Amazon delivered my first set of new strings a day early, so I couldn’t resist putting them on after work today.
As recommended by @Jamietashi, I have gone for Fender flatwounds. Specifically Fender 9050’s, 55-105.
Here are my thoughts compared to the stock round wounds that came with the Ibanez SR300E:
why don’t manufacturers do themselves a favour and put better strings on from the start, surely the reviews would be better? My bass sounds like a different beast
the sound level out of the bass seems higher with the new strings? Maybe it’s more to do with the next point and my perception?
I love the new sound, it’s what I imagined a bass should sound like for the (mostly) rock I like- deep and rumbling
I can see why, although it’s not the most important thing (tone is) why people love the feel of flatwounds and stick with them.
@Mark_UK , I thought the same you can feel it more in your chest unl3ss using headphones I have taken something on board that @terb had said. So I went direct into the bare assed amp and just using the the bass s own EQ set in nuetral. The tone was just awesome. I’m just going to play like this for a week and explore it bare
Jamie
Well, yeah, you’d think that would make sense, but many/most guys who buy a bass (even new) will immediately put new strings (i.e., their “brand”) on that bass - so, why bother with super expensive strings!?!
Also, in general, roundwounds are a bit more versatile and common compared to flats, which is why most new basses come with rounds.
Personally, I find the quest for “my strings” to be a long (and expensive) journey, but it seems you are already close to having found your “holy grail”!?!
Not entirely sure about this one, but it could be different metals and alloys etc, which have different magnetic properties (which is in play when interacting with pickups).
I agree with @joergkutter on this one. I’ve only owned three basses, but never kept the strings that came on it, for various reasons.
I think it might be perception (unless you inadvertently tuned them an octave higher). It may have something to do with flats having more of a warm and mellow tone, as opposed to the booming brightness of round wounds.
@Mac I just got a violin bass fitted with roundwounds, I understand what @PamPurrs means about corduroy, very raspy like guitar strings. I do prefer smooth for bass.
Jamie
@Jamietashi , the smoothness and lack of ridges in my fingers is taking some getting used to
@joergkutter, thank you. I must admit I knew nothing about those strings but figured they should be half decent after selling a kidney to buy them I’m liking the sound so far too
They were $100 but Australian dollars
I bought them from a local store The Bass Centre but I would imagine that you would be able to source them from Amazon
Hey @Mac,
Talk about exposing yourself to more GAS.
Going into the BassCentre in South Melbourne to see Guy and the boys is an absolute potential trap.
Cheers Brian
@DaveT all the Ibanez that I’ve seen are metric 4mm. Fender MIA are imperial 1/8". MIM 3/16" but, I’ve seen an MIM in 1/8"
I would always check first as a stripped out truss rod aint fun.
Jamie
How are you getting on with the flat wounds you put on your bass @Mark_UK ?
I’m loving mine. Very smooth on the fingers and I do think they may have contributed to a lighter touch on my plucking hand to making it possible for me to play a little faster if needed. I’m also loving the tone of the Ibanez with them on. I’m definitely a convert
I have taken something on board that 
I’m liking the sound so far too
!!!