alhbass Posted March 13, 2010 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted March 14, 2010 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alhbass Posted March 14, 2010 Author Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted March 14, 2010 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tayste_2000 Posted March 15, 2010 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billphreets Posted March 17, 2010 Share Posted March 17, 2010 i use fender 150`s on my jazz (45/65/85/105) perfect for everything i need ; ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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