Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

[dotsdad]

I just got a new Fender Jazz with a maple neck, noiselss pickups, and active EQ. I put on some Daddario round wounds. I love the clarity and the overtones, but the finger squeak and fret ratlle that sounds so nice on my Strats is just annoying on this bass.

I am thinking of trying some flatwounds to stop the squeaking and buzzes, but I dont want to lost the harmonic overtones. Suggestions?

.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

You could try the half rounds, as they are roundwounds that are ground flat for a smoother texture? These are brighter than most flats, but part of those overtones are the result of the shape of the string. The less noisy the string, the fewer overtones. You will likely be making some compromises. But before all this, how long ago did you put the strings on? A couple of free options are to practice how to play with minimal string and fret squeaking, or allow your strings to age a bit more to let some of the edge die off. Did you get the standard nickelwound or a set of their steels?

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

Well, i broke down and bought a set of DR flats. Wow. No squeaking but still plenty of tone and touch response. Cant wait to play with the band thos weekend. Excited to hear how it sounds in the mix.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

Beautiful bass. Great choice.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

Well I turned out not to like the flats with the band. They were nice on the slow songs, but had no cut when we rocked out.

Hmm I wonder what I could get from the Trading Post for a set of DR with less than 5 hours of use....

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

Well I turned out not to like the flats with the band. They were nice on the slow songs, but had no cut when we rocked out.

Hmm I wonder what I could get from the Trading Post for a set of DR with less than 5 hours of use....

Probably nothing, honestly.

When I had flats on my bass, I liked them a lot. I even thought they sounded great when I played in a pop band for a bit, just as a solid foundation for all the synths and stuff going on. They wouldn't have worked in a rock/ metal context.

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

Keep practicing with the rounds. Yes, they buzz and squeak and clank, but the more you play, the better your technique becomes. I know it's irritating, but the sounds that annoy you are the feedback that tells you the weaknesses and mistakes in your playing. You will eventually be able to play the same bass with the same strings with minimal finger squeak and fret buzz.

There will still be a little here and there, but you can use it to your musical advantage when you're used to it.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

i asked the band leader for honest feedback and he told me he never noticed the squeaking amd buzzing anyways.

:smack:

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Bass Strings for my new Fender Jazz

True, nobody in the crowd does either. Kind of like when you set that gnarly tone on its own only to have it lost in the mix...two different worlds.

Try half rounds if you get a chance as well, might be that happy medium your looking for.