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Which Strings to Tame the Zing

FirewalZ

FirewalZ

Aug 14, 2014
3,766
7,357
S.E. Michigan
#1
Long time reader, first post:)
I recently had my 77 Jazz (not a reissue) re-fretted and the guy talked me into stainless steel frets.
They did a great job, however I swear I hear a lot more string noise, clacking and high end zing. Anyway, looking for a string set to chill out the highs without losing the mid range growl and punch. Ive tried Chromes, but they are to bright, at least initially.
 
#2
GHS Precision flats tamed my bass more than any other strings I've tried, though if you have a really bright bass then you may notice some brittle & aggressive sounding top end around 10k or so. Pure nickel roundwounds may work as well, if you want to maintain more sustain & overtones while still sounding warm & mellow. I haven't tried any pure nickel flats yet but I imagine they are the most tame strings that you can get.

Also, installing a series/parallel switch on your bass may be the easiest solution to your issue. I really love my P/J bass in series mode, super fat and growly.
 
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#7
Thanks, i had read a lot on TB about the Labella's and are on my list to try. I also like low action and with the 70's maple neck am getting a massive grind. Its not bad really, I'm just looking to roll it back a bit so i don't have to jack the strings up too high.
 
#10
Let the Chromes settle in, IMO. I moved to flats to tame the high end on my Ric, and settled on Chromes after trying a few different sets.

At first I thought they were too brittle, but around the 1 month mark they became the exact tone in my head, growling low mid with just enough clank. I preferred the tension of Roto 77s, but they died TOO dead, if you catch my meaning.
 
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#12
+1 for black beauties, used it several times, great strings, very smooth, lasts forever, no clicks, fantastic look, the only thing is noticeable slides sound. Nylonwounds overcome all such problems, though they give another sound (which personally I like much better)
 
#16
FirewalZ said:
Long time reader, first post:)
I recently had my 77 Jazz (not a reissue) re-fretted and the guy talked me into stainless steel frets.
They did a great job, however I swear I hear a lot more string noise, clacking and high end zing. Anyway, looking for a string set to chill out the highs without losing the mid range growl and punch. Ive tried Chromes, but they are to bright, at least initially.
Click to expand...

I thought i would re-visit this since i was able to "tame the zing".
So like i said, my Bass has "bright" all over it, 70's Jazz, maple FB, ash body, brass nut, SS frets. The first thing i did was to put an older set of Bartolini's back on it, they were bought back in the 80's and had been on the bass previously, I immediately noticed more bottom and low mids. The next thing i did was to try a set of pure nickel 7150M's (based on other TB comments) and BOOM, no more harshness. I tried this set up for the first time at a gig last night. I really like the 7150's, very warm and can totally nail a classic tone, the brittle highs were gone. IMO, they do seem to have a softer sound and a bit less volume, but they were perfect when coupled with an old Fender and a "Classic" rock gig.
 

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