Looking for new strings

[jojobean39]

I have a new bass coming this week. It is a MM Bongo. I am planning on setting it up for slappy style bass. I like light strings (no more than a .40 on the G). I haven't been able to find many places or brands where I can get a .35 G. I like a really bright sounding string. I was using Elixir bass strings, but they aren't my favourite. I use Status strings on my Steinberger (which I can do a custom set and get a .35 for the G, which I love). If anyone knows other companies that offer such a guage, please let me know.

So, I am trying to get some advice on what you guys like to use for a slappy sounding bass. I really like clarity in the strings. I hate a dead sound.

I don't really know the difference between stainless and nickel sounds. I know I like round wounds, as opposed to flat, except for my fretless.

There are so many strings available, it is kind of hard to narrow it down. If I could get an idea of what guys with a similar sound like, then that gives me a starting point.

[251]

Look here;
Circle K Strings - Before You Buy

Give them a call to explain what you want to hear & let them guide you to a balanced set of strings. 8-)

[bunkaroo]

Did you buy the bass new? I ask because if it is new it will have EB Slinky 45-65-80-100 set on it. I'd at least give it a spin with those. I've tended to like the EB strings on my Bongos better than other brands I use on different basses. They also make a super slinky set - 40-60-70 -95.

I've also had D'Addario Nickel XL's on one of my Bongos and they worked well. D'Addario has a 35 available separately and you could build your own set. Most string retailers should have a good variety of D'Addario singles. I just built a custom drop tune set at JustStrings for a reasonable price.

[jojobean39]

I am getting a bass off the forum, so it is not new. And it will most likely be set up with .45s, which I do not like.

I appreciate the link to the Circle K strings.

Which is a brighter sound? Nickel or Stainless Steel?

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Stainless Steel is generally brighter than Nickel Plated Steel.

But there could be differences in construction that make a Stainless Steel less bright (1/4 Round / Pressure Wound etc)...

But if you are looking for Round Wounds, then yes Stainless Steel is generally brighter.

There are a BUNCH of sets with a 35 up top... Rotosound has some that are even 30 50 70 90 in their Funk Master series...

Common sets are .035 .055 .070 .090 for a light gauge set.

Most every larger string maker makes a light or ultra light gauge set.

[cfsporn]

Check out Rotosound Funkmasters. Have a great slap tone (Mark King and I think Stanley Clarke use them) and are very lightweight. However, they don't last very long.

Rotosound Funkmaster - 4 String Set

[mmbongo]

Bass Strings Online is your friend!

You can build whatever set you want and you won't beat the price:
Build your own string set!

[ixlramp]

I suggest building a custom set from singles with equal tension strings, 35 50 70 95.
Or Circle K tension balanced sets Circle K Strings - Standard Balanced 4 Strings apparently very clear nickel rounds. Sets go as light as .045 to .014, light enough?

[darkstorm]

Rotosound swing 66 are available in that gauge and lighter if desired. Also great sound.

[jojobean39]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

I suggest building a custom set from singles with equal tension strings, 35 50 70 95.
Or Circle K tension balanced sets Circle K Strings - Standard Balanced 4 Strings apparently very clear nickel rounds. Sets go as light as .045 to .014, light enough?

Not quite light enough. I like my bass to lay in that frequency range right above the flute.

[jojobean39]

I just wanted to give a plug to Bass Strings Online. I placed my order about 3:00 Friday afternoon to Bass Strings Online. They came from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, FL by Monday afternooon. Amazingly quick shipping and amazingly great prices.