Yes, there is a a honkiness with certain strings, perhaps it has to do with scooped mids due to the strings-Pbass combination. I've strung one of my two Pbasses with Fender 7150s pure nickel rounds to counter this honkiness. This particular Pbass (with V-Mod pickup) with these strings has a rather mids-heavy, punchy, full tone. Yet kinda modern, not old-school. Fun to play for a while.
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Yes, there is a a honkiness with certain strings, perhaps it has to do with scooped mids due to the strings-Pbass combination. I've strung one of my two Pbasses with Fender 7150s pure nickel rounds to counter this honkiness. This particular Pbass (with V-Mod pickup) with these strings has a rather mids-heavy, punchy, full tone. Yet kinda modern, not old-school. Fun to play for a while.
Here's a thought...
Since you like the TI jazz flats on the one P-Bass, why not try a set of TI JR334 Jazz Rounds on the other one? I'm not normally a fan of bass roundwounds; I don't even like roundwound guitar strings, fer cryin' out loud. But, I currently have a set of the JR344s on my Gretsch Broadkaster bass, and... I'm liking them a lot. A hollowbody bass- a true hollowbody - like a Broadkaster, is pretty much just a thump machine. Period. The Jazz Rounds are bright enough to turn it into a really useable bass. They aren't quite as smooth as the Jazz Flats, but they're by far the smoothest rounds I've ever played. Plus, tension wise? They feel a lot like the Jazz Flats, too. They're supposed to last for quite a while, as well. I hope so, 'cause they're... not cheap. Like I said; just a thought...
Since you like the TI jazz flats on the one P-Bass, why not try a set of TI JR334 Jazz Rounds on the other one? I'm not normally a fan of bass roundwounds; I don't even like roundwound guitar strings, fer cryin' out loud. But, I currently have a set of the JR344s on my Gretsch Broadkaster bass, and... I'm liking them a lot. A hollowbody bass- a true hollowbody - like a Broadkaster, is pretty much just a thump machine. Period. The Jazz Rounds are bright enough to turn it into a really useable bass. They aren't quite as smooth as the Jazz Flats, but they're by far the smoothest rounds I've ever played. Plus, tension wise? They feel a lot like the Jazz Flats, too. They're supposed to last for quite a while, as well. I hope so, 'cause they're... not cheap. Like I said; just a thought...
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I've been a long time user of the XL 170's - tried many others, I just keep coming back to these. I use them on my P Bass Special deluxe, with the J&P pup setup. Personally, I don't find the need to wear them in, they sound great out of the box - just my preference. Now I also use a Rumble 500, depress the "vintage" button, roll off the tone to flat on the bass, and trust me, you can get a nice, warm deep sound with a hint of extra presence and subtle punch. I know the XL's tend to get negative reviews due to the reported high end zing, but if you take the time to manipulate your guitar and amp controls, you can get that warm tone, after all, they are nickels. But hey, just my two cents and opinion.
I also have two P's, one Matt Freeman with flats (GHS Precision Flats) - which will soon be swapped for Fender flats (GHS are a bit low mid heavy for my taste) and a 89 japan with TI Jazz rounds (the one on the avatar).
I have to say I'm not a big fan of having two of the same instruments; I always judge them as "best" and "second"; so sooner or later, the MIJ will go.
If I was to keep it, I'd swap the TI Jazz rounds for Pressurewounds. Put those on a Danelectro and loved it.
Punch and volume improved a lot, which I think lacks on the TI rounds.
I have to say I'm not a big fan of having two of the same instruments; I always judge them as "best" and "second"; so sooner or later, the MIJ will go.
If I was to keep it, I'd swap the TI Jazz rounds for Pressurewounds. Put those on a Danelectro and loved it.
Punch and volume improved a lot, which I think lacks on the TI rounds.
I have Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on a Fender Player P.... and Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steels on a G&L LB-100 Tribute. Best of both worlds.
I just tried a set of D'Addario half rounds - my first venture away from the standard round wounds. I was pleasantly surprised. Took a bit of getting used to the new feel, but I'm finding I like it after a little time playing. I only have one main bass a Fender P, and back up "Franken" parts bass. I think I should be good with the half rounds and we play a mix of Classic rock and R&B.
FYI: I use a foam mute under the strings near the bridge when I need a Motown tone, and remove it when I need a little brighter sound.
FYI: I use a foam mute under the strings near the bridge when I need a Motown tone, and remove it when I need a little brighter sound.
If you're liking the D'Addario half rounds, you might also try the GHS Brite Flats. I find they both have the same basic sonic character, but the Brite Flats seem to have more energy.