best strings for slapping and/or popping?

die_Heavies · #1 06-03-2003, 05:21 PM

(excuse.me.for.the.periods.but.my.spacebar.is.curr ently.broken)

What.kind.of.strings.would.you.reccomend?Also.what .kind.of.gauge.would.work.best?

thanks.in.advance.

JMX · #2 06-03-2003, 05:26 PM

I recommend stainless steel roundwounds.
Brand and gauge are personal preference (some also prefer nickels or nickel-plated stainless steels), but I think it works best with lighter gauges, e.g. .040-.0100 or lighter.
I even use .035-.095.

ksdaddy · #3 06-04-2003, 01:08 PM

I think gauge and action height are most important. I bought an early 80s P-Bass a couple years ago, put on a set of D'Addario 45-100 (XL170s) and set it up low.... it pops and snaps great! I recently picked up an old Peavey T-40 with 50-105s, and even with ultra low action, it was difficult to get the snappy tone. I switched to 45-100s, bingo!

So the short answer is, it's mainly in the setup.

pyrohr · #4 06-08-2003, 12:21 AM

I have found that the best gauge for pop an slap is 40 to 100 or 45 to 103 or 105.
The best strings I have found for this are DR hi-beams steels or nickels.
DR lo-riders nickel
Dean markey blue steels
Smiths slap masters
D'addario prism's
These are just some of what I use on the basses I use to thump and pop on. ymmv

bassist31588 · #5 06-08-2003, 10:34 AM

Try some Fodera's. When they die they still sound and play great. Plus they just have great tension which enhances any bass. $60 per pack though (I play a five string exclusively though). Great for everything.

CrawlingEye · #6 06-10-2003, 02:03 AM

I use 45-105 Prisms on my Sterling, I don't play primarily slap, but if my guitarist is palm muting, I may slap/pop to accent his muting.

My slap tone is fine. Not sure if the gauge may not work on some other bassed or not.