Top 10 list for Fender J bass strings

[PeaveyPlayer]

I’d go for six of the seven in the list @PeaveyPlayer posted and put these at the top of that list;


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Good throw in!

 

[DavidEdenAria]

OP here ...given the scooped nature of J Fender basses in general I was curious about top choices but I thought maybe a consensus at talk bass would shed light on this topic.... There have been many times I preferred a P bass in a recorded mix and live...otoh I've heard many J basses live that the sound fit and others that J basses almost seemed lost in the mix....lots of variables no doubt SO I conclude the variables must be string choice OR maybe some are using the series mode of the 2 J pickups?

 

[Geri O]

Who would be in charge of making such a list?

A string retailer? That would make most sense. Seems like a list from anywhere or anyone else would be just a guess.

 

[GIBrat51]

I'm looking for the top strings for J basses as far as sales, is there such a list?
I assume rounds would sell the most as they are replaced more regularly but what are the top consumer choices for Fender J bass in general? Thanks in advance!

Well...
Being the eccentric old fart that I am, my answer would be "Only one kind of strings for a Jazz Bass. The flats that they were shipped from the factory with, until 1978." Those would have been Squier String Co.'s Light Flats - which, of course, you can't get any more - unless you find a stray, NOS set on eBay. At a price that would make you... reluctant... to use them. Fortunately, though, 3 guys that used to work for Squier strings formed their own company, when Squier closed down. Their initials are G-H-S. And, their #3020 Precision Flats are pretty much clones of those Squier Light Flats. So, if I owned a Jazz Bass (which I have no intention of doing)? It would have a set of those GHS P-Flats under the mute in it's bridge cover. Just like my '78 Fender P-Bass has them under the mute in it's bridge cover. P-Basses wore those Squier flats from the factory, until 1982...

 

[DavidEdenAria]

Assuming the majority of J-bass players are NOT on TalkBass, I would guess D'Addario XL Nickels, Ernie Ball Slinkys and Fender 7250 are the top three as just about every music store carry them in stock. Followed by a variety of DR offerings, ie Hi Beams, Sunbeams, Pure Blues and Lo-Riders (both stainless and nickel).

Ho

Who would be in charge of making such a list?

A string retailer? That would make most sense. Seems like a list from anywhere or anyone else would be just a guess.

Maybe a survey here at talk bass? At least members can share their findings so we have a basis for why certain brands are preferred?

 

[DavidEdenAria]

Assuming the majority of J-bass players are NOT on TalkBass, I would guess D'Addario XL Nickels, Ernie Ball Slinkys and Fender 7250 are the top three as just about every music store carry them in stock. Followed by a variety of DR offerings, ie Hi Beams, Sunbeams, Pure Blues and Lo-Riders (both stainless and nickel).

Ho

Who would be in charge of making such a list?

A string retailer? That would make most sense. Seems like a list from anywhere or anyone else would be just a guess.

Maybe a survey here at talk bass? At least members can share their findings so we have a basis for why certain brands are preferred

Well...
Being the eccentric old fart that I am, my answer would be "Only one kind of strings for a Jazz Bass. The flats that they were shipped from the factory with, until 1978." Those would have been Squier String Co.'s Light Flats - which, of course, you can't get any more - unless you find a stray, NOS set on eBay. At a price that would make you... reluctant... to use them. Fortunately, though, 3 guys that used to work for Squier strings formed their own company, when Squier closed down. Their initials are G-H-S. And, their #3020 Precision Flats are pretty much clones of those Squier Light Flats. So, if I owned a Jazz Bass (which I have no intention of doing)? It would have a set of those GHS P-Flats under the mute in it's bridge cover. Just like my '78 Fender P-Bass has them under the mute in it's bridge cover. P-Basses wore those Squier flats from the factory, until 1982...

I do like GHS Precision flats I have them on a modded Bronco but I struggle with flats on a 34 scale due to tension...I like GHS Pressure Wounds as well on another shorty but the tension thing is deal breaker on 34 scale involving other than rounds....I have studied TI flats on 34 scale but cost is a factor.

 

[Kenny056]

While I have no insights on sales numbers, I can tell you that all 4 of my Jazzes have DR Lo Riders on them right now. Ive been happy with lots of different strings over the years, but these just seem to be hitting my ear just right at the moment.

 

[Kyle_S]

OP here ...given the scooped nature of J Fender basses in general I was curious about top choices but I thought maybe a consensus at talk bass would shed light on this topic.... There have been many times I preferred a P bass in a recorded mix and live...otoh I've heard many J basses live that the sound fit and others that J basses almost seemed lost in the mix....lots of variables no doubt SO I conclude the variables must be string choice OR maybe some are using the series mode of the 2 J pickups?

I really like GHS Boomers on a Jazz. To my ears at least they bring back some of the mids you lose with both pickups on full.

 

[smatanovic]

Even though a jazz bass was my first instrument, I've never really loved the tone. It's either quacky and annoying (think Jaco on the bridge pickup; love his virtuosity, HATE his tone) or spanky and excessively bright. I put TI flats on it a few months ago, and I've found them to be excellent for my needs.

 

[dpaulb]

Pyramid Gold flat wounds on my Vintera '60s and GHS Super Steels on my American Professional II.

 

[wncBass]

DR sunbeams for rounds and Labella low tension flats for flat wounds.