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Post subject: PBASS '76
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:47 am
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Hello All,
I just purchased a vintage Fender PBASS '76
Any string suggestions?


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Post subject: Worms!
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:07 am
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Location: Albemarle, NC
Wow that is a can of worms. You are going to get 500 recommendations, all different.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:23 am
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Cool, only 499 replies left to go :lol:


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Post subject: Questions
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:44 am
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Answering these questions will help us find your string.

1. What string do you like best based on previous experiences?

2. Do you prefer a flatwound or a roundwound?

3. (Fill in the blank and be as specific as possible with artist/band name.) I want my P-bass to sound like _________________ .


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 1:28 pm
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Normally I use roundwound, but I want to get a more vintage vibe so i am thinking about half-round or flats. I'll be playing alot of blues and jazz.
I think the round wounds my be too bright. I normally use D' Addario strings, nickel.


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Post subject: I Like These
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 5:33 pm
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For a more vintage sound I like the GHS PRECISION FLATWOUND 3025 Set that is selling now online for about $24. The gauge is 045, .060, .075, .095. These are very thumpy, percussive and toneful strings that are super smooth. GHS makes two other Precision Flatwound sets. The M3050 set is .045, .065, .085, .105, and the 3050 set is the heaviest set in .055, .070, .090, .105 however I've not tried either of them because I figured they would be higher tension and I'm happy with the lightest set. The 3025's are one of my favorite strings right now. They are stainless. On the GHS scale they are ranked as the most mellow sounding GHS set. I really like the percussive thump which is also a dominant part of the sound of the next set. One of my two favorite sets right now. (The Thomastik-Infeld EB344 Power Bass Roundwound is my other favorite.)

The Labella 760 nickel Flatwounds are an ever popular set. Most famous is the 760M set as the "Jamerson Set" going for around $52. All Jamerson fans WANT to use them. They are .052, .073, .095, .110. I love to hear these strings so long as someone else is playing them! They are one of my least favorite strings to play. The chief problem for me is that the tension on 760M's is so high! I had a permanent bow in my 71 Jazz neck with these and so did Jamerson's own FUNK MACHINE. BUT fortunately the smaller gauge 760's retain much of the sound and are way easier to play. The 760FX is an extra light set with lots of the same thud in a set that is .039, .056, .077 & .096. The FX set is much easier to play and with lower tension is easier on the instrument. There are two other Labella 760 sets in between M and the FX set. All I've tried have a super vintage sound. I like the 760 sound but I think the GHS set listed first outlasts them and has a tad more sustain when you want it so they'd be a little stronger for jazz. The 760 Labella sets (other than the Jamerson Set) run about $43 each online. My advice would be to start with the FX set and then get a larger gauge only if you weren't happy.

Lastly, one of my favorite all around strings. The Thomastik-Infeld JF344 Jazz Flats going for $54. They are a cross between vintage flat feel and modern round tones. You can't say they sound like either flats or rounds because they have a sound all their own. I think they sound really great. These strings are the lowest tension flats and that alone is remarkable. The lower tension is great but requires finesse when switching between instruments setup with them and higher tension strings One big plus is that the TI JF344's are among the longest lasting strings I've ever used. An amazing string and is nickel wrapped. Since the tension is so low, if you pull really hard on the string it will vibrate like mad, meaning you have to have a higher setup than with a more medium tension. A great string, but for what I need a flat to do, they are too modern sounding.

Of all three, I think the GHS 3025 is the one I would most strongly recommend for blues. For Jazz I think the JF344's would be a better choice.

The GHS 3025 wins for all around value hands down.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:00 am
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Brotherdave is a never-ending supply of excellent knowledge.


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:17 pm
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Thanks for the excellent advise.


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