Good strings for a bad bass?

madfiddler · #1 07-02-2010, 06:36 PM

Need to create a bit of a thump and some clang for contemporary pop/rock covers with a real cheap crappy passive p-bass made in outer Mongolia!

The stock strings are nasty and feel like they're cutting up your fingers, the more you play it!

As the bass is so cheap don't want to buy a real expensive set of strings either.

Any ideas?

WyrdoBass · #2 07-02-2010, 06:41 PM

I always like the Rotosound Swing Bass 66's... The Stainless steels are my personal fav for the bright, piano-like awesomeness (yeah, I sound mature

) but the nickels are very nice as well, being slightly warmer.

Bassman822 · #3 07-02-2010, 06:51 PM

I'm biased toward D'Addario XL170s (nickel roundwound, guages 45 to 100). They seem smoother than most roundwounds out there, and they're usually fairly reasonable

eyecandy · #4 07-02-2010, 07:24 PM

chromes..

jasper383 · #5 07-02-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyecandy

chromes..

+1

Also: The new Fender flats are a lot like Chromes (might be the same strings, even), and are available for about $20/set.

The new Fender 9050ML or 9050L set on a bad P bass would probably sound really quite good.

darkstorm · #6 07-03-2010, 12:28 PM

Whatever roundwounds your store has on sale. You probably also need pickup replacement to if you want good sound.

nato101010 · #7 07-03-2010, 12:43 PM

I love Ernie Ball, and they aren't bad priced.

becker4567 · #8 07-03-2010, 12:52 PM

LaBella flats will make a bad bass/bassist sound better......not good mind you, just better.

Beginner Bass · #9 07-03-2010, 05:18 PM

I say D'addario Chromes

Quote:

Originally Posted by nato101010

I love Ernie Ball, and they aren't bad priced.

Hehehe, he said Ball...

Seriously, EBs have a pretty bright tone and shorter life, wile Chromes mature into a warmer sound. I've tried both, and I say Chromes.

PluckyThump · #10 07-03-2010, 05:21 PM

I suggest DR Sunbeams. Ballsy tone and easy on the fingers.

Pilgrim · #11 07-03-2010, 09:55 PM

Order from Imperial Guitars online and you'll pay about half of the price I've found anywhere else. Labella Deep Talkin' flats are what you need.

madfiddler · #12 07-04-2010, 11:31 AM

thanks for all the suggestions.

actually its not my bass, but my godson's. I doubt its worth upograding the bass in any large way. It's ok for a begiunner bass imho, which it is, but thats' about it.

Some replacement strings will do for a while and then probably replace the bass althogether if he sticks with it.

cheers all