Im completely lost when it comes to bass strings

[Fender Floyd]

I am a relatively new bassist (been playing for about a half a year) and I think its time to replace the old strings that came on my bass with something new, however i haven't any idea what i'd like. I have never had the chance to try anything other than what ever is on the basses at guitar center and from what i can feel they are all the exact same strings.

So I am just looking for some suggestions of brands, types(flat, rounds, etc), and gauge. I play a Highway 1 P-bass through an ampeg ba210. My major influences tone wise are Roger Waters and John Entwistle.

Thanks in advance.

[SuperDuck]

Honestly, I would recommend some D'Addario XL's in a medium gauge. See how you like those and you can get more recommendations. If you want something that's more mellow, more zingy, higher tension, lower tension, brighter/darker, thumpier, etc., you can get recommendations relative to those.

They're a good all-around string that are fairly neutral in the grand scheme of things. Once you know more about what you want you can be steered in that general direction by all us wonderful guys.

edit: They're also affordable and readily available at most guitar stores. www.juststrings.com is a good source once you want to expand your horizons outside of what's available at Guitar Center/Sam Ash.

[BigSwami]

SuperDuck is of course spot-on with his advice. But I might also recommend that if you like the sound of John Entwistle, you should rather stick to roundwound strings over flatwounds. I know Entwistle was a fan of Rotosound steel roundwound strings - I have heard that they actually began making those strings on his request. Very bright resonant strings, with lots of sustain and ringing overtones.

[SuperDuck]

I've never used Rotosounds, but I've heard people like them a lot. Both the Rotos and the XL's are roundwounds.

[bass_69]

I 2nd the XL's as a great recommendation for a 1st up string to try and get a reference point from. The Roto's are steel and will be harsher on your fingers and your frets. The XL's are nickel plated and therefore softer..

[bthiemann80]

I know roger waters uses the rotosound flats, but i think john entwhistle was rather fond of stainless steel roundwounds. I'd suggest the roto flats.

[Fender Floyd]

Originally Posted by bthiemann80

I know roger waters uses the rotosound flats, but i think john entwhistle was rather fond of stainless steel roundwounds. I'd suggest the roto flats.

I was actually looking around and I am really considering getting the rotosound flat 77's, the ones waters used. I heard a soundbit and really liked the tone.