Need help with strings

[OjBinge]

Hey everyone, I am a fairly new bassist, and I am in search of some new strings for my bass. Most of the music I play has a fairly mellow feel to it, besides the occasional jazz I play. I only know of a few string companies (D'Addario, Elixir, etc.) and I was wondering what would be a good brand to buy from. Also, I've heard about several different types of strings, like roundwound and nickel-plated. Are there any specific differences between string types, or do certain ones just last longer? Well, that's all I have to ask, for now . Thanks.

[Angus]

D'addario Slowounds. Not super bright, but the tone out of the package lasts for months. Very consistent, too, along with GREAT feel. Nickel plated, colored windings, about $28 for a 5 string set. Mine usually last about 3-4 months...and I kill steel strings in two weeks. Great stuff.

As far as which strings last longer...nickel lasts longer than steel strings. They're less bright, however, so if you like the brightness, you have to buy steel. But, you'll end up replacing dead strings far more often.

[notduane]

Welcome to TB, OjB~

Here's a couple articles from Bass player mag that might help...

  String Design and Installation

What kinda' bass ya' got? (complete your profile ).
For the tone you're goin' for, you could try Thomastik-Infeld
Jazz series flats or rounds (y'all knew that was comin' ).
They've got a great feel (round core). A little more $$$ than
most, but the flats esp. last a l-o-n-g time. Guitar Centers are
startin' to carry T/I's. Online -- JustStrings.com.

[OjBinge]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, those pages have really helped me out.

BTW, I am playing a Squier Standard P-Bass Special now.