Looking to try a new brand of strings. Recommendations welcome!

[Mirthoneist]

Hey guys, here's what I'm currently using:

Strings: Elixir - Nanoweb - Medium
Bass: Ibanez SR530
Amp: GK 1001RB II
Style: Finger
Music: Covers songs of the 70's, 90's, 2000's (Rock)

I've been using Elixirs since I started playing bass a few years ago. My love for them comes from how quickly I can go up and down the string; they are very slick. And they sound good overall, I like the tone.

The reason why I want to try something new is because the 2nd string (D) on my bass sounds lifeless. This happened as soon as I put a new preamp in my bass (Bartolini NTMB), but I'm hoping that it's just a coincidence!

The other reason is because the Elixirs are too expensive. They last a long time, but I need new strings and I'm on a budget.

What I'm mostly looking for is a model of strings that are slick and fast, and at a reasonable price. I'm up for trying a new tone. I used to love the clanky sound (see Rush in "Rush in Rio" sound), but now I'm looking for an all-around, balanced sound.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!

[LarryO]

Flatwounds

[Mirthoneist]

Hmmm... I have two (cheap) fretless basses, which I very rarely use, but they both have flatwounds. One being Fender Stainless Steel Flatwound - Medium Light, and the other I think are GHS Stainless Steel Flatwound - Medium (but I'm not 100% positive). I just tried em out again, and I can't remember which set is on which bass, but one of them are pretty slow on my fingers, and the other one is about a medium speed on my fingers; I wouldn't call them slick or fast.

I really do love the texture of the flatwounds though. If only they were a little slicker, I'd give them a shot, even if they were $30. Do you have any recommendation on a brand/model, LarryO?

[UncleFluffy]

DR Flats are very very slick

[LarryO]

My fav strings are DR lo riders but. If routine string change doesn't fit your budget........flatwounds.

[bass_lord_mutha]

DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams. I played on Elixirs for awhile myself, and these are the only string I've used that have kept their tone nearly as long as the Elixirs, and they're not a coated string, and are MUCH cheaper.

[cassanova]

D'Addario XL's. Easy on the fingers and the wallet. Oh, and they sound good too.

[SoonerMatt]

DR Nickels. They're warm but balanced and last for freaking ever.

[ixlramp]

Yes D'Addario XL Nickels, smooth and very flexible. So far best B strings I've discovered.

[Mirthoneist]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas! I thought there would be a more popular string that the majority used here, but it's very diverse, as far as the types go!

I will have to research and price the suggestions you guys gave me and pick.

[mmbongo]

DR Black Beauties. Look cool. Very low tension. Coated, last a long time. Sound way better than D'Addario. However they do cost a little more, and they might not be as slick as you want. They are not as slick as flats.

[Floyd Eye]

Blue Steels.

[screaminglucy]

i like Dunlop Nickels. They are on special at stringsandbeyond.com every now and again (Buy One get one free)