Back in the 50s when electric basses first appeared, the concept of "good bass tone" was very different. The upright bass set the standard — a warm, woody thump that was felt as much as heard. String sustain was actively avoided, to the degree that all early electric basses had string mutes built in to dampen the sound.

Strings of the day were different, too. At first, many were constructed just like upright strings, with a fabric or "silk" inlay between the windings and the core. This construction added to the warm, upright-like tone, while also damping out off-color harmonics.

But time passes, and tastes changed. Players sought to create a more treble, sustaining tone that could cut through the mix with ever-louder guitars. Silk inlays went out of style too, a move that was welcomed by string makers who could now cut a costly step out of manufacturing.

Today, modern bass tone is easy to come by. But fans of rich, vintage tone have a harder time creating the tone they seek. Some have been brought back string mutes in various forms, while others have developed "palm-muting" techniques to mellow out the sound.

For us, warm and deep vintage toner never went out of style. We’ve kept our original Jazz Bass strings in the product line for decades. And though they cost more to make, we’ve never abandoned the silk inlays.

Windings are made of pure nickel, which is highly polished for extended life and a supple, responsive feel.

Remember that pulsing, booty-shaking throb that made you want to play bass in the first place? Here’s where to find it!