Does brand really matter? (String help)

mgriffith · #1 08-20-2008, 10:24 PM

It's time to re-string my Epiphone Ripper bass, and I have to wonder if the brand of string is really all that important.

The strings on the Ripper now are the ones it came with - Gibson strings, I would imagine. Medium gauge.

I'm going to stick with the gauge, and I want to get a thick punchy sound from the strings, with a minimum of "twang".

I'm looking to spend $25-$35, and the attitude I get from the guys at the music store is that in that price range, the brands are all pretty much the same.

Opinions?

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Also, to get the tone I want from the Ripper - it has one humbucker and a maple neck - should I go with flats or stick with rounds? Nickel or steel?

I feel like a babe in the woods here, and I'm not getting much help from folks at the music store.

Thanks, all!

jsingles · #2 08-20-2008, 10:25 PM

short answer: YES....

what type of bass sound do you aim for?

cant really answer accordingly unless you describe the tone you like. do you like really bright strings?

mgriffith · #3 08-20-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsingles

short answer: YES....

what type of bass sound do you aim for?

cant really answer accordingly unless you describe the tone you like. do you like really bright strings?

I have my Fender Jazz set up for a bright sound, so I want the Epi to have more of an earthy (not muddy!), thumping sound. Old school '50's P-bass sound would be great, but I doubt I can get that with the Ripper.

Lesfunk · #4 08-20-2008, 10:38 PM

Strings are different. With experience, you'll find a set you prefer.

tangerinedream · #5 08-20-2008, 10:45 PM

yes to me string make you take me I play ric and musicman I have used rotosound from 1976 to now that is my sound you got to find your sound that moves you the right string the right amp my fender p bass has fender string my peavey TKO
with 7band EQ has a good sound I can be content with it I used GHS in the 75 it was ok hope this helps

jsingles · #6 08-20-2008, 10:50 PM

you want that thing to THUMP? put some flatwounds on that baby! now that is oldschool P-bass.

mgriffith · #7 08-21-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsingles

you want that thing to THUMP? put some flatwounds on that baby! now that is oldschool P-bass.

I was thinking that, especially after reading an article by Mike Gordon (from Phish) in a Bass Player magazine today. He got a sound he describes like the one I want from going to flatwounds.

Now, which brand?

I'm off to read the reviews here.

Mastermold · #8 08-21-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgriffith

I was thinking that, especially after reading an article by Mike Gordon (from Phish) in a Bass Player magazine today. He got a sound he describes like the one I want from going to flatwounds.

Now, which brand?

I'm off to read the reviews here.

La Bella or TI flats get the most love here. But depending on your personal tone preference, you may like others. You'll maybe need to try several brands before finding what you like best.

spaz21387 · #9 08-21-2008, 09:26 PM

When did epiphone make a reissue of the ripper? Are they still in production and do they make a grabber? Anyway back on topic I like ernie ball and dean markley blue steels. Both would be great to try out. Lately rotosounds have been dead out of the box so I stay away from them.
After doing alittle searching I answered my own question epiphone did a reissue of the ripper with p/j pickups.