between 2 types of strings

[Marson]

I'm in a bit of a dilema i never used these strings before so im asking for help about which strings to choose either the 2 Sets of EXL170-5 D'Addario 5 or the Rotosound RS665LD 5-String 1-Pak, Thanks in advance

[JimmyM]

I like D'addarios myself.

[Sippy]

I really like Rotosounds.

[JimmyM]

Well there you go! Another reason not to ask people on Talkbass for opinions on what to buy. Ask about two different types of strings, you get two different answers.

[Marson]

well you can more than two people to answer and i jsut go with the majority.

[Marson]

any other suggestions or comments on this?

[DavePlaysBass]

EXL-170 => lower tension, smoother feel, nickel, economical, bright sound for a nickel string, age nicely IMO

Rotosound 66s => higher tension, brigther, rougher to touch, steel, many claim they eat frets faster, IME they lose their bite quickly

I personally like EXL-170s and am paranoid of Roto 66s eating my frets. But many will tell you a bass is a tool and if you dig the sound of Roto 66s, do it.

Dave

[Marson]

lower tension does that mean it isnt realy meant for downtuning?

[Marson]

Well I got the D'addarios but I'd still like to know what lower tension means ?

[DavePlaysBass]

Originally Posted by Marson

Well I got the D'addarios but I'd still like to know what lower tension means ?

Less force needed to pluck the string. If you tune down you may want a higher tension set. Or you may not.

Some will claim they get more punch and fundamental tones from high tension strings.

Others will say lower tension strings have better highes.

I personally like the feel of low tension strings but usually go for a thicker set to get better tone in a band setting. I like XL-170s as a good balance. Others may prefer 160s (50-105) or 165s (45-105). Depends on the bass, the player, the amp, the song, etc.

Dave

[Marson]

Thanx thats what i was asking if it meant no dropping tuning.