D'Addrio vs Ernie Ball

seanm · #1 01-26-2011, 02:46 AM

I sold off my 5 strings... they just weren't for me. Now I want to string one of the basses BEAD (it is already setup for it). But I have decided to try round wounds this time

The E string must be a 105 since I need a strong E string. I am thinking either D'Addrio EXL160-5 or Ernie Ball power slinky.

Way back when I used rounds I preferred nickel. Any advantage to steel for a good B string? I need a strong D on the B string.

JazzMarius · #2 01-26-2011, 05:44 AM

Well, i used both and i don't like that much the Ernies... They sound to harsh for me.

Can't help you on the "B" thing... I am still searching for that clear, growly "B" string and gets me to the conclusion that is about the bass not the string...

yaboiimizz · #3 01-26-2011, 05:56 AM

Well i string my bass with EB's and my guitar with D'addarios
I use the regular slinky 5 on my bass only strings iv ever used on it, and used the super slinky on my 4.

Honestly to me strings dont make hardly any difference in my ears, new strings are new strings no matter what brand. Iv tried alot of different strings on my guitar and the biggest difference between them was not the sound but the feel of them.

dj150888 · #4 01-26-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaboiimizz

Well i string my bass with EB's and my guitar with D'addarios
I use the regular slinky 5 on my bass only strings iv ever used on it, and used the super slinky on my 4.

Honestly to me strings dont make hardly any difference in my ears, new strings are new strings no matter what brand. Iv tried alot of different strings on my guitar and the biggest difference between them was not the sound but the feel of them.

I've found the opposite myself, I find a huge difference between different strings from different brands.

At the minute, I'm using D'addario Prosteels, they've got great clarity and I think they sound pretty focussed when compared with nickels.

RedLeg · #5 01-26-2011, 08:14 AM

i am using a set of EB flats and I am liking them.
honestly, I cannot tell a major difference between XL's and slinkys when it comes to roundwound nickels

Lexicon · #6 01-26-2011, 11:55 AM

I just strung my SR500 BEAD and used the Power Slinky's because I wanted a 105 E and the 135 B is close in tension to that. I don't really have anything to compare it to but I think it works well. I'm new to having a low B but the low D sounds pretty good to me.

canshaker · #7 01-26-2011, 11:57 AM

D'Addario's hold their tone longer, IMHO.

southpaw420 · #8 01-26-2011, 01:29 PM

I've been using light Daddario XLs on my Carvin SB5000 and they are my favorite roundwounds so far, atleast on this bass. B strings sounds great. I was never fond of Ernie Balls.

LiquidMidnight · #9 01-26-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canshaker

D'Addario's hold their tone longer, IMHO.

+1

After going between Ernie Ball and D'addario for a while, I've really been impressed with how long D'addarios hold their tone. Ernie Balls seemed to lose their sizzle after a show or two. That's why I quit using GHS years ago - sound great when I put them, but no tone after two gigs.

My guitarist also switched from Ernie Ball to D'addario for the same reason.

I've alway sloved Dean Markley Blue Steels, but was never really hip on their price. D'addario Prosteels sound very, very similar to my ears, and I can usually get them $10 less a pack than Blue Steels.

Lesfunk · #10 01-26-2011, 10:01 PM

EB's are my least favorite strings. I would not use them even if they were given to me.
D'Addario aren't my favorite string either but miles above Ernie Ball( Stainless anyway, all nickels suck). DA's are consistent and don't break your wallet. I use Pro Steel if DR's aren't available

king_biscuit · #11 01-26-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLeg

i am using a set of EB flats and I am liking them.
honestly, I cannot tell a major difference between XL's and slinkys when it comes to roundwound nickels

That's because they are exactly the same

So are the flats.

**jmattbassplaya** · #12 01-26-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidMidnight

+1

After going between Ernie Ball and D'addario for a while, I've really been impressed with how long D'addarios hold their tone. Ernie Balls seemed to lose their sizzle after a show or two. That's why I quit using GHS years ago - sound great when I put them, but no tone after two gigs.

My guitarist also switched from Ernie Ball to D'addario for the same reason.

I've alway sloved Dean Markley Blue Steels, but was never really hip on their price. D'addario Prosteels sound very, very similar to my ears, and I can usually get them $10 less a pack than Blue Steels.

Another +1

May I suggest Dunlop. They have the same initial sizzle as EB's, but with more balls, and they keep their tone as long if not more than D'Addario.