D'Addario get a good rep:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Bass-Guitar-Strings-Intonation/dp/B0002H04NE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=1BYR6KZ0B02V0&keywords=d'addario+45-100&qid=1700755470&sprefix=d'addario+45-100%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
Ernie Ball too:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ernie-Ball-Regular-Slinky-Nickel/dp/B0002M6BDQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=24MSWAEIL88XO&keywords=sit%2Bbass%2Bstrings&qid=1700755620&sprefix=sit%2Bbass%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-17&th=1&psc=1
Wow, the mythical Tayste 2000. All we need now is fellow OG, Toasted, and the thread is complete.
I'm currently using Pure Nickel strings which are a little brighter than flatwounds but very close.
Get yourself a new set of strings and I think you'll hear the difference immediately.
Here you go:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rotosound-Nickel-Hybrid-Roundwound-Strings/dp/B001PKLKC6/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?crid=AVUNBWXRYGVE&keywords=bass+strings&qid=1700583349&sprefix=bass+strings%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-15
I believe what I'm after is a combination of the Blueberry and Spark Booster.
The Blueberry was so close to what I wanted but it was dark and extremely difficult to brighten up or add some clarity.
That's much easier on the Spark Booster but I feel that the SB never gets as valve-like has the Blueberry. The breakup sounds more natural too.
I had a CIC Inca Silver Jazz too. Solid bass but way overhyped for what they were.
The 40th Anniversary models were(are) superb. I went into purchase what I thought would be a US model or Custom Shop Precision but the Squier was just as well built, played just as nicely and sounded phenomenal.
The Beta seems a little too dark for my liking.
I want to take my original signal but add minimal colour to it - just make it more valve like.
Has anyone tried the EHX Hot Tubes, Way Huge Pork Loin, Jam Lucy Dreamer or One Control Blackberry?
I run a fairly basic rig to get more of an old school tone. Precision with flats into a Polytune, Spark Booster and then into a MarkBass combo. I also use a Radial DI box.
I'm looking for edge of breakup/very low gain valve tones. Is there anything out there that beats the Spark Booster for this?
I have tried:
Xotic BB Bass Preamp
SolidGold Beta Mk II
Bearfoot Blueberry
Phat Phuk B
Way Huge Green Rhino
The Spark Booster is the one I've always preferred. I predominantly use it on the 'clean' setting.