just how important are strings in tone?

travisivart · #1 03-02-2010, 10:56 PM

Hey guys this is my first post and I need help finding my tone on my G&L Tribute L2000. Do strings really affect tone a lot? I still have the stock strings on my bass and they don't really feel dead or anything but my tone really lacks balls and punch. I dunno if its my amp (acoustic b100) or what but I really want my tone to be better.

kinda vague I know... help? would a string change fix my problems and if so, what kind should I get?

electracoyote · #2 03-02-2010, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisivart

would a string change fix my problems and if so, what kind should I get?

Possibly. It has been the first place I start experimenting with some basses.

Why not tell us what tone you're after? Then we can help you decide what to do.

I have a very nice Fender CIJ 75 RI Jazz. I changed the old strings out to a set of EB 100's. The bass sounded weak and anemic. I slapped on a set of 105's. Instant wake-up call.

In addition to string choice, there is also action and pickup height to consider.

Tim C. · #3 03-02-2010, 11:08 PM

I'd say my technique and strings account for about nine tenths of my particular tone. String choice, IMO, is very important and it's worth experimenting around to find what you like.

+1 to telling us what tone you're after. We may be able to make some suggestions.

travisivart · #4 03-02-2010, 11:44 PM

I'm probably going for a more modern tone... I dunno I'm kinda lost. I slap a lot so probably more scooped mids?

eddievanbassman · #5 03-02-2010, 11:57 PM

its very

Meatrus · #6 03-03-2010, 04:35 AM

IMO one of the most important things, and also the aspect which is the most easy to change. Strings have had more impact on my tone than any of the pickups I have upgraded to.

I would start off with some standard gauge Nickels of a decent make (D'addario, Ernie Ball, GHS, Rotosound etc), and go from there. You will never find the perfect string first time, you have to experiment! I would bet you wont find any strings you hate first time either, so I would just go to the local shop and get what they have for sale to start. Then if you dont like them give it a couple of weeks (to make sure you dont like them) then buy something else

Nikoubis · #7 03-03-2010, 06:13 AM

Much, much more important than the fretboard wood, for sure.

g&lplayer · #8 03-03-2010, 06:55 AM

Yea so strings definately CAN make a huge difference although i've found that IMO its hard to find the perfect set. First thing to know is that while forums like this can be helpful, YOU are the one who should do the work of finding that tone that you want. No two players are alike and although we can guide you a little, it is really you who should be playing around and experimenting with different strings etc. Since you just got your bass, I really REALLY encourage you to keep playing around with everything affecting your tone. It takes a while to "get to know" a bass and so only LOTS of time fiddling is going to help you find your tone.

That being said, my main bass is a G&L JB-2 and the one thing you need to realize is that your bass CAN get you a really killer tone and that once you find the right kind of strings you will definitely notice (assuming you read paragraph 1 and have gotten to know what your bass/amp can & can't do). Like someone said above, brand new strings always sound good. My advice to you is to just experiment for a while. You should definately keep strings on for AT LEAST a month if not more (kinda depends on how much you play) because in my experience a lot of strings sound awesome, then after a while sound horrible, and then some actually start sounding better than ever before after you have played them a lot.
Just try to remember, a lot of strings will sound exactly the same as each other new. Bass strings are so much thicker than guitar strings however, that endurance and how well the hold up over a long period of time should really be a factor to consider. If you don't still love your strings after 4-5 months of playing, then you still haven't found the right ones.

Bootzilla · #9 03-03-2010, 07:05 AM

Strings are very very important. I find you can generalize strings in two types: bright and warm (or dull). If your going for a modern sound try to find bright strings (most roundwounds, some are brighter than others) and if your going for a vintage sound try to find warm strings (flatwounds or dead roundwounds). The gauge of the strings is also important.

SteveC · #10 03-03-2010, 07:18 AM

I am beginning to think they matter more than pickups and preamps. I went from my beloved DR Hi Beams to DR Black Beauties (essentially the same string except the coating) and the difference is sound is huge.

I would like to do more experimenting, but strings are pretty expensive. Not like guitards who can try 4 or 5 sets compared to one for us.

T. Alan Smith · #11 03-03-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

IMO one of the most important things, and also the aspect which is the most easy to change. Strings have had more impact on my tone than any of the pickups I have upgraded to.

I would start off with some standard gauge Nickels of a decent make (D'addario, Ernie Ball, GHS, Rotosound etc), and go from there. You will never find the perfect string first time, you have to experiment! I would bet you wont find any strings you hate first time either, so I would just go to the local shop and get what they have for sale to start. Then if you dont like them give it a couple of weeks (to make sure you dont like them) then buy something else

Excellent advice!

lug · #12 03-03-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisivart

I'm probably going for a more modern tone... I dunno I'm kinda lost. I slap a lot so probably more scooped mids?

D'Addario Pro Steels, trust me. Also, G&L's have a very hot output that can swamp some preamp sections so try backing off a bit on the bass's volume and bass control. I tend to run my bass control around 1/2 to 3/4 to get the sound I like out of my G&L. I also liked it better after dropping the pups a bit.

Phalex · #13 03-03-2010, 08:44 AM

Strings are tone.

gjbassist · #14 03-03-2010, 08:47 AM

Strings are very important! I was not happy with the tone I was getting from my Ibanez SR505. It still had the original Elixir strings on it which IMO are way too bright. I just put on a set of GHS pressure wounds and I am amazed at the difference. So much fuller tone without too much treble.

René_Julien · #15 03-03-2010, 08:53 AM

Strings to me are very important. After trying out many brands and types, I have found strings that suit me very well.
I may like different basses, but all my basses are equipped with the same strings.
When I receive a new bass I almost immediately (I test the strings that came with it off course) string it with a set from my stash.

JimmyM · #16 03-03-2010, 09:37 AM

there's a difference between string types and brands, if that's what you're asking.

Jefenator · #17 03-03-2010, 09:54 AM

I had my first decent bass de-fretted because it was deader than a doornail for slapping and I assumed it was the bass.

Turns out it was the strings.

I've been out of the round-wound game for a while now, so I don't have any particular recommendation. Any new decent quality set should liven things up quite a bit over unknown, likely budget strings that have been on the bass forever.

varunkapahi · #18 03-03-2010, 10:03 AM

the most imo

Mojo-Man · #19 03-03-2010, 10:04 AM

Strings make a huge difference in tone.
Also, what type of bass, and pickups will differ tone.

SteveC · #20 03-03-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjbassist

Strings are very important! I was not happy with the tone I was getting from my Ibanez SR505. It still had the original Elixir strings on it which IMO are way too bright. I just put on a set of GHS pressure wounds and I am amazed at the difference. So much fuller tone without too much treble.

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