Shobaleader One Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 Hi, I'm currently looking for a new set of strings for my 35" scale 5 string Sadowsky (M5-24), its currently strung with Rotosound swing bass 66 strings (gauge: .40 .60 .80 .100 .125), and feel quite harsh on my fingers. The primary role of this bass is to be 'modern' sounding (the old school vibe being covered by my flatwound-strung Fender P-5), and ideally I would like a set that is the same gauge as the Lakland flats on my P bass (gauge: .45 .65 .85 .106 .128). I had originally planned on getting a set of D'addario's 'balanced tension' strings, however it seems they don't stock a 5 string set, any suggestions on sets matching my requirements? What strings do it for you? Thanks, Martyn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 You can't go wrong with DR Hi Beams. Same kind of tension as Roto swing bass. A clean sound and keeps their high end longer than the Rotos do. Here's Ed Friedlands review, with sound samples. http://bassemporium.com/?p=4444 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shobaleader One Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 DR are a brand i've always meant to check out - but never have! Along with GHS, Thomastik, Elixir and La Bella....i've never used rounds for a while since I stuck flats on my P bass. With roundwound strings i pretty much kept to Ernie ball, but to me they sound way too zingy when new, then sort of dull down fairly quickly - I really don't care for that super bright initial 'zing' that turns everything into a slappathon, I just want something even sounding/feeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antnee Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 I've got Fender 9050M Flats on my SUB at the moment and I'm loving them, tension is great and the feel of them is lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 After a long search for the ultimate roundwounds I found DR Fat Beams to be excellent. Then I changed to flats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 You can't get "balanced tension" in a 5-string set because the B-string would either be incredibly fat or the other strings somewhat floppy. I'd try a set of extra long scale Overwater strings either steel or nickel depending on taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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