I need a BRIGHT string

#1 08-21-2009, 01:27 AM

I play in a post hardcore band (kind of like thursday) and I need a really bright zingy sound with a lot of edge in it. I have a great bass that gets a really nice deep sound with a lot of lows, but I don't have any edge from my strings. They just sound dull. I was wondering what the absolute brightest string is. I currently have DR Lo-Riders on it, and even upon stringing them up for the first time, it didn't sound zingy at all.
i was thinking Roto66 or DR Hi-Beams. Which is a brighter string? Is there a better bet? Life counts for me, I kind of don't want to be changing strings constantly.

7StringBassist · #2 08-21-2009, 01:32 AM

i love DR Hi Beams pretty darn good strings

most Stainless steel strings are brighter then their nickel counter parts

anthowl · #3 08-21-2009, 01:39 AM

rotosounds swing 66.
i have em on my Jazz and months old they're still pretty sharp.

EDIT: should mention these are steel also.

#4 08-21-2009, 01:47 AM

well i know im looking for stainless steel... i am just wondering which set is brighter...

millsbass5 · #5 08-21-2009, 01:51 AM

Go with stainless roundwounds.And,also a pretty fast car and a DAMN good driver.
Why??
'Cause you're gonna have to start robbing banks to to keep that fresh,zzzziinngyyy sound.
Or,get famous,and get an endorsement.
Then,you can change your strings anytime.Even if someone breathes on them.

God,I love fresh strings,too.

7StringBassist · #6 08-21-2009, 01:54 AM

yes but I always wash my hands before playing and wipe um down after as well keeps them alive longer

7StringBassist · #7 08-21-2009, 01:55 AM

Pro Steel
Hi Beams
Ken Smith Stainless

funknasty · #8 08-21-2009, 01:58 AM

I used the High Beams for years but I have been using Prosteels for a while now and love them. Bright crispy sound and not expensive. I have also been reusing my strings by soaking them in denatured alcohol for while. They sound brand new afterwards.

starvingbassist · #9 08-21-2009, 02:08 AM

I've used alot of both Rotos, and DRs, and to me the Drs are a bit brighter. i actually stopped using them because I feel they are a bit too bright for my taste. Don't get me wrong, the rotos are bright as well but a bit more smooth

**TheMutt** · #10 08-21-2009, 02:22 AM

DR Sunbeams

sonic assassin · #11 08-21-2009, 02:49 AM

hi beams were alright. pro steels had more zing, but died quickly. the only variable is that it wasnt in a case. elixirs are the brightest, longest lasting strings ive ever played. after months of use (and no case, no hand washing, no string wipe down) they were brighter than a NEW pair of EB strings. the extra cost is justified by the life of the string.

Jaco who? · #12 08-21-2009, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da Funk Docta

I currently have DR Lo-Riders on it, and even upon stringing them up for the first time, it didn't sound zingy at all.

Uhm, which ones? They make steel lo-riders too, if you like the way they feel and you're talking about the nickels. I like hi beams, but some dislike the more springy-sproingy tension they have.

Hamrhed · #13 08-21-2009, 05:40 AM

I would go w/ the Daddario XLs over the DR high beams simply based on price- you can get the Xls much cheaper...

In my experience using both strings- the Xls are as bright as Hi Beams, last as long, and cost less... plus this: the Xls are machine wound which imho means they are more consistent string to string. One thing Ive noticed about DRs was that from set to set the tone and endurance can vary... sometimes quite a bit. That is why when I buy & try strings I try to get two or more sets. On the other hand- the DR hi beams also have a round core which is supposed to be easier on your frets

The ones I like the best (so far- Im going to try some Ken Smith burners) for consistency has been Daddario... and they are cheaper than most brands...

Fliptrique · #14 08-21-2009, 05:44 AM

Daddario Pro steels and Dean Markley sr2000 are two brightest string sets I`ve tried. Pro steels are stiff and have a LOT of punch in them, while DM`s are a lot more flexible, zingy and hi-fi like.

dmusic148 · #15 08-21-2009, 06:05 AM

Are you using your Jazz bass for this? Really, ANY decent steel string should sound damn bright on that bass.

optikhog · #16 08-21-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fliptrique

Daddario Pro steels and Dean Markley sr2000 are two brightest string sets I`ve tried. Pro steels are stiff and have a LOT of punch in them, while DM`s are a lot more flexible, zingy and hi-fi like.

+1. I'm a recent SR2000 convert and they're just great if you want zing. Last quite a while as well.

Clark Dark · #17 08-21-2009, 06:29 AM

+1 on Elixirs

manoverboard_21 · #18 08-21-2009, 06:57 AM

ProSteels and Blue Steels are really bright, but I like the D'Addario Coated bass trings too. THey are really bright as well.

Hamrhed · #19 08-21-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manoverboard_21

ProSteels and Blue Steels are really bright, but I like the D'Addario Coated bass trings too. THey are really bright as well.

I used those recently to record and they are excellent (EXPs). I think they are a bit warmer than the Prosteels but still very good for a punchy, modern tone!

southshoreconor · #20 08-21-2009, 09:53 AM

before i started touring full time (read: when i had some extra cash to blow) i always got DR hi-beams, once every two weeks. my band's got an SIT endorsement and i've used those on our past two tours. without the endorsement, i MIGHT still want to pay a little extra for the DRs but the sit stainless rock brights hold up very nicely in comparison IMO.

op, what band are you in?