Paul Denman's strings? (Sade)

[fresnorich]

Anyone know what kind of strings Paul Denman uses when he plays his stingray with Sade? I'm digging his sound. Any info. on his set-up would be appreciated. I tried looking on the Sweetback site, but didn't have any luck.

 

[bovinehost]

Rich, I don't have any inside info on what he uses, but if I had to guess, going strictly from what I've heard, I'd say flats of some type.

 

[fresnorich]

I was thinking flats, Jack. I'm sure enjoying that terrific natural SR4 you just sent my way. It's just so well balanced in every way. I'm planning to try out several different strings, including the TI flats and the new TI superalloy. I'll probably also try the Labella Deep Talkin' flats. Right now it's got a brand new set of Ernie Ball Slinkys (regular). I tried the Elixirs which sounded okay, but I'm still searching.

 

[bovinehost]

Glad you like it, Rich - it's always nice to know where the basses go.

I think once you try the TI Flats, your search may be over - but tone is such a personal thing.

 

[armybass]

I would agree that for the majority of his stuf it sounds like flats but he certainly uses soem rounds too for a bit of the slap/funkier stuff he does.....ala "Nothing Can Come Between Us"

 

[Mantaray]

Rich, I don't have any inside info on what he uses, but if I had to guess, going strictly from what I've heard, I'd say flats of some type.

GOD! He is SO biased!

3 weeks ago, I recorded a personal cover of the Smooth Operator using DR strings and the sound was almost identical to the one on the album. But keep in mind that the sound you listen on those CDs(especially of that golden era called 80's) is a product of several fancy outboard units........and when it comes to bass, these units make a GREAT defference.

 

[fresnorich]

Which DR's did you use?

And can we hear it?

Thanks!

 

[Mantaray]

Which DR's did you use?

And can we hear it?

Thanks!

I used the Hi-Beams .45(be careful! NOT the Hybrids!)

I currently have it on my HDR. It is this together with some other tunes that I recorded that I want to upload here as soon as I get a new PC. I'll keep you updated. I also used
Fatman Stereo Tube Compressor
Aphex 204 Aural Exciter+Big Bottom(This is a very cool unit)

 

[mike jewels]

I was thinking flats, Jack. I'm sure enjoying that terrific natural SR4 you just sent my way. It's just so well balanced in every way. I'm planning to try out several different strings, including the TI flats and the new TI superalloy. I'll probably also try the Labella Deep Talkin' flats. Right now it's got a brand new set of Ernie Ball Slinkys (regular). I tried the Elixirs which sounded okay, but I'm still searching.

Fresnorich, I don't know which strings Paul uses either, but I can say that putting flats on your Stingray, and the LaBella Deep Talkin' flats as you've mentioned above is a good move, IMHO. I had EB Slinkys and Dean Markley Blue Steels on my 'Ray, and it sounded great with either set. But I was looking for a slightly more percussive tone from my bass, and the LaBellas were the ticket. Still has that signature Stingray tone (couldn't lose it if you tried) but a little mellower and thumpier. Lately, I've been playing it with the following settings:

Bass - about 7
Mids - about 7
Highs - about 2

Still has that cut-through power, but has a hint of a 60s Jazz bass to it.

Try the flats, I think you'll love them.

BTW, I use set 760FL - Light, with the 104 E string.

Good luck

Mike

 

[Rano Bass]

Old tread, new answer.
Paul used Rotosounds like a lot of british guys do.
The key to his smooth sound it's in the hands and on the old two band pre.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Right Rano,
I've watched all the live videos and Paul certainly uses rounds, you can hear it when he starts slapping/popping. The '78 StingRay I recently picked up absolutely nails Paul's 77/78 StingRay tone to a tee. It must be the old northern-ash body/black-epoxy preamp combination that does it, because my '81 Ray with alder body/non-epoxy preamp doesn't quite get that sound.