Looking into using new strings

[klejst]

I have been a long time fan and user of D'Addario regular light gauge (.045-100) nickle wound strings, but I have been thinking lately about switching strings. Don't get me wrong D'Addario makes great strings and the regular light gauge's are great so I would always go back to using them if need be. I play standard Fender Precision basses and also I mainly play rock and punk'ish music, however versatility is nice.

A couple string brands and types I have been looking at are Fender's 7250M Super Bass Nickel-Plated Steel Long Scale Bass Strings - Medium and the Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky Round Wound Bass Strings. I am looking for input from those who have either used these strings or do use them and what you think of them. Also if able how they would compare to the D'Addario's. I am sure a lot of artists use these strings, and of course I do not have his rig setup but Mike Dirnt who is one of my favorite bassists uses the Fender's and Earnie Ball's.

[jamersonburton]

Ernie Balls are great strings. I started off on the 45-105 Hybrid Slinky set. They are great when new; Have a different more sparkly kind of brightness than the d'addarios. However, they loose that initial sound much sooner than the d'addarios. I haven't used the Ernies in a while though so my recollection of them might not be too accurate. For Mike Dirnt's sound, i think your on the right track with the pbass and i would suggest sticking with rounds for his sound. If you want to try flats, i would suggest D'addario chromes, they are very bright and silky smooth. Do you like a mellow'd out sound or an aggressive bright, new string fresh-out-of-the-pack sound?

Oh, and i might suggest the Roto rs66 swing bass stainless steel (REAL bright and crunchy but die REALLY quickly imo)

[Bassic Playing]

Ernie Ball's are a nice string, the nickel wounds have that zing on the top without it becoming the main focus of your tone. I found they didn't last particularly long however. If new string sound is your thing, I'd go with Roto swing 66's, the stainless steal is exactly as Jamersonburton described it, a really nice zingy crunch. They have a bit of a grabby texture compared to D'Addario's, but that fades away after a little.

Personally I didn't find the Rotos to die quickly; I thought they retained a nice, classic roundwound sound after they mellowed, with a little more brightness on top than D'Addario's.

[joelb79]

Of the strings you list (7250's and EB slinkies) I'd have to say stick with D'addarios. EB's die quickly, but sound brighter to start. Then you crave the brightness but it dies off. I used to use the super slinky set for a time, but I found myself spending more on strings when I did because of the life.

7250's are just a little duller than D'addario XL's and die quicker. I used to only use 7250's when Fender made the strings in Mexico, but now that they contract them out (to D'addario I hear) then there is really no reason to buy the 7250's IMO unless they are cheaper. But I found them to last less time, so the price difference of $1 is negligible to me.

XL's are just better quality strings IME.

[Mr_Music90]

Ernie Ball's are good! Nice warm and full sound. If that's the kind of string Mike Dirnt is using, give it a try!

[StayinTime]

I have a MIM jazz bass and want to change the strings, but cannot make up my mind about what to get.

[klejst]

Thanks for the input. I do appreciate the new string twang and sound, however I also like a more bassy treble sound like Mike's, that's what I am going for (again knowing I am without his whole rig). Like I said D'Addario strings have never did me wrong so perhaps it is wise to stick with what I love, kind of a if it ain't broke don't fix it thing, however I am curious about the other strings they offer. Nickle wounds is what I have always played, kind of interested in if trying a heavier gauge like the EXL160 medium nickel wounds or perhaps trying something totally different in chromes. So many choices indeed.