John Myung's bass strings? Other suggestions as well?

BassMan7530 · #1 06-23-2009, 12:53 PM

I have been playing bass for 3 1/2 years, and I'd have to say Dream Theater is one of the most influential bands to me, especially regarding my switch to a 6-string.

I have always wondered what strings John uses, but have just now thought up the idea to ask on the forum. But if anyone could tell me what strings he uses if you know (or even if you want to suggest something that works for you, or that you think would give me a similar sound), it would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Revmizery · #2 06-23-2009, 02:50 PM

I'm gonna say Ernie Ball strings, since both him and Petrucci use MusicMan guitars and basses. Just a thought.

J-Building · #3 06-23-2009, 02:54 PM

I think D'Addario's. He used them on his instructional video when he was still with Tung. Of course he certainly could have changed brands, but unless he's like me (going through a different brand every time), chances are he's still with D'Addario.

BassMan7530 · #4 06-23-2009, 11:32 PM

Your right, Revmizery, that WOULD make sense after all, haha. I'll have to try them sometime, thanks for the input.

And J-Building, thanks for the help; I need new strings soon, so i'll definitly look into geting a set of D'Addarios. I'm just wondering though, where did you stumble upon that information? I've been looking for info on what strings he uses, and I could never seem to find anything.

Thanks for the help guys.

Starflyer59 · #5 06-24-2009, 04:06 PM

Back in the day his name was attached to the EXL170-6 Long Scale 6-Strings page as an endorse, but that was before he switched to the bongo 6.

Double Agent · #6 06-24-2009, 05:03 PM

Yeah, he was endorsing the D'addario ProSteels before the switch to EBMM basses. Who knows what he is using now? I would guess some kind of EBMM bass strings, but can't say for sure.

One thing I have found though is that the strings your hero uses may not be the right strings for you, so don't put too much effort into figuring out what Myung plays. My hero, Geddy Lee, play Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings. The several times I've tried them they have died very quickly and they were so rough, they shredded my fingertips on my right hand. Found out afterwards that Geddy changes his string before EVERY show, so they don't die fast on him because he doesn't give them a chance to.

Anyways, I found string nirvana with DR Lo-Riders. They sound better to me, they last longer, and they are much nicer to my hands. I'm not trying to turn this into a DR vs. Rotosound debate, just saying that you should experiment with lots of strings and find the ones YOU like best. Don't worry so much about what Myung plays, you might wind up chasing your tail like I did.

BassMan7530 · #7 06-24-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks Starflyer59, I will look into those as well sometime, thanks for the input.

Thanks for the advice as well, Double Agent. I am primarily attempting to achieve a tone or overall sound that is similar to his, but you do bring up a very good point: I do understand that I need to find something that will suit me, and not worry about what others use. I intend on this also being an opportunity to experiment with other brands; I have never used anything except Elixers or BassBurners on my Ibanez SR506. So I suppose this whole endeavor is dual-purposed. Thanks for the help though, I really appreciate it.

J-Building · #8 06-25-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassMan7530

Your right, Revmizery, that WOULD make sense after all, haha. I'll have to try them sometime, thanks for the input.

And J-Building, thanks for the help; I need new strings soon, so i'll definitly look into geting a set of D'Addarios. I'm just wondering though, where did you stumble upon that information? I've been looking for info on what strings he uses, and I could never seem to find anything.

Thanks for the help guys.

Well I own a copy of his instructional DVD, and in the credits he thanks certain people and companies, two of which were Tung and D'Addario.

kirkm24 · #9 06-25-2009, 05:19 AM

He's using Ernie Ball strigns now. He is listed as one of the endorsing artists on the back of the Ernie Ball String package. I don't know if he is using nickels or stainless steel though. His tone isn't super bright so I suspect he is using nickel.

I don't think there is much difference between D' Addario's and Ernie Balls in my experience. I think those two brands are very similar.

bassgod0dmw · #10 06-25-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkm24

I don't think there is much difference between D' Addario's and Ernie Balls in my experience. I think those two brands are very similar.

Aren't Ernie Ball strings made by D'Addario? Hence the similarity...

kirkm24 · #11 06-25-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Aren't Ernie Ball strings made by D'Addario? Hence the similarity...

I've never heard that before but I suppose it could be true. I got a set of Ernie Ball flats and they sound, feel and look exactly like Chromes.. they even have the same silk wrapping. I figured Ernie Ball would make their own strings since they are a string company... not a guitar company that wants to brand their own strings.... then again, I could be wrong.

Now you've got me wondering. Not to highjack the thread but can anyway confirm or deny whether or not D'Addario makes Ernie Ball's strings?

RickenBoogie · #12 06-25-2009, 03:49 PM

I don't have an answer, but I just recently switched to using Slinky's myself, after years of Roto's. The nickle 5 string set with a .125 B to be exact. Great strings.

BassMan7530 · #13 06-25-2009, 11:56 PM

Ohh, thanks J-Building, I do own the video myself, but I don't think I ever caught that in the credits, haha.

And also, thanks for all the answers and suggestions everyone.

kirkm24 · #14 06-26-2009, 04:23 AM

Must find out....