Recommend me some new strings

[billiam5billion]

Lately my Diadarrio pro steels haven't been cutting it with the music my band is playing. I'd like something a little boomier, more powerful sounding. Something with a little more thump and a little less cut. Got any recommendations? I play a MIM Jazz, by the way.

[lowendfriend]

D'Addario Chromes!!! Of course! Way More thump....not too much less cut.

[billiam5billion]

Eh, I just got away from flats, I guess thump was a bad description-I think the sound I'm going for is just , ummm, thicker? Like my bass these days just feels insubstantial in the mix at practice. I changed my pickups to Dimarzio model J's recently, and I think I need a heavier string to compensate the slightly more modern tone.

[Bassist24601]

I have found that DR's DDT strings are not nearly as bright as Hi beams or the Prosteels, but they have helped darken my unbelievably bright sounding Schecter Studio 5. Of course, keep in mind I am using the heaviest 5 string gauge they offer, so the tension, in my opinion, helps with the bright/dark factor.

I hope that helps. Also, the Sadowsky Blue Label Nickel strings are really nice too.

[Antares]

I find my Circle K strings to be just right in terms of sound. They sound nice and warm/thick but also have just enough brightness on them.

Im horrible at describing strings, But compared to m DR Lo Riders Stainless Steels, these are alot less bright, if thats what you mean by cut.

[billiam5billion]

DR huh? Well, I haven't used a different brand in like 5 years, maybe I'll give em a looksee

[bighead4G&L]

I just put DR Sunbeams 45-105 on my Jazz Bass and LOVE the tone! Your tone knob will determine how dark and thumpy or bright you go but I think they added some nice presence to my bass. They are nickel round wounds; not as edgy as steel but enough cut when you need it.

[somegeezer]

Why not play with you EQ?

[ThisisCraigP]

If you ever venture into flats again I'd suggest LaBella Jamerson set. Amazing strings.

For rounds I guess I'd recommend Rotosound 66's. I hear good things about them, although I've never used them.

[billiam5billion]

I have fiddled with the EQ. I also adjusted my pup height and nothing, I think I'm just done with the pro steels.

[JimmyM]

try xl's. they're definitely a peg or two down on the brightness scale. they play in quicker, too. plus they're dirt cheap.

[iri5hpunk21]

the ghs bass boomers are my favorite right now..

http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-h3045.html

[darkstorm]

The DR's mentioned are worth concidering. Along with the rotosound swing 66 imo. GHS boomers are good. But as my other fave along with rotosound swing 66 theyve been replaced with dr neons. I too prefer dark sound that has nice top end brilliance but not trebly sound overall. The prosteels like the dean markley blue steels are known for trebly bright sound orientation.

[scotts42]

Originally Posted by bighead4G&L

I just put DR Sunbeams 45-105 on my Jazz Bass and LOVE the tone! Your tone knob will determine how dark and thumpy or bright you go but I think they added some nice presence to my bass. They are nickel round wounds; not as edgy as steel but enough cut when you need it.

+1 for Sunbeams

[FromTheBassMent]

I've used just about all of the DR strings over the last 6-7 years. Just so you know the difference between the models, here's what I've found about the spectrum from warmest to brightest, at least with the ones I've used:

Sunbeams - warm, sexy, great on fretless
Nickel LoRiders - hex core nickels, nice traditional nickel sound with a fairly firm feel
Nickel HiBeams - round core nickels, bright nickel sound, more rubbery feeling than the LoRiders
Stainless Lo Riders - Bright, but not painfully so, and with the stiffer feel... I like these strings A LOT
Marcus Miller Fat Beams - If you like a fairly flexible stainless round wound, this has got to be one of the best... tons of spank but huge low end and an overall roundness that's missing from a lot of SS sets
Stainless HiBeams - For someone seeking a very bright, flexible stainless set... all DRs seem to have long life, but these things last forever
Bootsy Collins Bootzillas - Quite possibly the most offensive sounding string I've ever played... in the right application, these would absolutely BURN (but you'll wanna get right up in your audience's grill if you commit to these)

I actually like all of these strings, and could pop on any of them in a pinch and be satisfied (well, except for the Bootsy set... just doesn't work in my genre of music). I tend to go back and forth between the FatBeams and the SS LowRiders, trying to decide which I like better on my Sterling 5 HH. I'm pretty sure the FatBeams sound better, but I like the control I get with the stiffer-feeling LoRiders. Sunbeams are on my Stingray fretless 5, and there they shall stay until I replace them with another set of Sunbeams.

I may try the DDT, as I've heard they have good frequency balance from deep to cut and are dead stable with great intonation.

The only DR string that ever disappointed me (it's the only other one I've tried) are the SS Longnecks. I was hoping for added sustain, but instead got truly offensive wolf tones. They stayed on the bass for less than two days (huge waste of $42).

[pedroims]

I am currently using DR Marcus Miller... very nice low end but still bright.

[markanini]

I'm liking the Warwick black labels recently for a thick yet cutting round, they're quite grippy in terms of feel tho.

[My name is Mudd]

My instructor gave me a set of Ken Smith Metal Masters (50/70/85/105) a year or so ago...I'm now on my third set. I actually think they're best after they've broken in (nice mid-growl), and that tone lasts for awhile.

Say what you want about the man himself, but his strings are nice.