Need help finding a new keeper set of strings.

Kipaste · #1 10-15-2009, 06:47 PM

Hey everyone!

I'm in need of some ideas, because I'm about to step out of my comfort zone with strings. I've been using ghs boomers pretty exclusively and I like their sound especially when slapping. As you may have guessed, I'm into fat, midrangey type of sounds, not the modern scooped stuff. Now I've dedicated a squier vm jazz for the slap/aggressive funk stuff and I'm about to go take it to a pro for a nut change, fret level and setup and now I'm looking for a "keeper" set of strings to take to the tech for him to base his work on. I like the sound of 45/105 more than 40/95 (for some reason, boomers aren't available in 40/100) but I'd like a little less tension than the 45/105 set has.

The biggest problem is that I'm on a budget and strings are ridiculously expensive over here and I really wan't to get the bass setup now and can't afford to try out all the strings on the market.

So now I'd need suggestions on differend kinds of strings. I've tried Fender nickels and they were pretty bad. D'addario ones I tried didn't impress me either, unfortunately I don't remember the model. DR nickel lo-riders sounded better than the fenders and d'addarios but the tension was just ridiculous and I still preferred the boomers soundwise.

So, any ideas on what I should order from Germany to be able to afford several sets? Honestly, I'm intriqued to try the DR fat beams, but the fact that they're stainless steel is pretty worrying because I don't wan't to lose any of my beloved midrange. I don't remember liking any steel sets, but then again it has been ten years since I last had steel strings on a bass.. Basically, I need to find a mid tension, fat sounding set of strings that is available in 40/100.

Any input would be appreciated.

waynobass · #2 10-15-2009, 06:50 PM

Boomers are available in 45-100. Isn't that close enough?

**jmattbassplaya** · #3 10-15-2009, 06:53 PM

Ernie Ball Super Slinkies are a pretty decent and are a cheap set of strings. I consider them my go to brand when I need something in a hurry.

ric stave · #4 10-15-2009, 07:08 PM

I've tried a bunch of the different DR versions and have settled on the Sunbeams - I like 'em!

GinBassPlayer · #5 10-15-2009, 07:14 PM

in the strings forum, there's an interesting thread about dunlaps.. check it out... i picked up a set today based on the thread and they sound nice... not great, but nice... actually very nice... i still like the growl of my EB pink slinks, but these Duns sound smooth.. havent played through my rig yet though, just a tascam basstrainer, but so far they are a decent set for the money...

lowregister · #6 10-15-2009, 07:15 PM

I've always found this to be helpful for getting a good overview of all the strings out there. Best of luck

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/...eviewDec04.pdf

4stringman · #7 10-15-2009, 07:17 PM

Ernie balls and rotosound nickles may help you out

waynobass · #8 10-15-2009, 07:52 PM

Stick with Boomers. DR Sunbeams are good, but are low-tension, not mid-tension. Ernie Balls are too trebly and clanky.

IMO.

darkstorm · #9 10-15-2009, 08:40 PM

Id try the ghs boomer 45-100 set. Is your bass a string thru body one? If so try stringing them on the bridge if you have that option, rather then thru body. Little less tension feel wise.

guspasou · #10 10-15-2009, 10:31 PM

I accept: Ernie Ball Super Slinkies are a pretty decent and are a cheap set of strings.
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Kipaste · #11 10-16-2009, 08:47 AM

Thanks for the advice, especially lowregisters good link. 45/100 is unfortunately not an option, since the only benefit (except for the tension) with lighter gauges is the better sound when strummed on the G and D strings, so if I go lighter, I wan't it to be 40 on G. In fact, I'd like a low tension set on the G and D and high tension on the A and E.

Anyhow the BP article was very interesting and enlightening and I'm sure I can come to some sort of decision using it. The shootout made the stainless fat beams seem even more interesting.

Thanks again everyone!

bassist4dalord · #12 10-16-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Ernie Ball Super Slinkies are a pretty decent and are a cheap set of strings. I consider them my go to brand when I need something in a hurry.

+1