Confused newbie

drummer5359 · #1 09-03-2011, 07:59 PM

I've read the threads, I've done my best to digest the 463 different opinions on strings posted here.

I am still clueless as to what kind of strings I should put on my bass when I take it in next week to get a professional setup done on it.

I'm such a freakin' newbie.

nogoodwithnames · #2 09-03-2011, 08:09 PM

Just pick one and try them.... being a newb myself I've learned that no one can decide for you. Trying different stuff is the best way to see what you like and dislike. I suggest some DR black beauties. :-) maybe some more info on what you like to play and what you're after tone-wise would help with responses. good luck to you.

**Staccato** · #3 09-03-2011, 08:10 PM

DR has lots of fans on this forum. The Lo Rider strings are available in both stainless, and nickel. Why don't you buy a medium set of the nickel Lo Rider strings (they cause less wear than SS). You'll enjoy the feel, and the way they play. Enjoy!

Johnny Alien · #4 09-03-2011, 08:14 PM

Here is what I generally tell everyone. One of the best, affordable, easy to find, all around great roundwound strings are GHS Boomers. They are not too high tension and not too low tension. They have good mids and lows but don't lack in the highs. They are a fantastic place to start to see what you like and if another string is better for you. That is my suggestion for you.

iamdenialNJ · #5 09-03-2011, 08:15 PM

I have not looked back since I tried flatwounds a couple of years ago. Give them a go.

darkstorm · #6 09-03-2011, 08:18 PM

What do you like about the strings on it now? What little tone tweak would you make if there was strings that could help accent that desired tweak? New strings can be the same kind you have now if you like. If your bassically satisfied with the sound your getting now. Then staying with the same strings is good choice imo. You can create fair amount of useful tone tweaks via various pup blends, onboard tone control useage, and where you strike the strings relative to how far from the bridge or close to the end of neck you are to.

Perhaps a better question if we're gonna stick with the same string brand, is wether or not you'd like a little bit looser or stiffer tension in strings. If so, sticking with same brand but a gauge lighter or heavier, might be best choice.

Myself I like Rotosound swing 66, DR neons and sunbeams, GHS boomers, Ernie Ball slinkys, and Dean markley Blue steel.

pica · #7 09-03-2011, 08:20 PM

I just put a set of DAdarrio nickel round wounds on my Ibanez and I love the tone from them. You might want to avoid stainless steel strings as they tend to chew up the frets.

Mike 257 · #8 09-03-2011, 08:46 PM

Drummer Im a newb as well and have read all the posts on strings. I have come to the conclusion that Im gonna have to try different strings out untill I find " My Sound "
I really like the Marcus Miller sound so Im gonna try a set of Dr Fat Beams. I realize that Im not Marcus Miller, I dont use the same gear as he does and I dont know how to play yet but there is a certain sound Im looking for. So if you know what sound you like that might narrow down your choices of strings, if that makes any sense .

Blues Bass Man · #9 09-03-2011, 09:37 PM

I gotta agree with Johnny Alien....GHS Bass Boomers are a great all around string...You can't go wrong with them.

drummer5359 · #10 09-03-2011, 10:01 PM

The bass (which is a Peavey Dyna by the way) came with some pretty fresh round-wounds on it. (I don't know who's brand.) I seem to get a lot of string noise that I'm not crazy about.

SurferJoe46 · #11 09-03-2011, 10:47 PM

I think anyone complaining about string whizzing should be using something like the Elixir Nanos though.

They are pretty much silent and no zing either. They are mellow and really nice on the fingers in those formative months where the n00b can concentrate on style and playing and quit being angered by string noise.

I actually still have three basses loaded with Elixir Nanos and they are all nice to play and won't eat your fingers either.

My other choice is ROTO 77 flats, but to a n00b they will feel like playing rebar since they are hard to fret cleanly. We can pull them down and I'm not slamming the ROTOs or any player - but 77s ARE harder to hold cleanly.

My other basses have the MII "Fender 7250 NPSs" which are NOT D'As NOR Fenders. The MII 7250s RED SILKS however, are really quite nice and I like them a lot!

The MII and MIM and MIA 7250 NPS strings that are BLACK SILKS are not the same as are the rest of the Fender phony line of 7250 NPSs ----- which generally suck.

PerlNinja · #12 09-04-2011, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Alien

Here is what I generally tell everyone. One of the best, affordable, easy to find, all around great roundwound strings are GHS Boomers. They are not too high tension and not too low tension. They have good mids and lows but don't lack in the highs. They are a fantastic place to start to see what you like and if another string is better for you. That is my suggestion for you.

+1. I've been using GHS Boomers for a while now and actually like them a lot, fits with the stuff I play very well. I might experiment a little next time I need to get new ones and might get some flatwounds to see how it sounds, but I'll always have a set of GHS Boomers stuck in my gear closet.

Basically the thing about picking strings is this: buy a set. Any set. Put them on, play them. If you like them, remember it, if you don't like them, buy a different set next time.

Rinse and repeat until you find the ones you like.

drummer5359 · #13 09-04-2011, 07:59 AM

Thanks for all of the help folks. I'm going to start the journey toward finding "my" strings on Tuesday.

I have a Peavey Fury (that I got a great deal) on the way. I'm going to throw some flat wounds on it as soon as it gets here.