New String Suggestions?

[Shobaleader One]

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.

[gjones]

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

[Shobaleader One]

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.

[antnee]

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.

[discreet]

After a long search for the ultimate roundwounds I found DR Fat Beams to be excellent.
Then I changed to flats.

[BigRedX]

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.