My String Comparisons (audio)

dexplosion · #1 07-18-2009, 04:25 PM

These are the strings I've tried so far on my 2008 Fender P bass, since starting bass again November of last year. I thought I'd share so people could get an idea of how certain strings compare to each other in the same situation, especially the Chromes and TI flats, as those seem to be the topic of discussion on the boards.
No effects or EQ was used.
Each clip is played pick style, finger style, then slap(ish).

*Clips are in post #3

So far, I like the Chromes and Hi-Beams most.
What's your favorite?

totallyfrozen · #2 07-18-2009, 04:44 PM

Can't visit the link without joining the site.
Can you fix that?

dexplosion · #3 07-18-2009, 09:16 PM

TI flats
D'Addario nickels
D'Addario Chromes
Fender nickels
DR Hi Beams

Does this work okay?
I'm not too experienced with GarageBand. I just use them to be able to host the files at 320kbps.

Jim C · #4 07-18-2009, 09:39 PM

Thanks for doing this
I liked the D'Addario best for flats and roundwound which came as a surprise (DR's were a very close 2nd on the rounds)

PaulMacCnj · #5 07-18-2009, 11:46 PM

Thanks, too, for doing this.

I've been through several strings on my 2006 Fender MIA P-bass and I'm back to Fender nickels, 7250M. They retain that thump sound of a P-bass.

Groover · #6 07-20-2009, 01:47 PM

Thanks for doing this. These are all strings that I've been curious to compare on a P bass. I do like the chromes, but even if they seem the loudest and richest ones, after listening a few times, it seemed as if the Fenders actually go lower in tone.

Which Fenders are those? Pure nickels, or Nickel Plated steels? Gauge?

dexplosion · #7 07-20-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

Thanks for doing this. These are all strings that I've been curious to compare on a P bass. I do like the chromes, but even if they seem the loudest and richest ones, after listening a few times, it seemed as if the Fenders actually go lower in tone.

Which Fenders are those? Pure nickels, or Nickel Plated steels? Gauge?

You guys are very welcome.

The Fenders are the Fender 7250HM Super Bass Heavy Medium Strings gauges 50, 70, 85, 105.

**WoodyG3** · #8 07-29-2009, 12:13 PM

Just found this, sorry to be late to the party. I really liked the Chromes in this comparison. I like their clarity, and they have a smooth, creamy sort of tone with some nice bottom end. The TI flats didn't sound as good to me, but that doesn't mean I'm taking them off my Carvin. I've found that they sound pretty good in a band mix.

Flintlock · #9 07-29-2009, 01:16 PM

D'addario nickels for me, when playing fingerstyle they had a nice lot of bottom without the slight clankiness of the DR High beams. So why do I have steels on both my basses?

I think I need to invest in some flats and some nickels.

therex · #10 07-29-2009, 05:39 PM

do chromes sound that bright compared to TI all the time? or just when they are new?

dexplosion · #11 07-29-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therex

do chromes sound that bright compared to TI all the time? or just when they are new?

They mellowed out a little bit, but still retained their brightness.

Jefenator · #12 07-29-2009, 10:42 PM

I voted TI, also liked the D'Addario nickels. Curiously, the other 3 didn't do much for me.

Thanks for sharing!

Chuck Sylvester · #13 07-30-2009, 09:18 PM

I'm probably pretty biased; I've been using D'Addario nickels for 25+ years. But I think I would have still picked them out of Dexplosion's samples even if I didn't know what brand/type I was listening to. I love their bright but not too piano-like tone. (I like a piano to sound like a piano and a bass to sound like a bass.) For me, the bonus is they seem to last forever. Even when they've been on the bass for a few months, they're not as bright, but still have a nice, clear tone, and are easy to tune.

I also have Chromes on my fretless, and I love them for that application.

Dex, thanks for sharing!
Chuck