New strings for a new player

[dgoonan]

Hi, I've just started learning bass and wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on gauge/type of string that would make it easier for me to learn. I bought my bass from a friend and I don't know what's on it but I think they're 45-105s. I'm going for a kind of rich sound. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My bass is a 35" scale bass, so will that make buying regular strings a problem?

[Hawaii Islander]

The easiest playing strings I ever used are the Fender tapewounds. They have a smooth nylon tape covering that is easier on the fingers than round wounds. They are lower tension than other strings that I use.

Elixirs or other thin polycoated strings would give you more of a round wound sound, yet still be easier on tour fingers starting out. A medium guage 45 -105 should be fine. Long scale, 36" scale, strings would definitely fit. You might have to trim the excess length a little.

Tell the store the Make and model bass, along with the scale length, and they can make sure the string length will fit your bass. 2+2 versus 4-in line sometimes makes a difference in what length to choose.