How Do You Decide What Strings To Use?

[Sir Edward V]

I just wandered over to this part of the forum, and started reading some stuff, and I was just wondering how people decide what strings to use. I don't know what the first pair or two I bought were, but after that I just remember buying D'Adderios. Those are all I buy now... I think the only reason I got them was because I heard they were hand wound, therefore better. Those are the only strings I have bought that I can remember since I started playing 3 years ago... Makes me think that I should start buying other brands of strings to see what differences they offer me. But then again, I replace strings so not often that I probably wouldn't notice the difference.

The only thing I've got to go on is that I don't have a problem with the strings I use. From there I follow the saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it"

So why do you guys use the strings you do? How many other inds have you tried?

[SuperSnake2012]

I've been using more or less the same strings since I started playing. I tried a few different sets based on recommendations from users here, but I use use what my hands and ears like. Right now I'm using DR Hi-Beams and D'Addario Chromes. They work for me, and I like the way they feel and sound. It's really trial and error... just keep trying different things until you find the one you like. If those are the D'Addarios then keep using those

[rjny36]

A lot of it is just through experimentation. I've gone through a bunch of different strings, and I still experiment from time to time. For me, the progressions went like this:

Fender Precision Bass:
D'Addario Slowound - DR Lo Riders - D'Addario XL -D'Addario Chromes - T.I. Jazz Flats - LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats("Jamerson" set)

Fender Jazz Bass:
Fender 7250ML - DR Hi-Beams ... love both of those strings on my jazz. I switch off between them.

[seangoespostal]

I buy strings based on price, and how long they last. Lately I've been buying Carvin strings, which I believe are made by LaBella, because they sound good, last a while, and cost only ten bucks.

[saxnbass]

I still change strings quite a bit just to try out new ones, but usually end back up with my favorite brand. Though I do experiment with other strings. I've recently found love for TI Flats and would like to try out TI Rounds. I want a set of rounds that sound very dull, kind of flat esque but not quite as dull.

[jacob_edwards91]

I've always used Rotosounds. They work for me, so there is no reason to change.

[Synplicity]

Fender 7250's, cheap and reliable for me. Also feel is an important factor, the stock strings on my SX (d'addarios i think) are too light of gauge for me, and dont feel right.

[Nighthawk551]

Originally Posted by rjny36

A lot of it is just through experimentation.

True. I use the strings I think are the best fit for each bass. My P-Bass wears D'Addario Chromes, and my Jazz has DR Lo-Riders on it.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Mostly trial and error. Usually when I find something I like I stick with it but each bass has a different favorite set, so I still end up trying different strings. I think most new strings sound pretty good, so for me a lot of it has to do with the feel (tension and surface).

I think a lot of people also base their choice on what's available in their area and sometimes price too. For example, D'Addarios can be found everywhere and are relatively cheap but Thomastik-Infeld Flats are harder to find and are expensive.

[nastyn8c]

To the OP: It all depends on the tone you're looking for. If you want something versatile, nickel roundwounds are great. To that end, D'Addario XLs are the best found-at-every-music-store-ever roundwound.



To Smallmouth:

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

Mostly trial and error. Usually when I find something I like I stick with it but each bass has a different favorite set, so I still end up trying different strings.

Smallmouth, I know you're a Dingwall guy too. Do you just use Dingwall strings for those basses?

[jomahu]

i got over brand loyalty a long time ago, so i always have a problem when it comes time to replace strings. i tend to stay away from really bright strings, so that's my marker right there.
for now, i use DR Lo-Riders on my sx 75 jazz and sadowsky flats on my tbc single M. i like them fine. but when the time comes to put on new strings, i'll probably try something new. just 'cause i can.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Originally Posted by nastyn8c

Smallmouth, I know you're a Dingwall guy too. Do you just use Dingwall strings for those basses?

I use the Dingwall strings on my Afterburner I. I use GHS Super Steels in Long Scale Plus in custom picked single gauges on my Afterburner II. Both are good, but sound and feel a bit different.

[FunkyFlashFive]

i started with the only 5 set at my local shop that was in stock, then i put bass strings on my Christmas list and ended up with dr low riders which i have used since.

[Koki]

I don't have "mine" set.. I always switch and trying all

[Funky Hugh]

I'm still experimenting with different types but i have just changed my strings to ernie ball regular slinky today.

[ergodynebass]

I normally just buy a pack and hope for the best but I'm kind of stuck between using DR and Ernie Ball for the most part. DR for slap and EB for everything else.

[saxofunk]

One bass came with good strings on it, I love the sound and will stick with the same brand & model on that one.

The other bass came with poo poo strings on it. I have used several brands and been generally satisfied, but I'm still in search of "the one."