Gimme a bright S.O.B.

[Timmay045]

Ok, so I've had issues a lot. I can't seem to find strings that i like. I've tried a variety of strings, including slinkies (I liked the tone, but they last for about 3 days) blue steels(awesome, absolutely awesome, for about 7 minutes) nicklewound d'arddios or whatever (don't REALLY remember them that well, but they were kinda flat) and Boomers ().

I need a set of strings that:

1) Create a huge "cutting" sound. I, as a bassist, don't want to be stuck playing dull, thudding background lines. Not that there isn't a place for that in music, but i'd rather be a major lead in a band rather than the guy in the back playing chord changes.
As far as strings go, I love bright, metallic sounds. Like i've said before, think about the gibson ripper and Krist from Nirvana. I want, no, need, that loud, stinging metallic sound from my bass. My bass is certainly up to the task, but none of my strings are cutting it.

2) I want strings that last. I realize that strings die, and that everyone has voodoo to bring them back. boiling, soaking them in wood alcohol, the list goes on. I want strings that retain their cutting, forward metallic sound without going "thud-y" in less that two weeks. I would love to go about a month before my strings comepletely lose whatever zing they have left.

so, any answers?

[HogieWan]

Elixirs stay bright and zingy for longer than most people like. If you want fresh-out-of-the-pack tone, they are a good bet. They cost a lot, but they last so much longer, you may even save $ in the long run

[smem]

I've been asking the same question for 15 years, and still haven't figured this one out. Trace Elliot used to make stainless strings that were insanely bright and lasted pretty good, shredded the fingers a bit, unfortunately I don't think they have made them for a while now. I'll be watching this thread. Good luck.

[ErebusBass]

Have you tried DR Hi-beams?

[Timmay045]

nope, never have. I picked up some nicklewound d'arrdio's today, but I haven't had the change to string my bass (I've got SATs this week, so i don't wanna distract myself that much). I'll look for hi beams though

[BananaKing]

Have you tried sadowskys or D'addario Prosteels?

[stflbn]

Elixir's sound very surprisingly like Stainless Steel strings if you take the time to record them back to back. At least close enough to warrant the extended playing time you get out of them.

However, depending if you're an aggressive pick player you may beat the coating off the string prematurely. I guess your choice in strings is subject to what you do with them and what you 'realistically' expect out of them.

[fourfinger]

Elixirs are what you describe.

[18eranaRic]

I second DR Hi-beams. Besides, the quality of actual craftsmanship is noticeable. I use Sadowsky strings on my rick and when new....they're awesome. But DR's last a longer.

[18eranaRic]

So for the "cutting" sound, Sadowsky, but for a long life...DR's. You actually want the best of both worlds?! lol

[mrkreuzschlitz]

+1 for Elixirs. They last FOREVER and they are really bright. I normally like a pretty bright tone, and with the Elixirs, I gotta turn the tone knob on my Jazz down a tad.

[HogieWan]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Elixir's sound very surprisingly like Stainless Steel strings if you take the time to record them back to back. At least close enough to warrant the extended playing time you get out of them.

However, depending if you're an aggressive pick player you may beat the coating off the string prematurely.

I've never used Elixir on bass because I don't really like the zingy sound of new rounds, but I use them on my guitars and my acoustic (which I play every week a church besides what I do at home) has had the same set of elixirs on it since July of 97 with no signs of wear and a slight decrease in new-string-brightness