crazysam23_Atax

I'm considering putting some heavier strings on my bass (4-string) to get a thicker tone. I'm considering getting some GHS Progressives (45-105s). I understand I'll probably need to adjust the truss rod and such.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any other string suggestions. Telling me why you like them would be good too. Thanks.


Oh, and I will be using my bass to mainly play Metal and Hard Rock. Think anything from songs like Led Zeppelin's "Achilles' Last Stand" to Black Metal or Doom Metal.

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tabdog

Have you tried flats?

Tabdog

crazysam23_Atax

No, what are the advatange of those? I'm fairly new to bass, as I bought a bass a month ago because I didn't want to use a robot for my DIY recording.

Edit:
Just looked up some GHS Flats. I'm thinking Brite Flats may serve my purpose. Although, before I go out and buy some, I wouldn't mind knowing what the advantage of those are please.

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rageahol

Flats generally feel tenser and smoother than rounds. For standard tuned (or drop D) metal I'd go with http://ukstore.rotosound.com/p/rs-6...oundwound-heavy.

crazysam23_Atax

^
Ok, so why would I pick those over Flats for standard tuned Metal (which is what I'll be playing, since I dislike down-tuning on my FR-equipped guitar)?

Honestly, guys, the longer of an explanation you give the better. Feel free to bombard me with a wall of text. I won't give a shit.

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CJ Noble

flats don't feel smoother, ignore that. they tend to be harder on the fingers. the grooves in roundwound strings allow the strings to slide over your finger, flatwounds are like running racing slicks on your car in that they have a lot more traction against your fingers.
the only real advantage to flats is that they can last 20-30 years if you take care of them and they'll still sound the same as the day you installed them
flats vs rounds is really mostly about tone more than anything else, for flats think Steve Harris, for rounds think Lemmy Kilmister or David Ellefson

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moody git

flats tend to be more dull - or less bright if you prefer - sounding than roundwound strings. according to a quick google, flats often cost more and are also harder to bend
apparently roundwound strings lend themselves to fret wear, though i've never had a problem with this personally.

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CJ Noble

that's only an issue with steel roundwounds

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moody git

all i use my frets seem pretty good :S

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CJ Noble

what strings do you use?

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moody git

rotosound swing 66

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fudger

^same strings ive used for almost six yearsand I dont see a prpblem with mine either

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John Swift

6 years is that all, Flats don't wear frets as much as rounds and are definitely easier on the fingers but you have to sacrifice tone.
Fret wear is usually associated with constant use in a particular part of the finger board etc.

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John Swift

45s are quite thin, I know it'll cost but try 55s I find them punchier.

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Ashdown RPM pre-amp
Ashdown Little Giant 1000
300 watt 15" powered cab
450 watt 15" powered sub bass cab
2x10 + horn
1x15x10 + horn

CJ Noble

you might have stainless steel frets or something, those are notoriously bad about wearing down frets. I've got an old Dyna Bass that's about 1/10th of an inch from being fretless that's been strung with roto 66s for 25 years or so, and had a complete refret about 10 years ago

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CJ Noble

You're not sacrificing tone by using flats, you're sacrificing brightness. I, along with many other people, prefer the sound of flatwounds.

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John Swift

Surely you haven't got uniform fret wear all over the fingerboard.
My 65 Fender Jazz that I bought new in 1966 had been in constant for 39 years when I sold it in 2005 had been stoned just twice in that time, last year I spoke to the guy who I sold it too and it was still playing fine.

__________________
G&L L2500
Squier Affinity Jazz Bass 5
Ashdown RPM pre-amp
Ashdown Little Giant 1000
300 watt 15" powered cab
450 watt 15" powered sub bass cab
2x10 + horn
1x15x10 + horn

John Swift

The brightness is part of the tone, whilst most music stores usually stock a selection of round wounds, flat wounds are a different story, the selection is often quite limited, a much better compromise is half rounds.
It was the likes of Jon Entwistle and to a lesser degree Jack Bruce in the 60s who initiated the popularity of rounds in the UK on songs such as 'My Generation' where for the first time the bass became a lead instrument.

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Squier Affinity Jazz Bass 5
Ashdown RPM pre-amp
Ashdown Little Giant 1000
300 watt 15" powered cab
450 watt 15" powered sub bass cab
2x10 + horn
1x15x10 + horn

CJ Noble

it's been leveled and recrowned 4 times since I last refretted it. it's obviously not perfectly even, but it's not far from it

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