Do you have a signature sound?

[Dood]

32 minutes ago, Wolverinebass said:

Optima strings are brilliant. I got into them about 20 years ago, for the obvious reason. Playing on my Status Buzzard. They're not cheap of course, but I'd recommend them thoroughly and they last very well.

 

Thank you! Looks like I’ll need to hear them! - I saw there’s quite a few different sets available. Have you tried the different types?

[Wolverinebass]

1 hour ago, Dood said:

 

Thank you! Looks like I’ll need to hear them! - I saw there’s quite a few different sets available. Have you tried the different types?

I have, yes. I started with the 105-45 (2319 set which has an 80). That's really good, but, I ended up preferring the set that has an 85 for tension. They take downtuning very well and doing 3 semitones is possible. Going to C from an E is too, but that's the limit I've found. The downside is the set with the 85 is like a tenner more which is unfortunate. 

 

I think it depends how flash one wishes to be. Were one to have an endorsement deal, I'd use them on other basses I have, but since I don't, I just use them on the Status Buzzard a la John Entwistle.

[dmccombe7]

12 hours ago, Wolverinebass said:

I have, yes. I started with the 105-45 (2319 set which has an 80). That's really good, but, I ended up preferring the set that has an 85 for tension. They take downtuning very well and doing 3 semitones is possible. Going to C from an E is too, but that's the limit I've found. The downside is the set with the 85 is like a tenner more which is unfortunate. 

 

I think it depends how flash one wishes to be. Were one to have an endorsement deal, I'd use them on other basses I have, but since I don't, I just use them on the Status Buzzard a la John Entwistle.

So what's the main benefits from them. ?

Why spend that much more than a good quality set of nickel strings.

I'm just curious. I did have a mate that used them because he was allergic to SS and nickel strings so his reasons were understandable.

Dave

[HeadlessBassist]

15 hours ago, Dood said:

 

This! I am obsessed with this sound! It’s sounds a great deal like my 76 P bass but more of everything. I’ve never tried Optima Gold strings before, but hearing comparisons against standard Nickels, it’s exciting stuff.. to my ear anyway. I asked Don what EMG he has on board and he let me know it’s a P-X.. so, guess what I want now!! Literally the sound I’ve had in my head for years! 

 

That is a lovely P sound. Quite like the Pure Vintage derived "Coastline" one in my American Professional Classic. Very clean top end, but not too harsh or nasal sounding, and lovely and warm at the bottom.

[Wolverinebass]

5 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

So what's the main benefits from them. ?

Why spend that much more than a good quality set of nickel strings.

I'm just curious. I did have a mate that used them because he was allergic to SS and nickel strings so his reasons were understandable.

Dave

Well, as you say, there is the nickel allergy. For me though, it's how they respond to distortion.

 

I'm someone who looks for maximum clarity. The preservation of all the overtones and harmonics which you can get whilst playing. Optima's really respond to this and my own style, so that's why I like them. One could also argue that they are surprisingly downtunable and still maintain pitch as well as lasting longer than a lot of other strings.

 

Obviously, if you want to play with a fretwrap, this isn't for you.

 

I don't use them exclusively, but I have tried them on different basses so I know what difference strings can make even within the narrow category of just nickel roundwounds.

 

As ever, it's if you think it's worth it to get more expensive strings or go cheaper or just cheap. It's all about what's important to you. For example, I don't care if Rotosound steels are cheaper, they're still rubbish and die within 4 hours of playing, so I don't buy them.

[DTB]

So how much are they?

I am (unfortunately) into Cobalt Flats for my fretless, and they too are expensive, seem to last so far though. 

[Wolverinebass]

25 minutes ago, DTB said:

So how much are they?

About £50 a set. So not Pino Palladino flats expensive, but certainly a bit more than DR.

[dmccombe7]

37 minutes ago, Wolverinebass said:

About £50 a set. So not Pino Palladino flats expensive, but certainly a bit more than DR.

I've settled on Elixir nickels at £50 a set but i get approx a year before i notice them start to fade.

Dave