The Stainless Steel ROCK String Poll!

JanusZarate · #1 03-28-2007, 10:37 AM

So, I've used three different kinds of SS strings so far in my pursuit of a good rock tone, and here's my experience so far:

DR Lo-Riders - Bright, but still growly and full-sounding with plenty of low mids. Oddly easy on the fingers for an SS string, and stiff enough to hold up to aggressive playing. Very long-lasting!

DR Hi-Beams - Very bright and zingy, but they gave way too easy to an aggressive technique, resulting in a lot of fret "clank". Not as much low end as I expected, either.

Rotosound Swing Bass 66 - Aggressive, bright, "crunchy" tone. Very stiff, with a rough texture, but I like it so far. I'm really loving the sound and feel (I just installed my first set last night), but I haven't heard good things about the life of these strings. We'll see how it holds up to a pick soon!

So far, I think the Rotosounds have the best tone of the three for my needs.

I'm curious about La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels, as well as D'Addario Prosteels. How would these two compare to Rotosound Swing Bass strings?

Vote for your favorites and share your experiences, especially if you've used La Bella and D'Addario SS strings!

Booneman · #2 03-28-2007, 10:43 AM

Blue steels are cool too.

Tony G · #3 03-28-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booneman

Blue steels are cool too.

+1

Rickenbasser · #4 03-28-2007, 11:26 AM

I'm a rotosound guy...I absolutely love the tone. They do have a relatively short life span compared to other strings, especially if you sweat alot. They are rougher than most strings so you get that build up of gunk on the string faster that's probably why they don't last as long as other strings but 10 mins. in a pot of boiling water and dish soap and they are practically good as new.

knuckle_head · #5 03-28-2007, 11:43 AM

La Bellas will be a little bit smoother sounding and have a bit softer feel to your fingers than the Rotos but have an awesome sound for rock IMO

Ampeg SVT · #6 03-28-2007, 11:45 AM

Prosteels are a little scooped sounding but they are awesome for downtuning. I also like Hi-Beams as well as its brother the Fatbeams as the Fats have a fuller tone too.

SuperSnake2012 · #7 03-28-2007, 01:14 PM

When I had Rotosounds on my bass I had to change them in 6 weeks, since they completely died.

SGT. Pepper · #8 03-29-2007, 05:49 AM

Hi-Beams, and ProSteels.

JanusZarate · #9 03-29-2007, 09:25 AM

I ordered some Prosteels, and I'll be installing them in a few weeks. I want to put these Rotosounds through some rigorous "testing" first, as I do love the tone, and would love to see how long they last. Plus, I'll need some reference Rotosound recordings when I try the Prosteels.

I'd order a La Bella set, too, but they're damn expensive! Not as much as TI strings, though

Fuzzbass · #10 03-29-2007, 01:40 PM

The only set of those I haven't used is the D'Addario Prosteels. I'll have to try 'em sometime.

My favorites are Lo Riders and Hard Rockin' Steels. Rotos and Hi Beams are nice too.

I'd also recommend Ken Smith Tapercore steels and Sadowsky steels.

Volk · #11 03-29-2007, 03:22 PM

I use prosteels and I'm completely satisfied, doesn't mean there isn't anything better, but I don't feel the need to run out and try and find out

JanusZarate · #12 04-05-2007, 04:23 PM

Today, I recorded the Rotosounds in action, and then I swapped them for the ProSteels that came in the mail today, and recorded those doing the same riffs.

Overall, the Swing Bass strings have slightly more aggressive mids and lows, and the ProSteels are a bit brighter and have a thicker low end. The ProSteels are rough like Rotosounds, but I like the feel of these more than the Rotosounds. I wouldn't recommend either for those who prefer smooth strings.

I think I actually prefer the ProSteels in sound. I still have crunch, clarity, and a great feel, but the deeper output (and reportedly long life) of ProSteels is more appealing to me.