• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

(Tonally) Dark Strings

I consider DR Black Beauties to be relatively dark for roundwound strings. I also consider La Bella Tapewounds relatively dark. I've used both to tame down basses that were overly bright (i.e. stingray and G&L 2500 tribute). Right now I'm using Optima gold strings on my main bass and they are relatively dark as well plus seem to last forever (for round wounds).
Other than that I guess the right flats would be darker yet. I've only tried one set of flats (Chromes) and found them to be brighter than my Black Beauties, Tape wounds and Optimas. YMMV
 
Some flatwounds will give you a very dark tone. D'Addario Chromes are on the brighter end of flats... The others will give you a deeper darker thumpier tone.

Also Black Nylon Tapewounds. Although, like the flats, some are brighter than others.
Ya, Fender tapewounds might as well be rounds the way they sound.

The old Fender flats and Rotosound tapewounds are the darkest strings I've ever used. But apparently they don't make the Fender flats like they used to.
 
Rotosound tapewounds


Unfortunately with my "status" on the board I am restricted to speaking praises for any particular brand...

But I would say the tone of the Rotosounds are probably the thumpiest most tubby sounding of the Tapes and I play these personally.

I have another instrument that has a set of LaBella tapewounds and while they do sound awesome, they are surprisingly bright.