alhbass Posted March 13, 2010 Posted March 13, 2010 Hello. I recently acquired a lovely 2009 US Jazz (my first - I've had Precisions previously). I currently have two sets of strings for it - both great in their own way, but both at quite extreme - one set is La Bella flats (not sure of the gauge - they came with the bass and the previous owner couldn't tell me), but they're pretty damn hefty! They make a beautiful, rich, thumpy vintage kinda sound, but are inflexible in the extreme, and not much cop for bending/slapping/popping/hammer-ons. The other set is La Bella Slappers (custom light). I got these as a step away from the Flats. But in fact they're several enormous leaps away from the Flats - they're thin as cheesewire, and thought they're hilariously easy to slap, bend, pop etc, they lack the puch of a heavier string. So it shouldn't be too difficult really - I just want something in between. And I'm familiar with quite a range of strings from other instruments I've had...but just thought I'd ask for your opinions and advice to see whether anything comes up I hadn't thought of before... I'd like strings with a bit of Grrr and edge that will bring out the Jazz growl a bit (the La Bella Flats for example have none of this, being so warm and smooth) and will be responsive to quick hammer-ons and popping, but don't like (what I think of as) over-bright, pingy sounds, such as I associate with 80s funky slap (probably steel roundwounds?). And strings that are flexible enough to bend a bit would be good too, though this isn't my number one priority... Specific suggestions of sets to try, and/or gauges welcome. Thanks. FYI I've tried Elixirs - too "civilised" - good but a bit tame, Warwick Black Labels - really didn't like these (they came on my Pbass V when I took delivery of it) - horribly tinny and overbright - I thought they sounded like knitting needles being thrown into a harpsichord, Rotosound Trubass - love these, but not what I'm after here, Hartke Something or other-Attack - were ok, but didn't last well, D'Addario Chromes - great, but again not what I'm after here, D'Addario Halfrounds - yup, these were good... Quote
lozbass Posted March 14, 2010 Posted March 14, 2010 I tend to use d'Addario EXL nickel rounds on Js (usually EXL220 - 40-95 gauge) - I find them bright without 'pinginess' and fairly full with sufficient jazz growl when digging in a bit around the bridge. I play with a very light touch - for anybody with a heavier technique, I'd suspect there's a lot of growl to be had Quote
alhbass Posted March 14, 2010 Author Posted March 14, 2010 [quote name='lozbass' post='774142' date='Mar 14 2010, 10:19 AM']I tend to use d'Addario EXL nickel rounds on Js (usually EXL220 - 40-95 gauge) - I find them bright without 'pinginess' and fairly full with sufficient jazz growl when digging in a bit around the bridge. I play with a very light touch - for anybody with a heavier technique, I'd suspect there's a lot of growl to be had[/quote] Great. Thanks for that. Sounds very promissing. I'll give them a try. Quote
lozbass Posted March 14, 2010 Posted March 14, 2010 No problem - pretty cheap too - I usually buy twin-packs (StringsDirect I think) for an even better deal: however, it may be worth trying one set first to see if they're suitable Quote
tayste_2000 Posted March 15, 2010 Posted March 15, 2010 [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=72536"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=72536[/url] You could try and old ish set of Overwater's from me if you want Quote
billphreets Posted March 17, 2010 Posted March 17, 2010 i use fender 150`s on my jazz (45/65/85/105) perfect for everything i need ; ) Quote
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