MM Stingray - which strings best for studio when played with a pick?

Pablo770 · #1 10-01-2011, 03:42 PM

Hi!
I’m planning to go into studio recording with my new MM Stingray Classic. My band plays alternative rock and I play more and more with a pick recently (though I used to play fingerstyle exclusively just few years ago).

I incline towards DR Sunbeams or Nickel Lo-Riders. And here’s my question. Any of you (especially Stingray players) have experience with Sunbeams or Nickel Lo-Riders played with a pick? Which of them will sit better in a mix in a band context? Which of them will best match Stingray sound characteristic while playing with a pick? Does core construction (round vs hex) make any significant difference when playing with a pick?

PS. I prefer nickels, as I expect strong lows and mids without excessive string rattle.

MycooLeeyun · #2 10-01-2011, 03:55 PM

I'd go with the Lo-Riders. I used to own a stingray and I exclusively threw up those lorider nickel motha lovin strings.

**woolysock** · #3 10-01-2011, 04:05 PM

I find Low Riders are stiffer strings and therefore are less likely to give fret buzz when you dig in (pluck harder). That will be better for recording. IMHO.

tylerwylie · #4 10-01-2011, 04:24 PM

Lo-Riders love to be picked, hard. Try steel or nickel. The steel Lo Riders are not as scooped as say, Hi Beams, and I prefer them over the nickel especially for picking. I use them on my Stingray 4H which is a bass I predominantly play with a pick on.

darkstorm · #5 10-01-2011, 04:27 PM

Ive used sunbeams on other basses. They work fine for pick use. I like the neons sound wise a little beter though. Loriders did nothing for me sound wise when I tried them yrs ago.

bassgod0dmw · #6 10-01-2011, 06:53 PM

Another vote of stainless Lo Riders. They rule.

FaithNoMan · #7 10-01-2011, 08:05 PM

...aaand another.

funkybass · #8 10-01-2011, 09:13 PM

I really like D'Adarrio XL'S in my SR and SR5.

madbassplaya · #9 10-01-2011, 11:36 PM

Sunbeams are all I play on my SR5!

RBX4 · #10 10-01-2011, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerwylie

Lo-Riders love to be picked, hard. Try steel or nickel. The steel Lo Riders are not as scooped as say, Hi Beams, and I prefer them over the nickel especially for picking. I use them on my Stingray 4H which is a bass I predominantly play with a pick on.

Will it be the same for a pick player on a jazz?

tylerwylie · #11 10-02-2011, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBX4

Will it be the same for a pick player on a jazz?

I use a 120/85/65/45 set of DR Lo Riders on my Fender Jazz for CGCF tuning, albeit I can't recommend them to you as you can't use them to hang a suspension bridge :P I have the action set pretty low and I like to get some grit and clank in there, fingerstyle (3 finger) or pick. Properly setup and EQ'd it sounds great.