Recommended string type?

Tenshi · #1 09-09-2009, 11:11 PM

Hey there. I'm still pretty new to the whole hardware part of the bass and mine are veeeeeery old. I've looked up guides on how to replace strings, and I got a couple friends who can help, so I've got that covered. At my local guitar center I see good quality strings for a decent price. My question now is: what kind of strings should I get? Since I haven't really decided on a particular style, I want the most versatile I can get. I mean to be honest I'm looking to play all kinds of styles. From The Police, The Strokes, Underoath, Asian Kung-Fu Generation. The Devil Wears Prada. Sonic Youth. Yeah. Mostly hard rock, alternative, maybe some indie, and some hardcore where I can throw it in.

So yeah, the most versatile strings would be.....?

Thanks in advance :]

EDIT: I forgot to mention! I'm using a Fender Jazz bass made in mexico. And I'm also using a genz benz ml 200-210t combo amp. Err the one with two speakers :]

Thanks again!

StyleOverShow · #2 09-10-2009, 12:52 AM

I like the DR HiBeams and LoRiders. The stainless steel strings are bright and relatively low tension so you might have to fiddle with your setup a bit as they tend to buzz. These strings will bark and growl on command, aren't bad for pick work either (i play one tune with a plectrum). The downside is that they are a bit pricey and lose their brightness relatively quickly (depending on how much you play and how much your hand sheds skin/sweat).

Otherwise D'Addario makes a consistenly good string, less expensive and bright enough.

I also have come to love flats, but that is a whole 'nother enchilada.

-richard

**TheMutt** · #3 09-10-2009, 01:09 AM

I'd +1 the High Beams. They're definitely versatile strings that can do a whole lot of different tones depending on how you play em and what EQ settings you're using. Definitely sound good on a MIM J (I used to use them on mine before I switched to flats).

basspro · #4 09-10-2009, 02:00 AM

I've used alot of different brands on my J-basses, but prefer the tone of Ernie Ball super slinkys or Hybrids.

Tenshi · #5 09-10-2009, 06:37 AM

Are the Fender brand strings any good? I was told at the store if I wanted a good quality (but kinda pricey), I should wait for the new shipment of fender strings.

RickenBoogie · #6 09-10-2009, 08:21 AM

New Fender Stings remind me alot of the EB Slinky's. Fine strings.

Tenshi · #7 09-12-2009, 06:21 AM

Thanks for the help guys :]

Stampy · #8 09-12-2009, 09:17 AM

Yeah I love the stock Fender 8250 strings that came on my 08 MIA Jazz.

**TXLawDawg** · #9 09-12-2009, 06:38 PM

I'm currently using DR Hi-Beams. Really nice and bright and the favorite of anything I've used thus far in 17 years of playing. Really want to try out some D'Addario's though and can't believe I've never pulled the trigger one some...creature of habit I guess. They're cheaper and everyone seems to love them for the most part. I've also used the EB Super Slinky's and I liked them for awhile. I have always preferred stainless though and those just seemed to fade away faster than others. The local music store here keeps Ken Smith strings in stock all the time so I was forced into using them for awhile. Good strings but I prefer the DR's over them.