Ideal String upgrade for Squier VM Jazz Bass

Primowave · #1 09-13-2007, 09:19 PM

Hi I'm a proud owner of a Squier VM Jazz Bass (my first bass), I've been playing bass for a few months and was wondering what the most common or ideal string upgrade would be. I play mainly Red Hot Chilis, Pink Floyd, Led Zepp and some Jazz. Mainly RHCP

Chances are I'll buy them from this shop website (http://rockshop.co.nz/04/start.php) if I get recommendations so please look there to see if they're available.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to my experience on the TB forums

caesarbass · #2 09-13-2007, 09:33 PM

I just got one too!!! Congrats on your first bass!!!
I use Daddario Pro Steels on all of my fretted basses and they will sound great for whatever kind of music you're playing.
I just checked the website you linked and they do carry Daddario ProSteels, I would get the 45-65-80-100 set, that's the same gauge that your bass came with!!
And welcome to TalkBass!!!!

shannons · #3 09-13-2007, 10:07 PM

I'm a D'Addario ProSteel player as well. Excellent choice for jazz basses.

Primowave · #4 09-13-2007, 10:17 PM

Thanks heaps for the recommendations guys. Anyone else with suggestions?

JimmyM · #5 09-14-2007, 12:33 AM

String recommendations are pretty well meaningless because what I like, you may hate. Just buy one of everything and stick with what you like best.

Deathblade Eric · #6 09-14-2007, 12:48 AM

+1 for the above. Buy a different brand/type each time you change strings for a while & get to know what's which.

For e.g. Nickels (my preference) tend to be warm-sounding & smoother to the touch, whereas Stainless strings can feel rough but tend to have a much brighter sound.

There's as much variation as there are manufacturers.

Eventually you'll hit on a set that suits your ear (& hopefully your pocket), at which point stop.

Much the same applies to strap length (it took ages for me to get that one right) and, should you choose to go down that route, which pick (again, it took a multitude of types, shapes & materials to find what worked for me).

As you may gather from the varied responses, there's no "right answer", just what suits you & your style - the same applies to most aspects of equipment. We'll always give you a few opinions, but ultimately it's your ears & your wallet.

Enjoy & welcome.

Pete.

HELLonWheels187 · #7 09-14-2007, 12:58 AM

Ill say get some DR lowriders. If you want a more crunchy slap sound like what flea has in the earlier stuff get the Stainless steel.

David Lansen · #8 09-14-2007, 06:38 AM

I agree with JimmyM and Deathblade Eric. However, I think D'Addario strings might be a good starting point. The best thing about them is they are inexpensive, and very all-around tonewise.

Once you've used a set or two you might be able to say, "I want brighter/warmer sound," "I want more highs/mids/lows," "I want more punch/growl/etc". Or you might think they're just the right strings for you and your bass.