Over the years, I've played / tried most everything out there. I came to the conclusion I'm a nickel/roundwound guy. They'll sound like flats soon enough, so that rules out Chromes or Brite Flats (why would I pay extra to have the manufacturer kill them when I can reliably do it at no additional cost !). Stainless or other uber-Bright strings were TOO bright at first. So generally I'm fine with Boomers or XL's, though I do like the Balanced Nickels . . . except it finally dawned on me it felt strange that the G seemed as stiff as Low B. I'm old enough I confuse easily . . .
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What is your favorite all-around string, and why?
- Thread starter Dan_reeves
- Start date
It depends on where and what I am playing, both the set and the bass. I like the DR Black Beauties, DR Flats, and the D’Addario Nickel Rounds. I used GHS Boomers for years and will still use them in a pinch. They are all good quality strings. It just depends on what sound you are trying to get.
These. I rarely get a bad one and most importantly the gauges are exactly what I want.
My go to string for some years now. Well balanced tone and they hold their tone for quite a while.
No brainer for me;
T.I. Jazz Flats
I have them on two basses currently, one tuned to EADG, the other to CFA#D# (5 banger set tuned up)
If you play stoner or heavy stuff with a tube amp vintage tone down in C, these are the best for me.
T.I. Jazz Flats
I have them on two basses currently, one tuned to EADG, the other to CFA#D# (5 banger set tuned up)
If you play stoner or heavy stuff with a tube amp vintage tone down in C, these are the best for me.
I have been using Cobalt Flats for two and a half years(started playing bass in’77). I will let you know about the Cobalts when they break in lol.
Actually I’m really impressed with the Cobalt Flats. At first touch they felt different from every string I’ve ever played. They seemed to be just the right texture and feel that i wanted and sounded great. They sounded and felt the same two weeks later, no break in period noticed. Excellent tone!
Actually I’m really impressed with the Cobalt Flats. At first touch they felt different from every string I’ve ever played. They seemed to be just the right texture and feel that i wanted and sounded great. They sounded and felt the same two weeks later, no break in period noticed. Excellent tone!
A perfect blend of what I need (roundwound tone without zingy brightness) and what I want (smoother feel with less finger noise).
GHS pressure wounds!!! Can do the flat sound as well as the round sound...love them on my pbass..
If I fully committed myself to those I’d be happy I’m sure. But even after 6 months straight I SEVERELY missed my bridge cables.
if I had to use only one string brand/type for life, I'm pretty sure it would be 1) flat, and 2) low tension. So that leaves Tis and Labella Flexible Flats. See I can't do just one.
Those are fairly rare but GC used to sell them in the 90s and there was something magical about them.
- Jan 1, 2014
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- Decendant from the Clovis culture. "Emitting that wonderful bass effect since 1970".
I've always been rather partial to the D string myself, but I must admit I've seen a few really nice G strings.
La Bella 750N Black Nylon Tapewounds. Through a piezo pickup. Full, rich, punchy, clear and smooth. 
Roto 99s. I kind of "graduated" from Roto 66s to these. Same brightness, growl and warmth, but more snap and longer life. I hypothesize it's because the exposed core at the bridge doesn't collect grime as easily, or I've just been too busy recently to play it as much. 
Flats - kinds of torn between GHS P-flats and Roto J-flats (heh). Rich "chocolatey" thump vs. a bit twangier thump.
Flats - kinds of torn between GHS P-flats and Roto J-flats (heh). Rich "chocolatey" thump vs. a bit twangier thump.
3-way tie... DR Pure Blues, DR Sunbeams, GHS Pressurewounds. It depends which bass they're going on.
Regular 45-105 strings feel like bridge cables to me. After years of TIs, my fretting and my plucking is so light. It takes barely any effort.
Kalium Hybrids - the gauges I want, feel and tone I enjoy, long lasting clarity, tapered low string.
Flats: DR Legends – fat, mid-range punch similar to the original, stock Fender flats you hear on a lot of 60s recordings. Sound great on a Jazz.
Rounds: DR Hi Beams – Bright & scooped with super supple tension and a silky smooth feel.
Rounds: DR Hi Beams – Bright & scooped with super supple tension and a silky smooth feel.
Right now I'm trying out the Pressure wounds. They seem to be a very universal string. But, much like me, jack of all trades, master of none.
