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Strings for snappy bass sound?

#2
For classic snappy sound my recommendation would be Rotosound 66's. Nickels. I have a set .45 - .105 that have good feel on the two basses I've tried them on. They tarnish and age well too but they should have a few weeks of 'new string edge' to them.
If you want longer lasting new string sound you could try stainless steel 66's, they are slightly scooped sounding, and harsh on the frets (I would not use on a wick or bass with brass fretwire for long) not to mention the fingers.

Some swear by DR, D'Addario, Fender and others. If you want a flatwound string with lots of snap try chromes. they feel great and are bright.
For a day or two the roto 77's I'm using ATM had snap, now they go thump thump, athumity thumpa.:bassist:
 
#4
The word "snappy" makes me think of the sound you get when you pluck hard with your finger tips and let it snap back....if that's what you mean, then I think going a gauge lighter is better for that, like 40-100.

Words describing sounds are so hard to interpret.
 
#6
Hello. Necrobumping n00b here. Just about to ask the same thing. I stumbled upon a set of Rotos '66 35-120...maybe too thin? They're supposed to go on a Squier VM p-bass paired with Nordstrand NP5F pups (on their way)...really looking for that "snap!" on the attack that the stock pups+strings couldn't seem to give me. Also, OT, last time I played it it sounded unusually "nasal", as the mids were boosted way high. Maybe it was the venue, or the mixing guy not too sober, don't know....maybe suggestion, too, but I hope I'm moving in the right direction to get as close as possible to that snappy '57 P sound I have in my ears.
 
#7
Rotos are your best bet for a jazz bass. I've heard people use blue steels but I'm happy with the rotosound swing bass strings right now. Ive tried others and roto swing bass are the way to go for the crisp loud hard biting tone we like. If you like thicker id say check the billy Sheehan strings. They are thicker than the swing bass 66ld that i have.
 
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#9
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This is a link to Rotosounds website.
Check out what the different artists are using. The history is awesome too!!! They have any gauge you can want and explains thier different strings. Hopefully itll give you an idea of what you want. I fell in love ever since getting Rotos on my main bass. Nothing ive tried is louder, heavier, or more articulate than the Rotos.
 
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#11
You know, it sounds very interesting. I think that you'd be able to slap the crap out of these because think of it this way, a piano string has a mallet that strikes each string and the sound is created by literally slapping the string. So a bass you should be able slap really great on those. The sustain should really make an interesting tone. Haven't tried these yet but if I get a deal I'm snagging a set. They just so happen to make them in a gauge I like best.
 
#13
GTHintz said:
You know, it sounds very interesting. I think that you'd be able to slap the crap out of these because think of it this way, a piano string has a mallet that strikes each string and the sound is created by literally slapping the string. So a bass you should be able slap really great on those.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure the source of that info was Mr. So-and-So. After all, it would be such a mechanical limitation that I would expect the manufacturer to highlight that if it was true.
 

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