New bassist figuring out strings to try

kennochas · #1 01-08-2011, 02:58 PM

Hey all, I am fairly new to playing bass. I started 2-3 months ago, I am not very good but I am learning.

I currently have my Ibanez and my Squier, and I have been trying out different strings trying to find what ones fit me.

Currently my Ibanez has Elixirs and my Squier D'addario's.

I have some round-wound super slinky around that I may try on the Squier as well.

I was interested in trying some flat-wounds, I tried some at a music store on a late 70's ric, but the strings were as old as the bass (Which I understand a lot like that) so they felt really dirty on my fingers and I wasn't too thrilled.

So my question is: If I were to string up my Squier with some flat-wounds what do you think a beginner should try? I don't want to throw a whole bunch of money just trying strings out, these things are expensive.

Heck maybe someone has some lying around they don't want that I could buy from someone for cheap.

Thanks!

cybersnyder · #2 01-08-2011, 03:02 PM

I'd try the D'Addario Chromes, .100 gauge.

Marton · #3 01-08-2011, 03:09 PM

IMO, don't change strings just for the heck of it. Ask yourself what you want in a string, what you don't like about what you are using now, and then narrow your choices. Just buying random strings will probably be useless.

kennochas · #4 01-08-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marton

IMO, don't change strings just for the heck of it. Ask yourself what you want in a string, what you don't like about what you are using now, and then narrow your choices. Just buying random strings will probably be useless.

Well the problem is, I don't know what i'm looking for in a string. Thus the feeling around seeing what all there is.

Margus Alviste · #5 01-08-2011, 03:30 PM

I'm afraid you still need to go through a bunch of string brands before you can be sure what works for you and what doesn't. We all started years ago with the same question you have but finally everyone finds his own favorite brand and gauge after some time. Others' suggestions might only give you a broad picture what to expect from different brands.
For example Sadowsky strings have more tension than most other strings and so they are quite close to Elixirs tension wise but do not sound like Elixirs at all. Sadowskys are very even sounding with a great punch. And the sound lasts looooong.
DRs are usually extremely nice strings and while there are several types of strings in their list they all tend to sound more sizzly (except perhaps the LowRiders). D'Addarios sound very nice but the sound tends to disappear within a few hours of playing. D'Addarios' tension is much more looser than Sadowskys' and Elixirs'. Rotosounds are kind of raw feeling and sounding.
All that is very personal and cannot be taken as a final truth of course. Hope other players can add more comments.

JustDavid · #6 01-08-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennochas

Hey all, I am fairly new to playing bass. I started 2-3 months ago, I am not very good but I am learning.

I currently have my Ibanez and my Squier, and I have been trying out different strings trying to find what ones fit me.

Currently my Ibanez has Elixirs and my Squier D'addario's.

I have some round-wound super slinky around that I may try on the Squier as well.

I was interested in trying some flat-wounds, I tried some at a music store on a late 70's ric, but the strings were as old as the bass (Which I understand a lot like that) so they felt really dirty on my fingers and I wasn't too thrilled.

So my question is: If I were to string up my Squier with some flat-wounds what do you think a beginner should try? I don't want to throw a whole bunch of money just trying strings out, these things are expensive.

Heck maybe someone has some lying around they don't want that I could buy from someone for cheap.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennochas

Well the problem is, I don't know what i'm looking for in a string. Thus the feeling around seeing what all there is.

Kenno, I'm a massive Flats fan, but I don't think you should get a set. Not yet, with "I don't want to throw a whole bunch of money just trying strings out" as part of your situation.

I'd suggest you identify what you like & don't like about the Elixirs on your Ibanez. Then ditto for the D'Addarios (you DO know which type of D'Addarios they are, right?) on your Squier. With fingers, pick, & anything else you play bass with. Then swap the strings between basses & do the same identification process. Feel free to also experiment with different tone & EQ settings.

This should get you more in tune with the possible sounds out of these strings, which are currently your lowest-cost option. It will also get you well-versed on what sound you want out of your next set of strings, which might end up being Flats or might end up being the opposite of Flats.

mdogs · #7 01-08-2011, 03:39 PM

Yep, we all went through this when we started. In fact I am going through it again due to so many changes to strings over the last well however many years. I had settled in on DR HiBeams for many many years and then one day I walk into GC to pick up some sets and they are out of stock so I buy something else and they seem nice so I question everything. Trial and error is about the only things that works. There are so many factors that go into string selection that no one can tell you what works best for you. And, it is going to cost you some money...

ThisisCraigP · #8 01-08-2011, 04:19 PM

Before buying a crapton of strings you have to ask yourself something.

What kind of tone do I want?

Then from there decided flats or rounds. Then do some research on makers of those strings and pick up a couple packs.

