Gibson SG Bass - string choices

[Tim Chapple]

I recently bought a beautiful used 2014 Anniversary model SG Bass, with an upgraded hipshot bridge. This is the first Gibson short scale I've used - I also have an MIJ Mustang, a Danelectro Longhorn, and a Chowny SWB-1. They all have very different sounds (obviously) - the Mustang has flats and is great for blues, the other two sit well in larger combos, where things get a bit heavier and freakier  .

I'm currently looking the make the Gibson more adaptable - it is currently set with Chromes flatwounds, and I find I'm using the bridge pickup more to give it some edge.

I could of course keep the Gibson for small combo blues work, but I'd like to use it across the board....

Any recommendations for roundwound strings before I go to my default set of Rotosounds?

Edited March 30, 2018 by Tim Chapple

[goingdownslow]

I like the La Bella  M42S 40-100 that I have been using on my EB3 but have not seen any in stock anywhere for a while now.

[Tim Chapple]

I've just put a set of strings on that were the original stock strings on my MIM Mustang PJ - not sure if they are Fender or De'addario? - they don't really fit properly, but it will at least give me an idea of what I can achieve tonally - I'm already now using both pickups, with tone full up, and now using the neck pickup to add depth.

[EliasMooseblaster]

Even with roundwound strings on, you'll find it sounds quite "dark" compared to most other basses, but that shouldn't stop you giving it a bit more bark. I appreciate that my Epiphone EB-3 is a different instrument from a "real" Gibson, but I've tried it with Roto RS66 (both SS and nickel), Ernie Ball Cobalts, and Warwick Reds - I still default to Rotosound, but all of them have sounded good. (The Warwicks are pretty good as a cheap option if you're just looking to experiment!!)

[Tim Chapple]

I'm going to try Rotosound (my default).

To know them is to love them

[EliasMooseblaster]

Amen to that!

[naxos10]

I have all my short scale basses strung with Newtone Platinum Nickel roundwounds these seem to work on all 3,  Harley Benton P bass shorty, Scott Whitley SWB-1 and the ACG Skelf short scale. Alan at ACG supplies his basses fitted with Newtone strings.

[T-Bay]

20 hours ago, EliasMooseblaster said:

Even with roundwound strings on, you'll find it sounds quite "dark" compared to most other basses, but that shouldn't stop you giving it a bit more bark. I appreciate that my Epiphone EB-3 is a different instrument from a "real" Gibson, but I've tried it with Roto RS66 (both SS and nickel), Ernie Ball Cobalts, and Warwick Reds - I still default to Rotosound, but all of them have sounded good. (The Warwicks are pretty good as a cheap option if you're just looking to experiment!!)

Not wanting to hi jack, but how did you find the Warwick’s compared to the rotos? I have always used rotos on my Thunderbird but have a set of the Warwick’s on their way so am interested how they compare. Similar to the SG it’s a very dark sound, which I like and found the rotos suit it really well but just don’t last.

[EliasMooseblaster]

3 hours ago, T-Bay said:

Not wanting to hi jack, but how did you find the Warwick’s compared to the rotos? I have always used rotos on my Thunderbird but have a set of the Warwick’s on their way so am interested how they compare. Similar to the SG it’s a very dark sound, which I like and found the rotos suit it really well but just don’t last.

Tonally, they're definitely in the same ball-park. The Warwicks are bright and clear with plenty of zing; much like Rotos that does fade over a few days. I think the Rotosounds have more "authority" in their tone - I also use them on my Thunderbird, incidentally, and with the pickup blend just right I do find I can get a nice piano-like tone without sacrificing the bottom end. The Warwicks definitely manage a close second, and I'd probably go back to them if I couldn't get Rotos for whatever reason.

The Warwicks obviously have the advantage of being cheaper; curiously enough I also found them quite a bit softer under the fingers, and I tend to favour the nickel-plated Rotos when I can get them.

[T-Bay]

2 hours ago, EliasMooseblaster said:

Tonally, they're definitely in the same ball-park. The Warwicks are bright and clear with plenty of zing; much like Rotos that does fade over a few days. I think the Rotosounds have more "authority" in their tone - I also use them on my Thunderbird, incidentally, and with the pickup blend just right I do find I can get a nice piano-like tone without sacrificing the bottom end. The Warwicks definitely manage a close second, and I'd probably go back to them if I couldn't get Rotos for whatever reason.

The Warwicks obviously have the advantage of being cheaper; curiously enough I also found them quite a bit softer under the fingers, and I tend to favour the nickel-plated Rotos when I can get them.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Sounds like they are a similar beast which is good.

[The59Sound]

DR Sunbeams short scale!