Picking My First set of Strings

OctoRock · #1 07-31-2010, 02:26 PM

I have been looking around in the string secton and it is very aperent that a lot goes into picking strings for a bass. My strings just broke and I need to get some new ones. I was hoping that you guys could recamend me some strings to buy but not something to expensive. If it helps my bass is an Ibanez GSR 200, I have had it for about 5 months.

Low End Lover · #2 07-31-2010, 02:28 PM

What kind of music are you into? Bands and bass players you like? People will want to know before they'll make any recommendations.

LEL

Rockingbird · #3 07-31-2010, 02:28 PM

Depends on the sound you want. If you're not overly worried abou tthat, I'd suggest some D'Addario Rounds. I think their cheapest set is $20 or thereabouts.

BananaKing · #4 07-31-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockingbird

Depends on the sound you want. If you're not overly worried abou tthat, I'd suggest some D'Addario Rounds. I think their cheapest set is $20 or thereabouts.

+1. I've been using them for a long time and love them. However, if you're interested, you should also check out what people are saying about DR, Rotosound and GHS strings. These 4 make up a large part of the string market.

OctoRock · #5 07-31-2010, 02:34 PM

thanks I will look into D'Addario and see if the music store has any. As for what kind of music I'm into that would be rock/metal and Reggae.

Well I checked out Rotosound and apperently they have very good customer service same for DR. I like that

BananaKing · #6 07-31-2010, 02:46 PM

Have you considered using flatwounds as well? Just an idea.

I used rounds exclusively (D'addario XL extra light gauge) for the longest time. While I still use them on a few of my basses, I tried out chromes for the first time 2 years ago and found that, while they take a little while to break in, they sound amazing in the mix. Big, bold and defined without sounding muddy. They also have a very bright sound for flats and they last forever (They actually seem to get better the older that they get).

If you're going to be playing reggae on top of rock and metal, I might suggest checking them out. Flats tend to be the go-to string for most reggae and R&B music.

John Wentzien · #7 07-31-2010, 02:47 PM

These are really good...and cheap!
http://www.webstrings.com/electric_b...ngs_index.html

Low End Lover · #8 07-31-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaKing

Have you considered using flatwounds as well? Just an idea.

I used rounds exclusively (D'addario XL extra light gauge) for the longest time. While I still use them on a few of my basses, I tried out chromes for the first time 2 years ago and found that, while they take a little while to break in, they sound amazing in the mix. Big, bold and defined without sounding muddy. They also have a very bright sound for flats and they last forever (They actually seem to get better the older that they get).

If you're going to be playing reggae on top of rock and metal, I might suggest checking them out. Flats tend to be the go-to string for most reggae and R&B music.

+1 on the flats. Just changed over both my basses and I won't go back. BTW, Fender 9050's are believed to be repackaged Chromes and you can get them for $20 and they will last forever. I have a set on my Ric that I play rock and punk on and they are it! Bright and clear, but deep and meaty!
However, if you want some rounds, I have a few lighty used set I would sell for cheap. Just PM me if you want to know what I have.

Good luck,

LEL

jpTron · #9 07-31-2010, 03:54 PM

Rotosounds or the link above for webstrings, which are believed to be un branded D'addarios

Bongolation · #10 07-31-2010, 04:01 PM

Whatever you get, avoid cheap roundwound stainless steel strings like the plague. They go through your frets like a plasma cutter.

I vote for flats, but you probably won't like them.

Bongolation · #11 07-31-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

These are really good...and cheap!
http://www.webstrings.com/electric_b...ngs_index.html

I'd love to try a set of these. Kills me to pay CA sales tax, though, which makes them about as expensive as Fenders on long sale.

OctoRock · #12 08-02-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaKing

Have you considered using flatwounds as well? Just an idea.

I used rounds exclusively (D'addario XL extra light gauge) for the longest time. While I still use them on a few of my basses, I tried out chromes for the first time 2 years ago and found that, while they take a little while to break in, they sound amazing in the mix. Big, bold and defined without sounding muddy. They also have a very bright sound for flats and they last forever (They actually seem to get better the older that they get).

If you're going to be playing reggae on top of rock and metal, I might suggest checking them out. Flats tend to be the go-to string for most reggae and R&B music.

So the strings are called D'addario chromes? or just chromes? Becuase they sound like the kind of string I should be using.

#13 08-02-2010, 10:03 AM

yeah, D'Addario, though I use the ground (half) wounds...

BananaKing · #14 08-02-2010, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OctoRock

So the strings are called D'addario chromes? or just chromes? Becuase they sound like the kind of string I should be using.

They are D'addario Chromes. Here is a link:
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...ng_Scale_40-95

I found out the other day that they don't sell them in 6 string sets, but that they do sell a separate High C string for chromes. I went and got a 4 string set with an extra high C and could finally hear the High C through a mix at band practice the other day. Usually, it gets lost because of the rather thin tone inherent in the high C; this one didn't have as much of an issue.

BananaKing · #15 08-02-2010, 05:04 PM

Also, if you're curious as to how Chromes sit in the mix, here are some samples of some rock and reggae:

Reggae/Soul/R&B: (I no longer play for this band, but I used to and the demos currently on the page are still with my playing. Used an OLP MM2 with Chromes):
http://www.myspace.com/thevaluablesmusic

Prog/art rock: (I currently play in this band. Used a Pbass with Chromes)
http://www.myspace.com/criminalcaterpillar

OctoRock · #16 08-02-2010, 06:22 PM

Thanks man the chromes sound pretty sweet I cant wait to get them tmorrow when I go to the music store! Weather they are six strings or not dosent realls matter because my bass is only 4 strings.But what about gauge? do they have guage for bass strings? I live in canada so would it be diffrent here?

BananaKing · #17 08-02-2010, 07:12 PM

I live in Canada (Vancouver) and I've found lots. Long and Mcquade usually has some in stock, as does Tom Lee.

Yes, they have gauges for bass strings. If I were you, I would try a medium gauge string and see if those work for you. That way, if you want something lighter or heavier than you have, you can get it.

Good Luck.

OctoRock · #18 08-02-2010, 07:40 PM

Thanks! I have always wanted to live in vancouver! Does guage make the tone heaver or lighter depending on what the guage is?

BananaKing · #19 08-02-2010, 08:47 PM

As a very general rule: The thicker the gauge/string, the deeper the tone.

That isn't a complete truism, but it seems to be the case for most of the strings that I've come across...