New strings for american p bass (2009)?

depthman6 · #1 12-23-2011, 11:29 AM

Hey all I'm new to the forums here. I was wondering what strings to get for my American precision... I play classic rock, some hard rock(grunge), jazz, and some punk (most notably rancid). This is a wide range of genres, so what gauge and make of strings should I get? I'm thinking about medium light GHS boomers but I'm not sure if the gauge would be too light (it's 100 on the low E) ... Also I'm not sure what the factory defaults are on my p bass, but from limited research they (might be) are 110 on the low E. Would this change in gauge make the bass sound a lot different or worse? Any help or suggestions of strings et cetera would be greatly appreciated.

Nick

soulman969 · #2 12-24-2011, 01:08 AM

GHS Boomers if you want a little brighter string GHS Precision Flats for a mellower tone and GHS Pressure Wounds in the middle of those two.

I play Pressure Wounds on a Jazz Bass but I prefer flats on a PBass and I have a set of Precision Flats I'll put on one when I buy it. But that's me and I prefer mellower strings for both fingerstyle and pick playing.

Others may chime in with alternate suggestions D'Addario Chromes if you want a brighter string. It all comes down to what you like the best as far as your style of playing goes. If you go to the bassstringsonline.com site you'll find reviews from those of us using different strings. That may be a good way to get better info.

mmbongo · #3 12-24-2011, 09:00 AM

DR Sunbeams are hard to beat for what you're doing. They are lower tension, so a 45-105 they will be much looser feeling than 110's.

Josh Pelican · #4 12-24-2011, 09:17 AM

I can't comment on Sunbeams on a P-bass (yet), but I love my Pressurewounds!

I'd recommend watching this video (preferably with headphones):
GHS Pressurewound Bass Strings - YouTube

depthman6 · #5 12-24-2011, 11:24 AM

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I'll check out what you guys suggested.

darkstorm · #6 12-24-2011, 07:26 PM

No single right answer. Peeps have been using roundwounds, half wounds, flats. And the various offerings of these by the various mfg since the early 70's. Use the strings you like the sound of best. Personally any P pup bass Ive owned (not a single fender in the lot) has gotten Rotosound swing 66, and more recently Dr neon strings. Cause I like the sound of these two better then the rest. GHS boomers are a good middle of road roundwound though btw.