D'Addario vs. Ernie Ball

[onlyclave]

I put a set of Ernie Ball Super Slinkies on my 5 string about 2 months ago and these things are crap. I've used D'Addario for years but I was in a rush and stopped at a music shop that didn't have a 5 string set in a gauge I wanted. These have turned to thumpy mush that's really tough to intonate faster than any other string I've ever used.

Has anybody else ever seen this? These EB's were pretty cool for about 3 weeks and then they went downhill pretty fast.

[Ampeg SVT]

I find both EB and Daddario nickels to be pretty bad.

If you are having problems with strings dying then I suggest Elixers however if you dont like those then check out some DR Sunbeams.

EB strings have very short lives, Daddario's are an acquired taste. If you like Daddario's then check out those Elixers, they are actually just Daddario strings with a coating.

[kingpin2512]

I have EB on my right now and they are going to crap so i'll have to replace them soon.

[rysker6]

I first used D'Addario and liked them for awhile then switched to DR. The DRs were good, if you have the cash to replace them every two days, then i switched to Ernie Ball. Im a Warwicker and the Ernie Balls sound great on them, I haven't had any problems.

[PocketGroove82]

I think both brands are fine strings. If you feel that you require something more than satisfactory strings then spend the extra money on brands that boast things like gold, frozen or handmade, but honestly imo both could easily get most bass players through their entire careers.

Matt

[Craig_S]

You got two months out of them? You should be happy!

[rarisgod]

I had some D'addarios on my 4 string and loved them. I enjoyed their sound from April until November. I still have them on, but I put som EBs on my 5 string, and I absolutely LOVE the sound I'm getting with them! Plus they have a MUCH lighter feel than the D'addarios! The EBs made me disappointed with the feel of the D'addarios when comparing basses, but that can easily be due to their age...

So I've enjoyed both strings. I've tried DR Red Devils on my 4 string, and obviously I enjoyed them when they were new, but when they got older they were ABSOLUTELY terrible, both sound and feel. I think I'll be sticking with EBs for now.

[JimmyM]

I can't tell the difference between D'addarios and Ernie Balls. I use D'addarios because they're cheaper, but I'd swear they were the same string.