Nylon Taped Flats on my Fretless Jazz--Not Sure I Like Them

[ch willie]

I hate doing comparisons of guitars sometimes because it's not fair--one is going to sound better for some kinds of music.

But i played my Jazz right after playing my G&L JB. The differences were astounding. When I picked up the Fender, it sounded almost rubbery. These are Rotosounds.

I love the regular Labella flats I have on my Ric and Höfner.

What are your opinions about taped strings?

[Laker]

What are your opinions about taped strings?

My personal opinion is they suck. But then, I like playing round wound strings (Rotosound on some and Lakland on others) for the bright definition they produce.

[DanTheBluesMan]

I know they're expensive but try some regular flats on the fretless.

I have rounds on my new Sterling. I thought I might want to change them but they're not as bright as I was afraid they'd be. The active preamp is pretty effective in shaping the sound, much more so than the passive controls on my p bass.

[ch willie]

Yeah, I'm losing the tape.

I heard DR makes some rounds that aren't too tough on the fretboard. I might try those. I'm really disappointed in the ones on there now--I know the bass is capable of much more than I'm getting with these strings.

[Laker]

Yeah, I'm losing the tape.

I heard DR makes some rounds that aren't too tough on the fretboard. I might try those. I'm really disappointed in the ones on there now--I know the bass is capable of much more than I'm getting with these strings.

I’ve been playing Lakland stainless round wound on my 55-94 Lakland for (going on) 22 years and there is virtually no fret wear. I just put a fresh set on and did a complete setup on it to get ready for another season of great gigs..

[phantomman]

My personal opinion is they suck. But then, I like playing round wound strings (Rotosound on some and Lakland on others) for the bright definition they produce.

+1

Taped strings sound like rubber bands to me.

[ch willie]

Yep. Those rubber bands are gone tomorrow.

[FrankJohnson]

I used to use fender 9120s. Tried 7120s which were completely different. The 9120s felt and sounded great. Not like a flat or rubberband. Like a round wound or half wound anyway. The biggest reason I quit using them was the inability to ground with the instrument to dissipate the ground buzz. I like chrome which are flats and TI flats mostly on my basses. One bass has TI JF344s that are about 13 years old. Kind of hard to beat and I like the old school sound.

[ch willie]

I was tempted to put some rounds on the fretless, just for shits and giggles, but I got the Labellas for it. I've got rounds for the "new" black JB.

[DanTheBluesMan]

I used to use fender 9120s. Tried 7120s which were completely different. The 9120s felt and sounded great. Not like a flat or rubberband. Like a round wound or half wound anyway. The biggest reason I quit using them was the inability to ground with the instrument to dissipate the ground buzz. I like chrome which are flats and TI flats mostly on my basses. One bass has TI JF344s that are about 13 years old. Kind of hard to beat and I like the old school sound.

Kenny, I'm looking at some D'Addario ECB81 XL Chromes Flatwound Bass Strings, have you had a chance to try those?

[FrankJohnson]

Kenny, I'm looking at some D'Addario ECB81 XL Chromes Flatwound Bass Strings, have you had a chance to try those?

Dan - I like Chromes. I have them on one roadworn, and at least one other Jazz - maybe 2 or 3 who knows. I like them a lot, and find that new they are a little zingy. Give them a month or three it will wear off "some". They are higher tension then TI flats, but not as stiff as the Fender Flats. you can usually get them around $30 a set. I have some that are 7-9 years old and play great. I have TIs that are like 13-14 years old, I like them A LOT.

Back to your question - new chromes sometimes leave black residue on your fingers. I understand that is likely graphite. I like to wipe them down really good to remove that and kind of de-bur the strings.

[ch willie]

Kenny, did you tell me once that you were using Pyramids, or was it the TIs? I've had some TIs in the past for a guitar when I was in a jazz band.

[FrankJohnson]

Kenny, did you tell me once that you were using Pyramids, or was it the TIs? I've had some TIs in the past for a guitar when I was in a jazz band.

I have used TI's but never did try pyramids.

I have tried a lot of rounds, and pretty much like Dunlop nickle rounds. I can use others, but like the softer touch, less aggressive sound for what I do.