Learning about string types.

[Kudos1994]

Hey guys, I have been playing bass for a little while now and I just got a Schecter Stargazer. I kept the strings it already had on there. I just haven't bothered to learn much about string types(which I regret) and wanted to know what kind you guys like and why. Thanks for any help!

[Rockingbird]

Okay, quick breakdown:
Roundwounds: Very much the "standard" string, in that any non-fretless bass you see in a shop will be sporting these. Comparable to standard electric guitar strings in tone and lifespan.

Flatwounds: These are easier on the fingers, due to the "ribbon" winding rather than just layered wire. They are higher tension than rounds, and produce a thumpier tone, similar to an upright. However, some claim that they also rob the bass of its unique voice.

Tapewounds: These are mostly rounds (sometimes flats) that are coated in nylon. They give a similar sound the flats, but are much easier on the fingers due to the rounds tension and nylon sheath.

Half-rounds: These are kind of a hybrid, with the area you pluck being like a flatwound, and the length along the neck being roundwound. They give a tone somewhere in the middle.

Ground/pressure wound: These start out as rounds, but are ground or pressed into a smoother profile.

Elliptical/oval: I believe there is a company that produces a string with an oval cross-section rather than a circular one. I heard a claim that this makes it easier on the fingers while maintaing roundwound sound.

Stainless Steel: Strings made from this are a a bit brighter than your average nickel string, and some say they last longer.

Bronze-Phosphorous: This is meant only for piezo bridges, since the winding isn't magnetic and won't get picked up by the pickups. Meant to give a better "acoustic guitar" sound on ABG's.

Nylon: Again, meant only for acoustics. This gives a warmer tone than BP's, but they may take a bit to "settle in".

(Note: Some of this might be a bit off)

[ishouldbeking]

everything rockingbird says seems right on to me. couple of points i could add... the "roundwounds" mentioned implies nickel-coated steel roundwounds. that's your typical D'addario/Ernie-Ball/GHS Boomers type of string, and probably the most common type in use. these will work for pretty much any genre or style, and can get reasonably bright, especially when they're new.

Stainless Steel strings, at least when they're usually mentioned on here, are also roundwounds, but they don't have the nickel coating. As rockingbird mentions, they give a brighter sound, but are a bit rougher feeling on the fingertips. For some folks they hurt too much to play as they "grip" the finger more (and can rip through feeble calluses), and they also wear down frets a bit faster than nickel roundwounds. SS strings are popular for certain types of rock when you want a really bright, grindy tone (think Geddy Lee) and also for aggressive funk and slap tones.

Flatwounds come in a few different types, including traditional old-school flats like Labella's Deep Talkin, which typically give a thumpy, smooth, muted-high-end type of sound. Think old school motown bass playing for an idea of what these are good at.

Thomastik Infeld makes a set of flats with a much different character, they sound somewhere in between normal nickel rounds and traditional flats, with more of a midrange character.

Obviously you can be creative with the string type and application, but these are some basics that should get you started. Other things to consider: scale length and string gauge. Most basses are 34" or "long" scale, there are also short scale, medium scale, and extra long scale for extended range basses. Re: gauge, its mostly a preference. Most folks probably use medium-light (.45 to .105) gauge strings, and the gauge has to do with the tension and amount of output. Personally I prefer the straight up Medium gauge (.50 to .105) which has a thicker G string. Lighter gauge strings are easier to fret, while heavier gauge strings can have a bit more low end.

[ishouldbeking]

Oh and my personal recommendation: I find D'addario EXL 160 to be my set of personal choice. As a pickstyle player I prefer the heavier gauge of the medium set, and Daddario's have proven to be one of the most consistent sets of strings that I've encountered. They're very balanced in terms of string life, brightness, feel, consistency etc.

Other brands are also great: I like Rotosound Swing '66 for stainless steel strings, since my tastes lean towards classic rock. These are the classic stainless steel string. DR makes some great stainless sets as well, including Hi-beams (low tension stainless), Lo-riders (high tension stainless), as well as Nickel Lo-Riders and Sunbeams. Sunbeams are one of the naturally warmest set of nickel round strings I've ever played. Personally I prefer more brightness, but they are very nice strings overall. For flats I prefer Labella Deep Talkin Flats over other choices, but lots of people like Daddario Chromes, Thomastik Infeld Jazz flats, and others.

EDIT: I have an endorsement with SIT strings, and I like their nickel rounds almost as much as Daddario. I use both sets pretty much interchangeably, though I prefer the daddarios's just slightly more. Take that for what it's worth.

[fretlessguy]

http://www.bass-strings.com/bass-string-guide

[Kudos1994]

Wow. Thanks a bunch guys. I have already read over twice now. I have roundwounds basics on my bass now, but I think soon I will expieriment with different strings. And another question, say if I had a set of flatwounds and roundwounds, is it okay to switch them out whenever? Like go back and forth?