Unhappy with Dunlop SB Steels - Alternatives anyone?

Yes to the Round Core Boomers.

 

Everything mentioned so far (especially the Boomers) is going to be much stiffer/less flexible than the SuperBrights, so you may want to go down a gauge to keep things even.

 

Hard Rockin' Steels (now LaBella Stainless...not the RX series) are awesome and VERY underrated. DR Pure Blues were a very pleasant surprise for me, as they sounded really balanced and lively right out of the pack, and were even more flexible than the LaBellas. They were only missing some hi-mids, but lasted a long time, for a non-coated string. I'd give them a try, and if they're not aggressive enough, then go back to the HRS.

I haven't heard good things about the LaBella RX strings...supposedly really weak compared to the regular stainless (formerly HRS).

 

You can try Marcus Miller's Dunlop Super Brights. They will give you more of the oomph you are looking for.

 

I'd be very much interested in your assessment on them. So, please do report back how they work out for you.

I have a custom set of the regular hex-core Boomers (45-60-80-105) to try on my P first, then the RC Boomers are next on my list.

 

I'm a SB convert and I'm real particular about my steel rounds. I suggest playing with your EQ, etc. to dial them in. Far and above, the best steel rounds I've ever tried and I've tried a LOT!

 

I use SIT Power Wounds....great strings. I use them on 2 of my basses.

 

Great feel/response. What do you mean by flexible?

 

Maybe you should try a set of light gauge D'Addario Chromes. They are very comfortable to play and give a nice bright clean sound. They might just be what you are looking for.

 

This! I've used D'addarios for 5 years and I love them. OP are you looking for rounds or flats?

 

I've used D'Addario ProSteels for the past 7 years and I've never felt the need to try anything else. I've tried others before and to me these have the best combination of both feel and sound. Most other brands I've tried seemed to lack one or the other.

I also have a set of FlexSteels that I really love as well. They are a good bit lower tension than the original PS, so they feel even better to me

 

Sounds like you are describing Ernie Ball Cobalts to a tee for what you are looking for. Definitely give them a try.

 

You could try D'Addario nickels which is what I use on my jazz bass (and the tone is perfect with those)or the Ernie ball colbalts like jwilson67 suggested. Personally, I would go with D'Addarios.

 

One of the things the OP said he wanted also is flexibility. Having played both the XL's and Cobalts the latter are going to give a bit more flexibility IMO and they are very responsive to touch.

Can't beat the D'Addarios as an industry standard though and they'll give nice clean top and balanced sound.

 

I tried a set of Pro Steels a couple years ago. Generally, I liked their feel and tone except for one thing - they were actually a little too bright for me - the word I kept using to describe them was "brittle". But if they work for you, then great.