Best choice for my needs

el_bajista · #1 09-08-2006, 08:23 AM

Hi everybody!
I own a Warwick Thumb 4 (neckthru version) and I am going to have my nut replaced with a brass one (the one that came with the bass lasted 2 weeks) by a great luthier. I am also going to make him even my frets and set up my bass carefully.
Sorry for the long intro... the fact is that I want that set up to last months if not years, by replacing always my strings with identical ones...the problem is that I don't know what to choose.
I know it's a fact of personal taste but I have tried DR hi-beams, Ernie Ball's, FireWire strings, elixirs...and I don't really have a formed opinion, and I can't afford trying many more (not this time).
So, with my Warwick Thumb 4 Neckthru and looking for a set up that allows me to slap pop and tap (tap melodies with my right hand for example, not only tapping arpeggios) but that is also capable of sounding good with fingerstyle (I don't use a pick), that is bright but with low end and punch while giving my bass a distinctive tone (combined with my playing I mean), that will last long (I clean them ALWAYS) and that won't eat my frets, what strings would you buy? I know I may be asking for too much but...well...just tell me your opinion please (brand, model and gauge).
I have been thinking of buying D'Addario XL 40-95 but I'm not sure because they're too cheap to be good (well...unluckily that's almost always the rule) and I want the best strings for my favourite bass.
Thanks a lot and sorry for my poor english!

Gene Leone · #2 09-08-2006, 08:48 AM

I went through the same problem looking for the right string for my Warwick 4 BO.

Tried Warwick Black and Yellow label, TI Powerbass, Superalloy, and Jazz Rounds, D'Addario, but still couldn't find a string that made me happy on the Warwick.

Finally I asked about DR Sunbeams on this forum and after getting good recomendations from the TBers, I tried them.

They have worked out very well on this bass, and will be the string I will use for the Warwick. I'm using the 40/60/80/100 set.

See if you like them.

jmceachern36 · #3 09-08-2006, 09:44 AM

The one thing I would suggest is a thicker guage than 40-95. While they might seem easier to play, they don't have the same big sound (punch). My preference is the Roto SB 66, 45-105. To me they feel more flexible (easier to play?) than other strings with the same gauge. They do have a rep for being tough on frets though. Best of luck with the search.

SteveC · #4 09-08-2006, 11:06 AM

I only use Hi-Beams.

scuba steve · #5 09-09-2006, 07:01 PM

i got a bo thumb, and i only use dr highbeams(thats all i have ever used, and ever will use). i use mediums, and there a little harder to tap on than light guage strings, so if your doin alot of tapping i would go with lighter guage strings. i find the high beams to really compliment the inherent tone of the thumb. great for finger style and and seem to be easy on the frets. great lows, mids and highs with these strings.

el_bajista · #6 09-11-2006, 06:57 AM

Thanks to all!

DubBeats CB · #7 09-11-2006, 02:28 PM

thomastik infeld, solid strings

el_bajista · #8 09-19-2006, 08:49 AM

Ok. So now, between DR Sunmbeams and Nickel Lo-Riders, what would you choose? I know second ones are ment to slap players, but while that's something I do a lot, I'd rather have a good sound that a good feel...and I don't see people talking about them very good...
What would you say?

kingmacaw · #9 10-10-2006, 11:01 PM

have to be a little different-found that dean markley blue steels are my absolute favorite on my fretted (bubinga) warwick thumb b.o.
i use the ss ones not the nickel plated. originally it took me 3-5 hours of playing them to decide if i liked them or not. now i'm hooked on them. friend of mine plays a warrior and agrees for use on his fretted bass. i'm thinking about the sunbeams for my newest bass tho a warwick corvette fretless.
i play hard-slapping pounding & bending strings on my fretted warwick & i seem to have minimal problems yet w/frets. besides i'd rather have great sound than sacrifice it for a relatively inexpensive future fret job. further, only your experience counts when making a final decision on your strings to use. besides, i'm just as guilty of wanting to learn what strings others like for which reasons. i have to admit i just sent off & received back emails from warwick & DR regarding use of strings on my fretless. by the way, Warwick said no to their blacks or other strings for my ebony neck- just use flats he said. if i did i'd probably use the SM rotosound 77 flats i bought-like i used in the 60's. rotosound are known as some of the brightest strings so this choice of a flatwound for me seems like the best. DR tech told me the lo-riders & sunbeams both of nickel should not damage my fretless. so now who do i believe? since i like roundwounds i'd likely try the sunbeams because the rep says they are brighter than the lo's.
by the way, there are many good strings out there. get what's on sale each time-you'll learn a lot that way. of course, you aren't A B ing the same bass with new sets at the same time so you're going to have to be alert to which one makes you feel like playing the bass with inspiration after you've tried them. i.o.w. i say don't cheapen your sound to save frets. the right strings can change your sound & inspire your playing almost as much as a new bass. but folks, please tell me do you think the sunbeams or lo-riders i mentioned will do little damage to my ebony fretless? are rotosounds the brightest flatwound? p.s. tried d'addario 1/2 rounds but i wasn't impressed with that compromise on my fretted bass. of course, that might change for my fretless? let us know what you try & you are impressed with. good luck in the continuing search for the perfect sound. p.s. thank you gene for sending out your old TI jazz rounds for me to try on my fretted. i have mainly heard good things about that expensive brand from vienna.