coated bass strings

hachi kid · #1 03-03-2009, 03:25 PM

hello everyone. so, for the first time in about 2-3 years, I'm going to buy some new bass strings. the last time I put bass strings on, it was through a college I was playing with at the time. I ordered some Elixer's through them because I've always been curious about them, and I figured I'd try them. up until that point, I'd been using Rotosound RS66's religiously because I absolutely loved the sound of them. I noticed the Elixer's were sort of similar to the Rotosounds in terms of their bright, midrange-y growl and crunch. since it's been so long since I've been in the market for new strings, can you guys give me your opinions on which of the coated strings you guys have tried would fit this? the ideal tone I'm looking for is a tone similar to Billy Sheehan's. I LOVE that bright, crunchy twang he gets out of his Yamaha.

the reason I'm asking is because I've heard that the Elixer's seem a bit dull compared to other coated bass strings on the market today. and since I'm not playing as often as I was a few years ago when I was a RS66 fanatic, I'm looking for a string that will last a lot longer than the Rotosounds (which died after a week of constant playing)

any help would be GREATLY appreciated. thank you!

Joseph.

wingnut · #2 03-03-2009, 03:56 PM

DR Black Beauties

kettch · #3 03-03-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut

DR Black Beauties

+1...I used Elixirs for a long time then tried out the DR Black Beauties and use them to this day over the Elixirs!

Rob Lewis · #4 03-03-2009, 04:10 PM

I had a set of Elixirs which were factory-supplied on an Ibanez. They were excellent, and hadn't completely lost their tone when I changed them. They do sort of fuzz up around the pickup end of the guitar as the coating wears off over time, but they still sounded fine to me. Wee bit expensive, though.

htharp · #5 03-03-2009, 04:12 PM

I just put a set of Black Beauties on one of my basses 2 days ago to try coated strings. I have been using Nickel DR Low Riders and wanted to try their coated string. Thus far I am quite pleased. The playability is quite good for new strings, and they are adequately bright without too much clank.

dinghy · #6 03-03-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kettch

+1...I used Elixirs for a long time then tried out the DR Black Beauties and use them to this day over the Elixirs!

Really? I use Elixirs exclusively but for a while I was trying new strings and I tried some black beauties. They didn't last as long, the coating wore off quicker, and weren't as smooth to the touch. They did look pretty awesome though. Different strokes.

kettch · #7 03-03-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinghy

Really? I use Elixirs exclusively but for a while I was trying new strings and I tried some black beauties. They didn't last as long, the coating wore off quicker, and weren't as smooth to the touch. They did look pretty awesome though. Different strokes.

String preference is definitely a personal thing, for sure. What works for one person may not be best for another, but in the end we all end up rocking.

I haven't had a problem with the coating or longevity on my black beauties in my experience, maybe I'm lucky or am not that hard on them or something. They are definitely not as smooth to the touch as Elixirs but by no means are they dry like a non-coated string. Part of what bugged me about the Elixirs is that they felt TOO smooth and slippery, especially with sweaty hands! Ewww!

I also run Dean Markley Blue Steels on my 5 string which is my go-to bass and have liked them so far, too...I use the Black Beauties on my 4 string which has a deep sunburst finish with black edges, so the black strings look GREAT on it.

hachi kid · #8 03-03-2009, 08:54 PM

those black beauties sound like they may be good, although I tried some DR's a few times, and they seemed to not be as bright as I wanted them to be. anybody know anything about the Cleartone bass strings? or what about the Rotosound coated strings (I just found out about these)?

Joseph.

hachi kid · #9 03-04-2009, 07:47 PM

hello? anyone?

Joseph.

73jbass · #10 03-09-2009, 12:14 PM

I just put a set of Cleartones on one of my Sterlings,and they sound pretty similar to Elixirs.Little bit less tension,but not bad.We'll see if they last as long.

Matt Dean · #11 03-09-2009, 12:17 PM

I don't get coated strings.

CrispyDelicious · #12 03-09-2009, 12:20 PM

I only have experience with DR Black Beauties and Red Devils, and I must say I like them. I currently have a set of Black Beauties on my 6er. They're preforming very well.

Bassamatic · #13 03-09-2009, 12:21 PM

I use the Elixirs whenever possible. The sound is very clean and open, they minimize finger noise and they last forever. Because they last so long, the cost per play is actually very low.

I have DR Black Beauties on one of my Foundations. The sound and look are very good, but they are quite rough.

On a side note - Their cables are the best available. They have the lowest capacitance/ft of ANY instrument cables, so no highs or "air" are lost.

ThePez · #14 03-10-2009, 07:57 PM

I just replaced a set of Black Beauties with the Cleartones. I LOVE the look of the BB on my Charcoal/Black Essex P-Bass, but the tension and tone wasn't for me. for me, the low end was "honky"...i don't know how to describe it other than that. Saturday I replaced the stock pickups with SD SPB3's and it was better, played a show, and the tone was still not what I like... Today I put on the Cleartones and holy crap. There's the tone. Huge, tight bottom, with piano like clarity. The tone is very similar to new Elixers, which is normally my string of choice. So far, I like...we'll see how long they last. The definitely don't feel or sound coated.

Maybe too bright for some, but just right for the setup on this bass...

**ExaltBass** · #15 03-10-2009, 08:00 PM

ELIXIRS do it for me! I love the tone and how long they sound great too!

RPIcka · #16 03-10-2009, 08:04 PM

wyres

theunknowndude · #17 03-18-2009, 08:09 AM

black beauties were too 'piano tone' for me and the feeling was too rough,...

elixirs came on my K5 and I havent stopped using them, I think theyre the most awesome string ever and so long as u dont change them too often they come out the same cost as other strings you have to replace anyways!

rimtism123 · #18 03-25-2009, 03:57 PM

I suggested Warwick EMP's for coated strings. Pricey but good. And they're coated at a molecular level so they're more pick basser friendly in terms of flaking

Craig_S · #19 04-11-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePez

...Today I put on the Cleartones and holy crap. There's the tone. Huge, tight bottom, with piano like clarity. The tone is very similar to new Elixers, which is normally my string of choice. So far, I like...we'll see how long they last. The definitely don't feel or sound coated.

Maybe too bright for some, but just right for the setup on this bass...

The Cleartones are definitely brighter than the Elixirs, but fatter, too I think. I just put a set on my Jazz and I'm completely digging the tone. They're not as smooth feeling (slippery) as Elixirs. I like both. Right now, I think I'm leaning toward Cleartone more. We'll see how long they last.

The Cleartone and Aurora strings (also coated) feel very similar--but look different. They grab your fingers, just a bit. Not enough to bother me. The Aurora strings are brighter looking. I think the Cleartone's sound is better. The feel of both brands is almost like D'Addario Pro Steels. The tension a just a tad higher than D'Addario XLs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rimtism123

I suggested Warwick EMP's for coated strings. Pricey but good. And they're coated at a molecular level so they're more pick basser friendly in terms of flaking

I think the Warwick EMP's are re-packaged Cleartones. EMP inc. is the company making the Cleartone strings.

fishtx · #20 04-11-2009, 04:14 PM

I have been using Elixirs for a long time. I tried the DR's and the D'Addario coated strings and just wasn't feeling them...I need to try out the Cleartones, but part of the reason I have been looking around is Elixirs are so expensive...It looks like the Cleartones are just as expensive...they want like $16.99 on ebay for a single .130 B string...wow...