TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Need new strings for my bass
That article was very good. I thin I'm going to try flats...
Need new strings for my bass
- Thread starter TwilightOdyssey
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Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Need new strings for my bass
You're good. I didn't mention that lol, but I have seen some do the BEAD tuning thing.
You're good. I didn't mention that lol, but I have seen some do the BEAD tuning thing.
jtougas
New member
Re: Need new strings for my bass
*nods* There used to be a Tobias model designed specifically for it - I think they used a 35" scale, instead of 34", to get just a touch more tension into that low B (which I'll likely do as well... or buy a Peavey built that way. Whichever comes first.)
*nods* There used to be a Tobias model designed specifically for it - I think they used a 35" scale, instead of 34", to get just a touch more tension into that low B (which I'll likely do as well... or buy a Peavey built that way. Whichever comes first.)
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Need new strings for my bass
Flats are fun if you don't do any slapping and want a really smooth tone. I'm gonna get new strings soon though, A) because my flats are starting to die and B) I wanna work on my slapping and it's hard to get "that" sound with them.
Flats are fun if you don't do any slapping and want a really smooth tone. I'm gonna get new strings soon though, A) because my flats are starting to die and B) I wanna work on my slapping and it's hard to get "that" sound with them.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I play with a pick, bass is not my primary vocation...
I play with a pick, bass is not my primary vocation...
Snake Aces
Singlecut Slut
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I can't help much with string selection for picking on bass. I don't think I've used a pick on a bass in almost 17 years now. The tone from fingered bass is, IMO, far superior and has a lot more room for expression, dynamics and shaping.
I can't help much with string selection for picking on bass. I don't think I've used a pick on a bass in almost 17 years now. The tone from fingered bass is, IMO, far superior and has a lot more room for expression, dynamics and shaping.
Snake Aces
Singlecut Slut
Re: Need new strings for my bass
That's why I threw the IMO in there. Not trying to start a war or anything, the internet is full of the pick versus finger debate when it comes to bassists, I was just pointing out that I do not use a pick and why I do not use a pick with bass. Although, I think one thing all bassists will agree on is there is a greater variance of dynamics available to fingerstyle players as you can go all the way from a very soft attack to a slap to a palm mute and use the fingernails for a pick sound.
That's why I threw the IMO in there. Not trying to start a war or anything, the internet is full of the pick versus finger debate when it comes to bassists, I was just pointing out that I do not use a pick and why I do not use a pick with bass. Although, I think one thing all bassists will agree on is there is a greater variance of dynamics available to fingerstyle players as you can go all the way from a very soft attack to a slap to a palm mute and use the fingernails for a pick sound.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I use both (fingers a bit more recently) but it just depends on the type of attack you want on the bass.
I use both (fingers a bit more recently) but it just depends on the type of attack you want on the bass.
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I major on fingerstyle but there are times when the transient attack provided by a slightly flexible, hard object are required. (e.g. Overdriven Rickenbacker 4001/4003.)
One workable compromise is to hold the thumb and first finger together, as if holding a plectrum, and use the edge of the fingernail - à la Steve Harris.
I major on fingerstyle but there are times when the transient attack provided by a slightly flexible, hard object are required. (e.g. Overdriven Rickenbacker 4001/4003.)
One workable compromise is to hold the thumb and first finger together, as if holding a plectrum, and use the edge of the fingernail - à la Steve Harris.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I use GHS H3045 Boomers 50-115 in Eb on a Jazz bass with a pick. What I like about them is that they aren't the brightest roundwounds, which counteracts the greater attack of using a pick. I get a ton of mileage out of them (I'm still using a set from Fall of 2014, and they're still going strong). I just wish the E string had more tension on this set, because I hit hard on bass (not on guitar though).
I use GHS H3045 Boomers 50-115 in Eb on a Jazz bass with a pick. What I like about them is that they aren't the brightest roundwounds, which counteracts the greater attack of using a pick. I get a ton of mileage out of them (I'm still using a set from Fall of 2014, and they're still going strong). I just wish the E string had more tension on this set, because I hit hard on bass (not on guitar though).
One Bad Monkey
New member
Re: Need new strings for my bass
The current 115 you're using has 44lbs of tension already at Eb. If you want something higher, I'd buy singles (from places like Bass Strings Online or Just Strings dot com) and make a 50-70-95-120 set, which would give you an Eb at 49.7lbs.
The current 115 you're using has 44lbs of tension already at Eb. If you want something higher, I'd buy singles (from places like Bass Strings Online or Just Strings dot com) and make a 50-70-95-120 set, which would give you an Eb at 49.7lbs.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I plan on moving the gauge up. I'n just waiting for the strings to die once and for all; I'll maybe even go with a 125 for Eb. I like to hit those strings hard like a neanderthal bass player hahaha.
I plan on moving the gauge up. I'n just waiting for the strings to die once and for all; I'll maybe even go with a 125 for Eb. I like to hit those strings hard like a neanderthal bass player hahaha.
One Bad Monkey
New member
Re: Need new strings for my bass
I actually slap on flats a lot. You don't get that "biting" tone out of them like the modern slap tone, but you get a pretty decent Louis Johnson/Larry Graham type thump if you EQ it right.
I actually slap on flats a lot. You don't get that "biting" tone out of them like the modern slap tone, but you get a pretty decent Louis Johnson/Larry Graham type thump if you EQ it right.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Need new strings for my bass
Maybe I'm not getting the right tone because my strings have no life to them. I've EQ'd them as trebly and bright as possible and nothing from them.
Maybe I'm not getting the right tone because my strings have no life to them. I've EQ'd them as trebly and bright as possible and nothing from them.
One Bad Monkey
New member
Re: Need new strings for my bass
You have to remember, slap bass is first and foremost a percussive technique. It has to have that low end 'thump' in addition to the top end 'snap' to be effective in a band setting. I'm usually scooping the mids a little, which accentuates both the treble and bass to keep the sound viable in the mix (not overpowering, but at the same time not losing any of the low end that is usually the case when one switches to/from slap). If I'm using new rounds, I'll bump the bass more than anything as that's what needs to be retained.
You have to remember, slap bass is first and foremost a percussive technique. It has to have that low end 'thump' in addition to the top end 'snap' to be effective in a band setting. I'm usually scooping the mids a little, which accentuates both the treble and bass to keep the sound viable in the mix (not overpowering, but at the same time not losing any of the low end that is usually the case when one switches to/from slap). If I'm using new rounds, I'll bump the bass more than anything as that's what needs to be retained.
