific examples of what kind of sound you're trying to emulate?
It truly doesn't matter.
Jazz is a genre, where musicians are encouraged and respected for coming up with their own signature sound.
Rounds, flats, nickel, steel, fretted, fretless, 4 string, 5 string, 6 string... Jazz bassists have been successful with any and all of these combinations.
The only tonal preference I have ever encountered in jazz, is that some band members absolutely demand an upright acoustic bass. But within the sub-group of band leaders who are welcoming of electric bass guitarists, they all seem completely open minded about what kind of string I use. I've never been asked to use a specific type of string for a jazz gig. The only thing jazz band leaders seem to care about is upright vs. bass guitar.
Jazz is a genre, where musicians are encouraged and respected for coming up with their own signature sound.
Rounds, flats, nickel, steel, fretted, fretless, 4 string, 5 string, 6 string... Jazz bassists have been successful with any and all of these combinations.
The only tonal preference I have ever encountered in jazz, is that some band members absolutely demand an upright acoustic bass. But within the sub-group of band leaders who are welcoming of electric bass guitarists, they all seem completely open minded about what kind of string I use. I've never been asked to use a specific type of string for a jazz gig. The only thing jazz band leaders seem to care about is upright vs. bass guitar.
Plus, jazz bass or active eq bass with humbuckers. More of the latter. Dont see p basses though. Not clean enough of a sound.
I've found Rotosound 88 tapewound strings and Thomastik Infeld flatwound strings can get more in that sound territory than other strings I've tried. I'm sure it depends on the bass too.
Honestly? My advice would be just get an upright, if that's the sound you're after.
(I don't mean that in a snarky or dismissive way. It's meant as sincere advice. Learning jazz is really, really, really hard so you might as well take your time and pursue your dreams fully.)
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