Need clarification on a few things

[engel]

Hey all, I've been searching through past threads and reading almost all of the FAQ for the last two hours and I've got a bunch of questions. For the record, I'm playing on a fretted Spector Legend Classic 5-string, 35" scale.

1) How can I be sure that new strings will be long enough for a 35" scale and if I have to replace the nut, how hard/costly is that?
2) How can I tell if a set of strings will give me a tight/loose B string (prefer tight).
3) I understand strings are a personal preference. However, I don't know much about them so I have to ask you the infamous question! I play mostly metal, be it slow and heavy or quick and explosive. I'm looking for a set of strings that doesn't make my bass sound like a guitar, you know? Strings with a nice deep low-end growl for that metal sound. The strings need to be affordable (I mean, I'm not trying to pay $70+ per set), and also easy on the frets. I'd like a set that doesn't have ridiculous finger noise, is easy to move around on, and doesn't need to be replaced every other week

I don't know whether to get nickel, steel, nickel plated steel, etc. strings, so if you've got ideas for the sound I'm looking for please let me know! BUT the strings MUST be easy on the frets, as I can't afford to refret my guitar!

Also, have any of you tried the DMS Blue Steel, Blue Steel Nickel Plated, or Blue Nickel strings? I've heard that they give a good metal sound, but I'm not making a final decision until I've gotten a lot of feedback and opinions. Thanks a ton for any help you can offer!

edit: Any suggestions on the gauge of strings I should get and why would be greatly appreciated too.

[ndrifka]

I'm definetely not experienced with many different brands of strings, but I can offer what I do know.

1. DR strings will fit a 35" bass. I have them (Nickel variations) on my 35" Lakland.

2. I find that a hex core string is higher tension than a round core string. Also a heavier gauge will help.

3. Nickel strings will give you a warmer sound than stainless. Nickel is also a lot easier on your frets. I will only use nickel strings for both these reasons. I also play heavy music

[engel]

Sweet! I'll check out some DRs then. Do you play with all nickel strings or nickel plated?

[Fretlessboy]

The DR's rock. I use the Xtra life coated and adore them

[engel]

I'm headed to Sam Ash to pick up a set of the .125 DR Lo-Riders in a bit, I'll post back here in a few days after they've stretched and set in a bit to let you know how they sound!

I'm picking up a set of stainless steel ones because I've had a lot of my friends and past instructor tell me they're a great sounding string, so hopefully they won't chew up my frets. If they do (or whenever I can afford to) I'll pick up a set of the nickel ones and test those out, I'm eager to hear the difference!

Thanks again for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. I've been playing 6-string guitar for seven years and bass for about eight months now, and I kick myself for not learning more about my instruments until the past few weeks. Now that I'm learning all about strings and adjusting stuff like action I feel like I'm actually becoming more of a true musician rather than one that just knows how to play well and nothing else.

Don't laugh, I hadn't even heard about action none-the-less what it is until about two months ago...









I told you not to laugh!

[dj150888]

I play metal myself, ranging from traditional style metal in my main project to doom and black metal in a few not-too-serious projects. DR Sunbeams sound great for the tone I like. Easy on the frets, great to play and a great tone.