Smoother Strings for an Ibanez Artcore Vintage Bass

[jonro]

I have an Ibanez Artcore Vintage bass (AGBV200A). It has a very "upright" sound that I don't want to change, but I would prefer smoother strings. I'm concerned that if I switched to flatwounds or tapewounds, I might change the sound too much, as the pickups are already optimized to have that upright sound. Any suggestions?

 

[CapnSev]

I’d argue that you will get a more upright-ish tone with flats or tapes. Most tapes have a really roundwound sound as well.

 

[jonro]

I guess I'm concerned that flats or tapewounds will make the bass sound too "dead," as it's already very acoustic-sounding.

 

[GIBrat51]

I have Rotosound Tru Bass 88 tape wounds on this MIK Rogue VB-100. Trust me; it doesn't sound dead at all. More like "Deep,woody, and LOUD". And, if I adjust my technique, it can sound pretty uprightish, too. I'd say give them a try; if they're too dark for you, La Bella White Copper Tapes are a lot brighter...