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What strings do I need??? Please help

coldwar1977

coldwar1977

Aug 1, 2012
62
10
49
Belgium
#1
Hi there!
Lately I've bought me a Lakland P-bass. I love the way it plays and feels, and overall it's a much better instrument than my old Squier P.
But!! I really hate the original strings on it (stainless steels): they're far too zingy and clanky for my taste. I always play with a plectrum and that enhances the zinginess even more. Far too much overtones. I don't like that, I want MORE of the root note, if you know what I mean.

I've always used D'Addario XL 55-105 roundwounds on my Squier, but I must say that I only start to like them when they're well played in and after their initial "brilliance" is gone. Let's say, after a few months or so.

Now here's my question: I'm looking for strings that sound like moderately worn roundwounds, but right out of the package. Does such a thing exist?? (Some people advised me to try out flatwounds, but I'm not too sure that would work out since I ONLY play with pick)

Would halfrounds be the answer??
I really like the D'Addario brand, would they have the right string for me in their range of products?

Any help is appreciated!!
 
#4
Don't be afraid of flats and a pick... up through the mid 1960s, that was pretty much the norm. (think Beatles, Stones, etc.)

D'addario Chromes sound like they'd suit you well... they still pack a decent punch like you'd get from a roundwound, but without tons of brightness and zingy overtones.

They usually run about $30.
 
#8
you are describing a compression wound/half round. with them, you get the best of both worlds - solid fat fundamental and smoothness of flats with the brightness, punch, and cut of a roundwound without the harshness - they are the most versatile strings i've ever used. i use ken smith slick rounds but d'addario half rounds would be a good choice if you are looking for something in their line. i also use d'addario chromes and think they are a great string if you are looking for a traditional flat. either work well with a pick.

here are the demo videos for both:

half rounds
 
#9
Man, you must have some strong hands with gauges like that! You could always stay with those and let them age to your liking. Or you could try compression wounds. These sound like aged rounds to me. Examples of these are GHS Pressurewounds, Ken Smith Compressors, SIT Silencers, and Rotosound Solo Bass 55. Half or ground wounds are, like the name implies, strings that have been ground down. I tried to like them but they just didn't sound right to me and did not age well like flats do. Of course, ymmv. Good luck!
 
#10
Fender flats 9050. They are steel, not chrome, so they growl when you want them to, like a settled in set of rounds. They last forever. They are consistent both across the fingerboard and up the neck. They do great with a pick.
 
#11
GHS pressurewounds. They feel and sound more like rounds (rather than flats) but you won't be disturbed by the zing and clank anymore. IMHO.
On the other hand conversion to flats will make a big difference in your sound. They also feel different.
If I had two P basses I would put flats (TI's) on one of them and in your case GHS Pressurewounds on the other.
 
#13
I don't think you are saying you want the sound of flats. Yes, it is a great sound, but very different from what you are playing now.

I might suggest the DR Sunbeams - a very mellow roundwound string with a great sound right out of the box.

I have tried 2 different types of half-rounds or pressure rounds and really don't like them - sound or feel. Just my 2 cents.
 
#14
Wow guys, thanx everyone for so much help!! I really appreciate it.

@Bassamatic: you're right. I'm not after real flatwounds I think. I love their warm sound for classic rock and vintage styles, but they're just not right for the music style I'm playing (new wave/postpunk/punk). I need the sound and aggression of roundwounds, but without the harshness of a brandnew set.

From the suggestions I read here, I think I'll definitely need to try out some compression wounds/pressurewounds first. The description nails what I was trying to say!!
 
#15
I'd recommend either the Labella 760QM or 760 QL quarter-wounds or if you can handle the lower tension try a set of Thomastik Jazz Rounds...they will be the sound you want straight up, but they are a very low-tension floppy feeling string.
 
#16
coldwar1977 said:
Wow guys, thanx everyone for so much help!! I really appreciate it.

@Bassamatic: you're right. I'm not after real flatwounds I think. I love their warm sound for classic rock and vintage styles, but they're just not right for the music style I'm playing (new wave/postpunk/punk). I need the sound and aggression of roundwounds, but without the harshness of a brandnew set.

From the suggestions I read here, I think I'll definitely need to try out some compression wounds/pressurewounds first. The description nails what I was trying to say!!
Click to expand...


Tough to go wrong with that style of string if what you're looking for is something to get away from the zing and harshness of certain rounds but want something that has more tonal variability than most flats.

I've been playing a set of GHS Pressure Wounds on my Jazz Bass for over a year and I can honestly they're the best sounding and playing string I've ever had on that style of bass.
 

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