New strings for stingray 5

Adam Guzzo · #1 03-29-2011, 09:12 PM

Hello, im looking at buying some new strings for my stingray 5 but don't really know what to buy. I currently use Ernie balls but I am wondering what other brands of strings can get me a more aggressive tone than the balls. Also, i want a string that ages well, after the ernie balls get old, i dont really like the way they sound when im playing higher frets on the lower strings, it sounds too pillow-like for me. I play in a hard rock/metal band if that helps.

rojo412 · #2 03-29-2011, 11:39 PM

Anything is better than EB strings, in my opinion, so that's a plus...

The longest lasting strings I've ever had are either Rotosound Steels or Ken Smith Tapercore.
For metal, I'd do Rotosounds.

Very nice bite and attack and perfect for that kind of tone. I've used Smiths for longer, but they mellow and get nice and smooth, but not dull.

Adam Guzzo · #3 03-30-2011, 05:29 AM

Any particular type of rotosound I should look at? I notice that they have many kinds.

jasper383 · #4 03-30-2011, 06:26 AM

The stainless RS66 Rotosounds are the string just about everyone is talking about when they talk about Rotosound strings.

Amazon.com: Rotosound RS665LD Roundwound 5-String Bass Strings: Musical Instruments

The 45-130 set is probably your best bet.

rojo412 · #5 03-30-2011, 06:29 AM

^ What he said ^

BagelBruin · #6 03-30-2011, 06:30 AM

Rotos on a Stingray! Some one is gonna rip some ears off!

Let us know how it goes. I've been thinking about getting some for my Ray too.

Adam Guzzo · #7 03-30-2011, 02:53 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll get rotosounds, lol. The only problem is I heard that they wear out frets easily. Is this something to be worried about or is it a long term thing, like 10/15 years, because if it is long term... Ill deal with it later

lol

rojo412 · #8 03-30-2011, 03:04 PM

They are rough on frets, but it would definitely be a long time before you'd really notice.

Your fingers, though, will notice an immediate difference. By the time you have to replace the set you're buying now, your fretting and plucking fingertips will be bulletproof and fire resistant.

Adam Guzzo · #9 03-30-2011, 03:18 PM

Lol thanks, I'll try to get them as soon as I can and I'll let you guys know how they sound, ohh and for any of you who have tried a five string set, how's the low b? I would imagine it's pretty good but I don't know.

mmbongo · #10 03-30-2011, 03:44 PM

DR Fat Beams FTW!

rojo412 · #11 03-30-2011, 04:10 PM

I had to use them in my Warwick 5 because it only fit certain types of strings...

That bass had an indestructible B, but it had a LOT of bass attached to it.
Solid maple body, fat wenge neck, and a bridge setup that could be run over by a train.

You have a Stingray 5 though, so it will have a killer B string anyway.

**Mound of Sound** · #12 03-30-2011, 04:22 PM

I've never like the EB strings. On my old SR5, I always used GHS Boomers. I always thought they were balanced well. I just put DR Black Beauties on my new SR5, and, meh. I should've known better than to get coated strings...

CElton · #13 03-31-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

DR Fat Beams FTW!

This...