Now to answer the original question. Labella Flats- Jamerson set. The ultimate flatwounds IMO.

SMILEYSIXX · #9 01-08-2011, 04:22 PM

Nothing beats Rotosounds 77s. Nothing.

kennochas · #10 01-08-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Kenno, I'm a massive Flats fan, but I don't think you should get a set. Not yet, with "I don't want to throw a whole bunch of money just trying strings out" as part of your situation.

I'd suggest you identify what you like & don't like about the Elixirs on your Ibanez. Then ditto for the D'Addarios (you DO know which type of D'Addarios they are, right?) on your Squier. With fingers, pick, & anything else you play bass with. Then swap the strings between basses & do the same identification process. Feel free to also experiment with different tone & EQ settings.

This should get you more in tune with the possible sounds out of these strings, which are currently your lowest-cost option. It will also get you well-versed on what sound you want out of your next set of strings, which might end up being Flats or might end up being the opposite of Flats.

Sadly, I don't know what exact ones they put on.

When I got the Squier, I had it inspected by their on-site tech and he said the strings on it were terrible and replaced them during the free setup. I can always ask, he would tell me.

Hutzbordello · #11 01-08-2011, 04:56 PM

ernie balls are great, i use 45-105's

tylerwylie · #12 01-09-2011, 01:50 AM

I've been looking for some strings as well, EB's have been my standard go-to, and I tried some GHS and D'addario's, didn't really like em. I'm looking for a bass that'll serve well in a metal sound, meaning high end clarity for cutting and pronounced defined low mids. Or rather, a string that'll respond well to my EQ settings, which is usually slight bass boost, decent low mid boost, and a treble boost(to create sort of a scooped high mid sound, though not really cutting anything).
I'm looking at Circle K strings, as well as thinking about trying a set of DR nickel lo-riders. Any advice you guys can give would be awesome.

mlowe · #13 01-09-2011, 03:57 AM

May I suggest that instead of focusing on brands etc you take a look at what different type of strings there are and what general characteristics they provide. This depends a lot on your taste and the type of tone your aiming for. I went through so many types of stings to find what sounded and played best for me and it also depended on which bass. If you could describe the type of sound your after or some examples of other bass players it may help TB'ers to at least steer you in a general direction as a good start. Enjoy your journey!

nukes_da_bass · #14 01-09-2011, 04:08 AM

You know all those Beatles records? All of them? Every single one?
Thats right.
Pyramid Golds.
You know those Motown records?
Labella and Rotosound flats.
Except on some Stevie Wonder sides- "for once in my life" was Rotosound Swing 66. I read it in a Bassplayer interview.
Dunlop strings are also making waves these days.

fingerbun · #15 01-09-2011, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlowe

May I suggest that instead of focusing on brands etc you take a look at what different type of strings there are and what general characteristics they provide. This depends a lot on your taste and the type of tone your aiming for. I went through so many types of stings to find what sounded and played best for me and it also depended on which bass. If you could describe the type of sound your after or some examples of other bass players it may help TB'ers to at least steer you in a general direction as a good start. Enjoy your journey!

+1 good advice.

Also consider how often you want to change strings. If you like the sound of new strings then a cheaper string you can change more often may be better than the perfect string that is too expensive.

Essen · #16 01-09-2011, 04:24 AM

Good idea to atleast try flats once.

With rounds I've tried a couple of DR's, D'addario's, lots of Ernie Ball(which i currently use), but the best strings I've ever played must be Pirazzi. I think I'll order another set.. :P

Mete · #17 01-09-2011, 06:03 AM

First you gotta find your style, what do you like to play ? Funk,jazz,blues,rock...etc. well for that 2-3 months may not be enough, the first times i started i wanted to play jazz, blues, rock... then i turned to funky stuff. Wait and gain some more techniques, find your style then start looking for strings.

kennochas · #18 01-09-2011, 11:31 AM

Well right now, I am learning from "Slap It" and just randomly searching for songs I find fun and easy. Some RHCP and such. So mostly I do a lot of slap at the moment.

Mete · #19 01-09-2011, 03:18 PM

you can use Dr Marcus Miller after a while of use loses a bit of its performance but they are good

elixir i can prefer it goes for almost every style and the tone is awsome

but after you put the strings on, in 1-2 months the tone gets sweeter and better, or idk i hear like that. elixir gives performance after a while of use

mlowe · #20 01-09-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mete

you can use Dr Marcus Miller after a while of use loses a bit of its performance but they are good

elixir i can prefer it goes for almost every style and the tone is awsome

but after you put the strings on, in 1-2 months the tone gets sweeter and better, or idk i hear like that. elixir gives performance after a while of use

+1 on that, it took me a while but tried the DR fat beams on my jazz bass and it was amazing how good they sound but your right, the zing doesn't last too long.