Looking for 'the right strings' for me

Lord Henry · #1 10-30-2007, 08:49 AM

I've had my MM SUB 5 for a couple of years now and I've probably tried 5-6 different sets of strings on it. So far, while some have been OK, nothing has been spot on.

I tune B-G and rarely if ever alter that. Mostly I play fingure-style with bits of slap thrown in, only very occationally do I use a pick. I also like to run the action pretty low with the effect that picking closer to the neck can mean that fret buzz is a problem (would a thicker gauge or higher tension string help with this?).

Tone-wise I'm looking for a solid and well defined thump so that lines of running 16th still have a punch and don't merge together. I want the notes to have clarity but without being too bright or tiny. However, I still need to be able to find a good slap tone when I need it. The two band pre-amp on the SUB gives me a bit of range but at the moment I feel that I'm starting in the wrong place.

If there is anything else that I can add that would help just let me know.

All suggestions welcome.

Cheers

ehque · #2 10-30-2007, 10:12 AM

Maybe you could like the strings you've tried and what you like/dislike about them.

Right off the bat ill suggest you try DR High-beam heavy gauge (130s).

Lord Henry · #3 10-30-2007, 04:56 PM

Fair point, I'll see what I can remember about the strings that I've used.

The SUB came with standard EB nickel strings. These felt loose and plastic-y, and the tone lacked thickness.

After that I rapidly went through a few sets and at the moment I can't remember the details.

Probably the best set that I've had were Fender 9050s. They were high tension and had some presence, but they still lacked something on the bottom end.

Right now it's strung with RotoSound Swing Bass 66s. I've had them on for 6-7 months as I have been experimenting with maybe the age of the strings helping. The strings themselves aren't to bad, I'd rank them just behind the Fenders as they sound OK but are very loose. Age has not improved them.

So, with that to go on, does anyone want to point me in the direction of my dream strings?

Cheers

SuperSnake2012 · #4 10-30-2007, 04:58 PM

I use D'Addario XLs on my 5 string Ibanez and they work great. They are fairly bright which works for me, and I like the tension of them. They are fairly cheap as well (I think AMS might still be selling sets for $11). They sound great fingerstyle as well when you roll off some of the highs and boost the bass.

robd · #5 10-30-2007, 05:25 PM

I have a Modulus 5 which tends to be a little over the top on the high end. I had tried quite a few brands and then bass player came out with their big string shootout issue. I looked over there comparison and then tried some of the dean markley Rocco Prestia's because the BP article said they were strong on the mids and mellow in the highs. I'd have to agree. They have a lot of thump IMO.

http://www.deanmarkley.com/Strings/B...ndCoreBa.shtml