Old Steel Strings vs. Nickel Strings (recording)

[chaosMK]

Is there much difference between nickel strings and old steel strings? I've never bought a set of nickel strings in the 15+ years I've been playing bass.

I'm starting to do more serious recordings for my friend's hip hop project and laid down some nice sounding tracks using a 3 month old set of steel strings.

I am just wondering if there is any advantage to nickel strings.

[bassgod0dmw]

Are you asking if there is a difference between dead strings and brand new strings?

SS is generally brighter than nickel, but brand new nickel vs old SS...the nickels are going to be much brighter.

To my ears, yes, there would be a rather large difference.

[BillyIVbass]

I would suggest experimenting if there's no real time table or pressure. Record a track with the steels, then setup the bass with nickels and see what you like best. Save the old steels in case you hate the nickel.

[FaithNoMan]

3 months isn't old!

I must have really neutral hands or something. My Dr Lo-Riders are 3 years old and can still be recorded really metallic and bright...