‘Kind’ Roundwounds

[Guest MoJo]

I love my Rotosound Roundwounds but the hypersensitivity of the fingertips on my fretting hand, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, makes slides feel like I’m running my fingers over 80 grit sandpaper. Looking for recommendations for smoother feeling Roundwounds 

[PaulThePlug]

If ya likes ya Rotosounds... howz about the Rotosound Solo Bass Pressure Wounds?

https://www.rotosound.com/product-category/bass-guitar-strings/solo-bass/

Edited November 14, 2021 by PaulThePlug

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited March 15, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[naxos10]

You could also look at the Platinum range of bass strings from Newtone. These have a smoother wind than normal and you can also choose round or hex cores.

[Mudpup]

I've found both DR HiBeams and Dunlop Super Brights to feel a bit softer to the fingers

[Lozz196]

The most comfortable steel rounds I’ve played are D’addario Pro Steels and Elixirs. I use Elixirs as the sound lasts for ages, I can get nearly a year out of a set.

[lownote]

The nicest rounds I've ever played seem to get little mention, found deep within Bass Direct's catalogue: La Bella’s RX nickel series

Edited November 14, 2021 by lownote

[Delberthot]

I did loads of research years ago as I'd been playing Chromes for a long time  and wanted the softest, smoothest string but in round wound form.

 

D'Addario EXL nickel plated were the ones and are still the ones I use for that very reason.

 

I normally buy the EXL165TP twin pack from Amazon for around  £30. I normally get between  7-9 wedding length gigs from them

 

The pro steels are also really smooth for a stainless steel string

Edited November 14, 2021 by Delberthot

[Supernaut]

On 14/11/2021 at 11:38, MoJo said:

I love my Rotosound Roundwounds but the hypersensitivity of the fingertips on my fretting hand, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, makes slides feel like I’m running my fingers over 80 grit sandpaper. Looking for recommendations for smoother feeling Roundwounds 

 

If you want Roto steels that last longer and are smoother then DR Lo Rider Steels are the answer. 

 

 

[fretmeister]

DR Pure Blues - the slipperiest rounds I've ever known  - even more than the GHS squashed Pressurewounds.

 

BUT - you could try the Ernie Ball Cobalt flats. They sound very round like - not identical, but maybe close enough, and they are really slick.

[three]

Some really good suggestions above - I’m quite a fan of DR Pure Blues and D’addario EXLs. However, the silkiest rounds (by far) I’ve found are Thomastik Jazz Rounds (JR344 and 324).  Extremely compliant too (light round core). The tone is very soft - somewhere between nickel rounds and flats in my view. A bit of an acquired taste. Very expensive but beautifully made - one can see where the money went on these.

Edited November 19, 2021 by three

[Boodang]

Can you hear that.... ? It's the sound of flatwounds calling you over to the dark side!

[Skybone]

+1 for either Dunlop Steels or D'Addario Pro Steels.

 

However, something like the Elixir's or a Tapewound string might be kinder still?

[Hellzero]

Try any nickel strings, they are way smoother than stainless steel ones. The Fodera strings are also excellent. The Alembic strings are really super smooth, but super expensive.

[lownote]

12 hours ago, Hellzero said:

Try any nickel strings, they are way smoother than stainless steel ones. The Fodera strings are also excellent. The Alembic strings are really super smooth, but super expensive.

 

+1 to this. When I first took up bass my local bass experts pointed me towards strainless rounds.  Knowing no better I bought into their profit margin and almost gave up bass before I started. YMMVO but I myself me couldn't bear the feel or sound.  Fortunately I discovered nickels and my career took off. My current string of choice, the flatwound is a different beast altogether.