Which Bass Strings To Use??

Jordanfender28 · #1 06-18-2007, 03:09 PM

I am not happy with the strings that i currently use on my Fender Deluxe Precision. I was told to try the Fender Tapewounds but i do not really like the tone that they have. I play in a band that is rock/indie and would like to know what is a good choice. I am leaning towards either the D'Addario flats or half or the Elixir Nanowebs. Thanks

janekbass · #2 06-18-2007, 04:06 PM

well I play a custom set of Fener round wounds. I can't really comment on other brands as I haven't played them for some time. I used to use DR strings (the highbeams) which were kind of bright and lasted a bit longer than some other brands out there.

D'Addario make mainly nickel strings which I really don't like to play on. Nothing against their strings, I just don't like nickel regardless of who's making them.

I would check out a set of 45's from fender. maybe even something a bit heavier if you're playing rock stuff.

Easy,

Janek

Mack Doss · #3 08-12-2007, 11:03 PM

Please a little advice on setting intonation on my Precision Elite 1 -Any help would be appreciated. Thank You, Mack Doss.

JimmyM · #4 08-13-2007, 08:14 PM

Mack, you can find that stuff anywhere, including at this link:

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

improvpwnd · #5 07-18-2009, 11:35 PM

Janek,
I was about to start a thread about string tension, but I found this and decided to resurrect it to keep your forum less cluttered.

Anyway, I was going to ask your opinion on low string tension, but it looks like you use 45's, but could you go into a bit more detail into the rest of your strings' tensions? And you say you don't use nickel, but you do use round wound... so are you using Fender steels?

janekbass · #6 07-19-2009, 11:30 AM

I just signed with D'Addario strings, and have also changed the gauge I'm using to 35, 45, 65, 85, 105, which is slightly heavier than I had before.

I use round wound strings, and only steel. The nickel strings are too soft and I can't maintain any hardness in the tips of my fingers.

I actually have no idea how to control string tension, and I have my bass set up by the luthiers that made it so I can get it just right. But it feels natural to me whenever I change strings so I don't think the tension ever changes very much at all. I guess I'll find out when I get my new bass in a few months time. It'll be good to compare the two and see if there really is much movement between the instruments.

Easy,

Janek

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #7 07-19-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by improvpwnd

Janek,
I was about to start a thread about string tension, but I found this and decided to resurrect it to keep your forum less cluttered.

Anyway, I was going to ask your opinion on low string tension, but it looks like you use 45's, but could you go into a bit more detail into the rest of your strings' tensions? And you say you don't use nickel, but you do use round wound... so are you using Fender steels?

Keep in mind that string design has a lot to do with tension as well- some brands make a .040 roundwound steel with a hex core that is tighter than their .045 roundwound steel with a round core.

Bassnut62 · #8 07-19-2009, 02:38 PM

i reckon Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings are the business - nice round wounds. Classic round punchy tone that can be played sweet and warm too. they have great sustain and last well and only cost about UK£16. My advice go for the heaviest guage for more tone. i use 55-110

improvpwnd · #9 07-19-2009, 07:13 PM

Those Foderas are 34" or 34.5" scale? I can't stand too much tension on my 35" scale Roscoe, but maybe I have accustomed myself to ultra low tension strings.

Also, good point about the round vs hex core... I thought my search for the perfect strings was over with TI Jazz Rounds, but I just need some extra bite without a dramatic increase in tension.

Hou · #10 07-20-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janekbass

I just signed with D'Addario strings, and have also changed the gauge I'm using to 35, 45, 65, 85, 105, which is slightly heavier than I had before.

I use round wound strings, and only steel. The nickel strings are too soft and I can't maintain any hardness in the tips of my fingers.

I actually have no idea how to control string tension, and I have my bass set up by the luthiers that made it so I can get it just right. But it feels natural to me whenever I change strings so I don't think the tension ever changes very much at all. I guess I'll find out when I get my new bass in a few months time. It'll be good to compare the two and see if there really is much movement between the instruments.

Easy,

Janek

Which new bass Janek

janekbass · #11 07-20-2009, 03:49 PM

getting a new fodera.

pretty much a copy of the one I have now with a few custom elements to it to make it a signature model.

Easy,

Janek

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #12 07-20-2009, 04:23 PM

Big British flag painted across the front?

janekbass · #13 07-21-2009, 12:18 PM

ha! not quite.

although I am looking for someone who can make some custom straps for my gig bag that are union jack print...... straps on the bag are almost gone so I need to do it soon. If anyone has any leeds on where I might get that done I'd be grateful.

Easy,

Janek

jazzcrime · #14 07-21-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janekbass

ha! not quite.

although I am looking for someone who can make some custom straps for my gig bag that are union jack print...... straps on the bag are almost gone so I need to do it soon. If anyone has any leeds on where I might get that done I'd be grateful.

Easy,

Janek

i'm not sure if the leeds/leads thing was a typo, or pure comical genius.

janekbass · #15 07-21-2009, 07:09 PM

massive typo there.....

schnatzbass · #16 07-31-2009, 11:29 AM

Hi Janek

is this a custom D'Addario set or standard longscale set you are using ? I also have a 33 scale Fodera and tried several long scale sets from DR etc. but couldn't find a set where the main diameter of the E-string isn't wrapping around the tuning post - very problematic with the D-Tuner.

thanks

janekbass · #17 08-01-2009, 12:57 AM

it's a standard set, and I'm having the same issues with the hip shot. But that's to do with the makers of the hip shot, and quite frankly they're crap. The post is way too short for it to function properly, and it always comes up sharp.

I did a custom set with fender for a while with a tapered core on the headstock end, but now I'm using a standard set with D'Addario. I'm working with Vinnie Fodera to get some custom hip shot pegs made. I'm not sure if it's something that will be widely available to the public, but I'm going to have half a dozen or so made so I'm cool for the rest of my life... I HOPE!

We've spoken to the people who make the hip shots and they're not interested in changing the way they're made. So I'll see what we come up with with the custom pegs that are being made right now.....

Easy,

Janek

schnatzbass · #18 08-01-2009, 11:41 AM

interesting, so you think its not a problem with the diameter of the strings but with the to posts. It would be nice to know how it is working for you.

thanks

janekbass · #19 08-01-2009, 12:13 PM

yeah, definitely an issue with the post on the hip shot, it's been bugging me for years. Will totally keep this thread posted as soon as I get a prototype hip shot in the next couple of months.

Easy,

Janek

BassyVick · #20 10-20-2009, 02:18 AM

yeah I just switched from 40 60 80 100 125 to the 45 set also it has a tiny bit more tension but has a wider sound because theres more mass in the string and you can actually get the action lower with that kind of set