bass string reccomendations

RadicalSam · #1 01-03-2009, 09:44 AM

i have been playing bass since last june, and i was looking into bass strings, and i didn't think they would be so expensive O_O

but anyways, can anyone recommend me a good afforadable bass string brand? and when is the recommended time to change strings?

Jo6Pak · #2 01-03-2009, 09:51 AM

Darco

Obsdian · #3 01-03-2009, 09:56 AM

I always go through online vendors for my string purchases, they are usually a fraction of the price of what a music store will charge. Shop around and see what you can find. D'addario are great strings, LaBella are excellent as well but are generally more expensive. It will take some experimenting to find the right string for you. The sound and playability are the most important factors, but obviously price and longivity are to be considered.

stewart8980 · #4 01-03-2009, 10:02 AM

If you want just a good set of all around strings, get Ernie Ball Regular Slinkies. They're only about 25 bones from what I remember

kosmicwizard · #5 01-03-2009, 10:18 AM

Strings are an extremely personal thing. First off consider what bass you are playing, what type of a sound is THE sound that is in your head, and be honest with yourself about how much you can spend on strings. Then use the search option and try to listen to sound clips of as many strings are of interest to you. If you are giging regularly, you need to change strings when they no longer sound good to you (again very subjective, and different for everyone) if you only play at home, practice til they break or simply bother you so much you can't bring yourself to play them (it will save you money) then go buy new strings. Another thing to consider in buying strings is not only the price but how long they last, I am not going to give you any brand names, but think about it like this. If you buy a set of strings that costs twice as much but lasts 3 times as long as normal strings aren't you saving money in the long run, despite the initial investment being a bit steep? All the best in finding your tone. Cheers.

NickInMesa · #6 01-03-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

Then use the search option and try to listen to sound clips of as many strings are of interest to you.

Hey KW, thanks for the answer, I would like to know where to find the search options with the sound clips you're talking about.

I am a comebacker, and need something relatively easy for my exercises, which will not dig into my fingertips and also keep in tune for a while, because I exercise for hours sometimes.

Thanks!

Soundq22 · #7 01-04-2009, 11:44 AM

To me strings are like changing the sparkplugs and oil on a car. It always seems to run smoother and faster. Same with the strings. Everytime I change i get a different sound and I like to try new things so it always works out. My personal problem now is the round wounds. They sound great but I hate it when I slide my fingers on them and they make that sound. You know the sound. So I am going to try some flat wound strings next. I might just go get some today.

By the way, Im currently using rotosound 665LD's

NickInMesa · #8 01-04-2009, 11:59 AM

"That sound" is something that you get rid of with practice. Sometimes you can't get rid of it, it's part of the song and you learn to live with it.

ProfGumby · #9 01-04-2009, 02:59 PM

www .webstrings .com

They have great strings, and great prices. And as I found out, great customer service to boot!

Also, as has been said a lot of online outlets have great pricing and huge selectios over the local mom n pop type store. The Perfect Bass also has a large selection and a promo code for Talk Bass memebers...check out their forum here on Talk Bass.

I am very partial to D'Addario Chromes and Webstrings' Detroit flats, but both yield very different tone!

You need to know what you are loong for.

greenboy · #10 01-04-2009, 03:56 PM

Cheapest places to get Labellas seem to be

http://www.CARVINguitars.com/products/group.php?cid=50 (that's what theirs are)
http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.n...-la-bella.html

stflbn · #11 01-04-2009, 03:59 PM

juststrings.com Look at S.I.T. Strings. $18 for a 5-string set... cheaper for 4-string sets.

ShowKing · #12 01-05-2009, 02:06 AM

I prefer using newish strings because that's when they are usually full of life and brightness.

I recommend you trying a set of SIT powerwounds. good for all around playing.

Asteao · #13 01-05-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obsdian

I always go through online vendors for my string purchases, they are usually a fraction of the price of what a music store will charge. Shop around and see what you can find. D'addario are great strings, LaBella are excellent as well but are generally more expensive. It will take some experimenting to find the right string for you. The sound and playability are the most important factors, but obviously price and longivity are to be considered.

I just did the math, and it costs just about the same online after shipping than it does to go buy from a local shop.

NickInMesa · #14 01-05-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asteao

I just did the math, and it costs just about the same online after shipping than it does to go buy from a local shop.

I believe this is the case when you only buy one set, but for several sets the price should go down.

mjolnir · #15 01-05-2009, 08:06 AM

I like DR myself, specifically Hi-Beams.

Philbiker · #16 01-05-2009, 10:03 AM

My "go-to" strings are the Fender "Super Bass" Nickelplated Steel Roundwounds. I don't change them until they won't tune any more. I've gone a decade on the same strings.

Baird6869 · #17 01-05-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewart8980

If you want just a good set of all around strings, get Ernie Ball Regular Slinkies. They're only about 25 bones from what I remember

I use a lot of Slinkys but there are good strings for a lot cheaper.

You can usually find D'Addario XL 2 packs (2 sets of 4 strings) for $25.00 or so. Also, I have been using the GHS Flea signatures for $16-17 a set and they sound great.