Versatile Strings?

[jbluesbass91]

I need a set of strings that can work for many different types of music. I play blues, jazz (jazz band), funk (fingerstyle and slapping), and rock. I have tried Ernie Ball Super Slinkys, (ok) D'addario Nickel Rounds, and I am currently using D'addario Chromes. I like the flatwound sound on big band jazz and blues music. For rock and funk though I feel like I need to use a brighter set of roundwounds. The strings will be strung up on a 1991 Precision Bass Plus.

 

[mmbongo]

Well to me it's pretty much impossible for flats to sound anything like rounds. However, with rounds you can just roll the treble down and you have that lifeless tone of flats. Just my opinion and experience, mind you.

So, a good set of nickel rounds is the way to go, like DR or Circle K.

 

[jbluesbass91]

Currently I am struggling between getting DR or D'Addario. Which would be the most versatile between those two?

 

[mmbongo]

I wouldn't call one more versatile than the other. I like DR's over D'Add's because they feel better, sound better, and last longer.

 

[darkstorm]

Versatility is more in the basses pup blending and eq options. Strings dont provide myriads of diff sounds like various pup blends and 2-3 band preamp settings tweaks. I dislike daddarios sound, so would quickly vote for DR sunbeams, neons, or perhaps cool blues or red devils.

 

[mdogs]

I would give the DR Fat Beams a try, they have a big fat smooth sound.

 

[Not Okay]

DR Marcus Miller's...metal and hip-hop on one bass.

 

[groooooove]

not flatwounds.

 

[Darkstrike]

not flatwounds.

I can't think of a single type of music I couldn't/didn't play with flats.



That said, it's a hard decision for the OP, seeing as he like both round and flats for different settings, maybe TI's, they're even brighter than Chromes for flats.

Or in the other direction, some especially dark rounds?

 

[geoff_in_nc]

I'm no expert on strings by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I love my DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams. They just sound really well balanced to me.

 

[Catbuster]

Rotosound RS77 flats can be very agressive, but should you roll of the tone knob, can be mellow, but will still be slightly brighter than other flats.

I personally like EB Hybrid Slinkies. Nice and warm, but have a nice midrange cut that can be dulled with the tone knob.

 

[DannDubblewe]

Hey, this is just my experience, but Ken Smith Slick Rounds offer the thump and fatness of flatwounds and the awesome snap/ brightness of roundwounds. Seriously. They aren't too expensive (<$30 @ juststrings.com) and really do deliver in this area. FWIW/ IME and all that jazz!