What strings for a Sterling?

[ColdEye]

So I just purchased an EBMM Sterling, definitely going to need new strings as it's very dead. What are good strings to try? ALL of my basses right now have flats( different kinds too). I just love that thumpy sweet sound. I was looking at the put Nickel Fenders or the GHS balanced ones, they seem interesting. But then again I kind of want to get something on the complete opposite end of the spectrum.

 

[Yahboy]

EB Cobalt Flatwound, growl roundwound voice in flat wounding spec.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I have GHS Boomers on my Sterling. Boomers are my favorite nickel plated roundwounds, because they aren't overly bright, even when they're brand new.

When I want a brighter sound, I use EB Hybrid Slinkys.

 

[BrentSimons]

Hi there,
I've owned several USA Sterlings. Great basses but very hi mid and treble forward. I would recommend a nickel roundwound as @Arthur U. Poon mentioned. GHS Boomers are a great choice to tame that high end but are fairly high tension. One of the issues I had with my Sterlings was keeping the necks straight! I like EB Slinkys, Dunlop Super Brights and have read good things about DR Sunbeams? I use Hi Beams on several of my basses. Lots of choices! And if worse comes to worse you can always turn the treble knob down, right?
Good luck on your tone quest!
Brent

 

[michael_t]

GHS Boomers are a great choice to tame that high end but are fairly high tension. One of the issues I had with my Sterlings was keeping the necks straight!

That would depend on the set. I like the light set, 40-55-75-95, which has the same tension as the TI Jazz Flats at only 140 lbs., not to mention they're nicely balanced across all four strings. What's nice about them is, due to their natural stiffness, they don't feel loose or floppy despite the relatively small gauges.

But again, for taming the highs, GHS Balanced Nickels, being pure nickel on a round core, would be a good choice. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the BN light set (40-101) is 30 lbs. heavier than the Boomer 40-95.

 

[BrentSimons]

That would depend on the set. I like the light set, 40-55-75-95, which has the same tension as the TI Jazz Flats at only 140 lbs., not to mention they're nicely balanced across all four strings. What's nice about them is, due to their natural stiffness, they don't feel loose or floppy despite the relatively small gauges.

But again, for taming the highs, GHS Balanced Nickels, being pure nickel on a round core, would be a good choice. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the BN light set (40-101) is 30 lbs. heavier than the Boomer 40-95.

Absolutely! I've never tried the Boomers in that light gauge. Decisions, decisions,

 

[ColdEye]

Thanks! I have my eyes on the Boomers. After a few days of posting this thread, I tried on a set of Fatbeams. I actually quite like it, If I decide to change it I will try the boomers.

 

[GIBrat51]

After listening to a flat wound comparison video on Youtube (with an MM Stingray) I was impressed with the Galli JF 4505 Jazz Flats. So was the guy doing the comparison test, by the way... So, I put them on my MM 4HH Stingray Special. While several people here have been... less than impressed... with them, quality-wise, I have no complaints at all. However, as far as flats go, They're not at the "other end of the spectrum" from La Bellas or the GHS Precisions - both of which I use (and really like) on other basses. I'd class them more with Fender 9050Ls; modern and middy, but with a little more bottom end. And they are smooth as wet ice; balanced tone-wise; and respond very well to an active bass's pre-amp settings. But, if you really want more highs? Then, yeah; go with rounds - although, IME with Boomers? Great strings - especially on a T-Bird - but not exactly the rounds I think of when I think of "bright". In my limited experience with rounds, "bright" would be DR Sunbeams - or TI Jazz Rounds...

 

[ColdEye]

After listening to a flat wound comparison video on Youtube (with an MM Stingray) I was impressed with the Galli JF 4505 Jazz Flats. So was the guy doing the comparison test, by the way... So, I put them on my MM 4HH Stingray Special. While several people here have been... less than impressed... with them, quality-wise, I have no complaints at all. However, as far as flats go, They're not at the "other end of the spectrum" from La Bellas or the GHS Precisions - both of which I use (and really like) on other basses. I'd class them more with Fender 9050Ls; modern and middy, but with a little more bottom end. And they are smooth as wet ice; balanced tone-wise; and respond very well to an active bass's pre-amp settings. But, if you really want more highs? Then, yeah; go with rounds - although, IME with Boomers? Great strings - especially on a T-Bird - but not exactly the rounds I think of when I think of "bright". In my limited experience with rounds, "bright" would be DR Sunbeams - or TI Jazz Rounds...

Thank you for the detailed response. Jazz rounds is one set of strings I have never tried. I am looking at a fretless now and if I ever go with it I want to try the jazz rounds.