Help a String Newb Out!

[Din Of Win]

Hey All,

I've never really looked into string selection seriously before and i just wanted some input as to what kind of strings i should be looking into!

I play in a punk rock and roll band (think Ramones-y). I've been playing out of an Ibby ATK, but after playing a friend's P-Bass... i will be getting myself some Passive Precision goodness.

So yeah... playing that kind of music, on a p-bass, with a pick; what type of strings should i be looking into?


Thanks for the help!

[stflbn]

What strings are you currently using?

What do you feel you are not getting out of your current strings, or are specifically looking for in new strings?

Without knowing more... there's no more to knowledgably give.

[EricF]

Pickstyle, old-school punk, passive P-bass...a set of nickel roundwounds sounds like the right place to start. Lots of brands to choose from.

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by EricF

Pickstyle, old-school punk, passive P-bass...a set of nickel roundwounds sounds like the right place to start. Lots of brands to choose from.

+1
I like DR

Also. Strings can make a big difference in your sound and strings are way cheaper than basses. Do yourself a favor and try out a few different sets of strings before you go switching basses.

[Din Of Win]

Originally Posted by stflbn

What strings are you currently using?

What do you feel you are not getting out of your current strings, or are specifically looking for in new strings?

Without knowing more... there's no more to knowledgably give.

Haha, and herein lies the "newbocity". I apolagize for not giving enough info!

I'm currently using GHS Boomers, Medium 45-105 M3045 that were just still in use from playing with a previous band that downtuned, hence the thicker gague.

I honestly don't know if i am getting the most out of my strings due to my ignorance on the subject as a whole. Strings also aren't really anything that i can just go practice on willy-nilly at the local music shop. I was just presenting the question here in hopes of becomming slightly more educated on the topic and hopefully enhancing my own sound in the process. I DO know that i want a smaller gague!


EricF: Thanks for the good start!

[EricF]

Just curious...why go to a smaller gauge? I've always used 45-105 on my standard-tuned basses. As long as your bass is set up properly (truss rod adjustment, intonation) for the strings, it shouldn't be a problem.

[Din Of Win]

Originally Posted by EricF

Just curious...why go to a smaller gauge? I've always used 45-105 on my standard-tuned basses. As long as your bass is set up properly (truss rod adjustment, intonation) for the strings, it shouldn't be a problem.

Just in talking to the local music shop people, they have always reccomended 40-100 for standard and 45-104+ for downtuned.

[Ron G]

check this out:

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/...eviewDec04.pdf

[JustDavid]

Ah!! Thanks for the great link!!

[(b)Assman]

Some people will suggest flats, but that's for a more vintage p-bass sound imo. If you ware playing rock and punk like you said def want to get a set of nickel roundwounds for growl. Maybe look into stainless steels for punk.

[Solarmist]

45105 is pretty much a standard medium gauge set sold on many basses as stock strings. You can go with a lighter set, but you will lose depth, and gain focus. You may need to loosen the trussrod a tad to account for the slightly lower tension. Another factor is core type that's relative to the feel. Hex cores are a little stiffer than round cores.

String types - the short:
Stainless rounds = really bright
Nickel rounds = warm & bright
Half-rounds = warm & not so bright
Flats = dull & not bright

[Din Of Win]

Awesome! Great link and tons of usefull info! All of the input has been super helpfull!!