Help finding thumpy strings for flat picking (not bright!)

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Another member said those had more zing than the Retros.
I just don't know what to think anymore.

Me.
I found the NB's had a lot more 'new-string-zing' and volume compared with Retro's.

The first 2 posts nail it.
-Martin Retro Monel
-D'Addario Flattops

Silk and Steel will give you a much warmer tone and great for fingerstyle, can be a little quiet compared to other string types.
I like La Bella Silk & Steel but the ultimate is probably Thomastik-Infeld 'Plectrums' ... expensive.

[Pitar]

In the way-way back we used to just shove a hand towel in the soundbox. Worked for us. Instant J45 thump.

[Matters]

These are the mellowest and warmest steel strings I have ever used. I didn't like them at all and they feel much heavier then they actually are so a step down in thickness may be required. They are an interesting string though. VERY loud. Maybe give them a shot.

http://www.redstrings.com

Matt

[rokdog49]

Addendum (As in I forgot to mention)
If they were available and you wanted to spend the $40, the new Martin Titanium Core Nickel Clad PB's would fill the bill. I am Beta-Testing a free set right now and I can assure you they would give you what you're looking for. They are also much smoother feeling than the Retros which I still use and easier to play than any string I have tried.
Once I wear these out which hopefully will be at least six months from now, I will have a hard time resisting another set...even at $40.

[Golffishny]

Maybe try a heavier pick or different pick materials. I change picks depending on the guitar I use and what sound I want.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Golffishny

Maybe try a heavier pick or different pick materials. I change picks depending on the guitar I use and what sound I want.

Good advice and pick material certainly makes a difference as well. "Gator Grips" at .96 and above deaden the reponse for me as do "Prime Tones" and "Cools".

[Uncle Pauhana]

Originally Posted by semolinapilcher

Old strings just don't seem to stay in tune as well though.

Truth!

Brightness is not the only thing that changes as strings age. By the time they mellow to the point where you've got "thump", it's almost time for a new set.

And as a side note, that's one reason coated strings aren't worth it to me… I tried them for their extended life, but the problem was that they still sounded good tone-wise when they could no longer be relied upon to stay in tune.

.

[GHS]

Originally Posted by Buc-a-Roo

Key words there are "old strings". I too prefer that dry, thumpy sound from old strings and there's not a set of new strings out there that recreate it. Just gotta be patient and play that new set in until it gets where you like it.

IMHO this is the best advice here. Just put leave them on, they'll get there.

[sirwhale]

Round wound strings will always give you brightness. Some will be slightly brighter than others. Flat-wounds are the opposite.

I agree with the poster that said Thomastik Infeld Plectrums. Fantastic strings that mix flat-wound strings with round-wound. They also have silk inlay.

If you want more than they give, then you will have to go to an all "flat wound" set. The give you almost nothing but fundamental.