FW recommendations for fretless

[dg27]

I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Fender fretless neck that will be swapped on to my MIJ Squier Jazz. My tech thought it was a no-brainer since the Squier is kind of obsolete with my other (fretted) Jazz.

My tech also said I really should consider flats (he knows I generally prefer RW).

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Clint 55]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

I think flats work best for fretless.

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Thanks, Clint 55.

I was looking at strings @ Just Strings and was interested in TI Flats, but the 34" sets only go to .100 on the E, which is waaay too light for my taste (I use .115 E with RW.)

I'll probably try La Bella, though Rotosound might be another option. I use the tapewound on my Mustang and EB-1.

[Clint 55]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

.115" is hardcore! I might use that because I'm a whole step down but my brand Daddario only has .110".

[ICTGoober]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Half-rounds....

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

.115" is hardcore! I might use that because I'm a whole step down but my brand Daddario only has .110".

I use GHS Bass Boomers specifically becasue of that.

Half-rounds....

Thanks--will look into those.

[St_Genesius]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

One thing to keep in mind is that flats often have a higher tension feel compared to rounds, so your normal string size prefers may not directly translate. That said, TI flats are actually VERY low tension, so.

Fwiw, I like quite a stiff string and I've found the LaBella Jamersons to feel great, even on my medium scale (32") bass.

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

One thing to keep in mind is that flats often have a higher tension feel compared to rounds, so your normal string size prefers may not directly translate.

Good to know.

That said, TI flats are actually VERY low tension, so.

That would be an issue for me.

Fwiw, I like quite a stiff string and I've found the LaBella Jamersons to feel great, even on my medium scale (32") bass.

I like a stiff string as well; I'll check these out.

Thanks for weighing in.

[dystrust]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

I'm a big fan of La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass flats. longcat has a 43-104 set on her Squier Bronco and you can hardly tell that it isn't 34" scale. Tight but not too too tight feel, and they sound amazing.

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Thanks.

The LaBella 0760M Original 1954 FW 52-110 seem more in line with what I'm used to; I think these are the "Jamerson" set St_Genesius referred to.

[dystrust]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Thanks.

The LaBella 0760M Original 1954 FW 52-110 seem more in line with what I'm used to; I think these are the "Jamerson" set St_Genesius referred to.

Pretty sure you're correct. The set I was referring to is their 760FL/S.

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Pretty sure you're correct. The set I was referring to is their 760FL/S.

Those are short scale:

La Bella 760FL/S Deep Talkin' Stainless Steel Flat Wound Short Scale Light Gauge 4-String Electric Bass Strings

Strings are flatwound stainless steel, light gauge 043 060 082 104. Recommended for short scale, fretless basses. First choice of many professional bass players. ~30-31" scale.

[St_Genesius]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Yeah, the 1954s are the ones I use. I've only had to buy one set, so I kinda forgot the actual name. I've tried others, including a set of La Bellas in a slightly different gauge, but those are my favorites.

Thanks.

The LaBella 0760M Original 1954 FW 52-110 seem more in line with what I'm used to; I think these are the "Jamerson" set St_Genesius referred to.

[dystrust]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Those are short scale:

La Bella 760FL/S Deep Talkin' Stainless Steel Flat Wound Short Scale Light Gauge 4-String Electric Bass Strings

Strings are flatwound stainless steel, light gauge 043 060 082 104. Recommended for short scale, fretless basses. First choice of many professional bass players. ~30-31" scale.

They are. The bass I play them on is a 30" scale Squier Bronco. I get the impression that they're essentially a short scale version of the 760M set you were looking at, but I can't be 100% sure of that.

[dg27]

Re: FW recommendations for fretless

Thanks dystrust and St_Genesius. This is really helpful. I really don't want to shell out ~$70 for TIs since I probably would not like them.