So I'm going to be buying new strings soon...

[bassflaps]

I just got my bass about 2 months ago, and I'm still using the original strings. My gear isn't top of the line, it's just a squire j bass with a crappy 15 watt amp. However, I can make it sound somewhat decent except for one thing: the horrible sound of metal slamming together that happens when I press my strings down to hard. Specifically, this happens when I try to play YYZ. The metal crunching never happened when I played guitar, either (for obvious reasons, the damn bass strings are so much bigger).

Now, my question is, how much of a difference will better strings make to soften this sound? It really screws me up when I'm trying to play fast. Also, what kind of strings do you recommend?

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by bassflaps

I just got my bass about 2 months ago, and I'm still using the original strings. My gear isn't top of the line, it's just a squire j bass with a crappy 15 watt amp. However, I can make it sound somewhat decent except for one thing: the horrible sound of metal slamming together that happens when I press my strings down to hard. Specifically, this happens when I try to play YYZ. The metal crunching never happened when I played guitar, either (for obvious reasons, the damn bass strings are so much bigger).

Now, my question is, how much of a difference will better strings make to soften this sound? It really screws me up when I'm trying to play fast. Also, what kind of strings do you recommend?

Please can you elaborate a little more on the unwanted sound you are getting? is it a clank or buzz or rattle type of sound

[wicked_child]

maybe your strings are too wobbly or you have a high action.

[Shoewreck]

You may set your volume higher and play more softly. Just pay more attention on how you play. Of course with a brighter (newer) set you will get more pronounced clanking, but it can be corrected with amp settings (just cut some highs) and won't be as noticeable in a mix.

[kyral210]

Get some D'addario strings!