Which String Is Best For?...

Manol · #1 03-08-2006, 09:51 PM

Basically on my Geddy I want a tone that is:

Growly
Tight Bottom End
Thump as well
Good for slap and pop.
And can also give a good rock sound.

Now I am a huge fan of DR's and I am not sure what the difference is between Steel and Nickle strings.

It sounds like the DR Lowriders or Sunbeams are for me? But what about the Fatbeams?

Thanks
Manol

Sippy · #2 03-08-2006, 11:39 PM

Knucklehead "Chunky" Bass strings. The Gauges are .050 .070 .095 .110
I just put them on my Geddy and they sound SWEET!!!

Manol · #3 03-09-2006, 12:49 AM

Unfortunately, we only have the big brands here in Australia

Skel · #4 03-09-2006, 04:56 AM

What's wrong with what's on them? I just got mine, and of course I'm crazy about the bass. As for strings, I usually try to replace with Fender Super Bass like what's on them from the factory. The only reason I don't, is because GC is always out of the Fenders. Personally if GC is out of Fenders everytime I go in there for the last 6 months, I think they are not ordering Fender strings - maybe the markup is not as high. So, I use RotoSounds, and those are fine - I'm kind of a "long shiny ones will due" guy.

Skel

Manol · #5 03-09-2006, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skel

What's wrong with what's on them? I just got mine, and of course I'm crazy about the bass. As for strings, I usually try to replace with Fender Super Bass like what's on them from the factory. The only reason I don't, is because GC is always out of the Fenders. Personally if GC is out of Fenders everytime I go in there for the last 6 months, I think they are not ordering Fender strings - maybe the markup is not as high. So, I use RotoSounds, and those are fine - I'm kind of a "long shiny ones will due" guy.

Skel

Problem is, I sweat through my hands alot and through shop use/my heavy use, they are a bit dead. And I need some for a gig in the next week.

Skel · #6 03-09-2006, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manol

Problem is, I sweat through my hands alot and through shop use/my heavy use, they are a bit dead. And I need some for a gig in the next week.

I see - you might want to just buy a bottle of string cleaner, or I'm sure somebody else will see this post, because I think it's just isopropyl alcohol. Just clean the strings. I've also "heard" you can take them off and boil them in water for 30 seconds or so. Or, just buy Fenders to get you through the gig until we can al figure out what you have down under that would work the best.

Skel

Manol · #7 03-10-2006, 04:15 AM

Well basically we got all the brands except for the boutique brands.

steve66 · #8 03-10-2006, 05:42 AM

What kind of Bass?. I was using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel 45 -105 on my Squire P Bass. I thought it sounded OK, but the mid tones sounded dull with all the controls mid level on the amp and Bass. I tried other strings and feel the DR Stainless Hi beam 45 -105 gave me the tone I was looking for. My friend thinks the bass sounds better than his Fender P.

Manol · #9 03-10-2006, 05:45 AM

Geddy Lee Signiture.

ElBajista · #10 03-10-2006, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skel

I see - you might want to just buy a bottle of string cleaner, or I'm sure somebody else will see this post, because I think it's just isopropyl alcohol. Just clean the strings. I've also "heard" you can take them off and boil them in water for 30 seconds or so. Or, just buy Fenders to get you through the gig until we can al figure out what you have down under that would work the best.

Skel

I wouldn't recommend using isopropyl alcohol, as it's mixed with water which can cause your strings to rust. Same goes for boiling strings.

I'd go for some Denatured Alcohol if you want to clean your strings. Let your strings soak in the DA overnight, and then wipe them down with a lint-free cloth. They'll be good as new.

Somebody made a website with directions that explain how to make a "String Cleaning Tube" using PVC pipes. I followed the plan and have had great results. Does anyone have the link?

skewh · #11 03-10-2006, 07:25 AM

Rotosound Swing 66's

scuba steve · #12 03-10-2006, 08:23 AM

dr high beams

Baryonyx · #13 03-10-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skewh

Rotosound Swing 66's

123

I'm a Rotosound player through and through!

permadave · #14 03-10-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

Somebody made a website with directions that explain how to make a "String Cleaning Tube" using PVC pipes. I followed the plan and have had great results. Does anyone have the link?

http://www.tunemybass.com/strings/ba...ning_tube.html

Haven't tried this yet. I'm wondering how it will work as the Ken Smith's I use have silk ends...

dougjwray · #15 03-10-2006, 12:12 PM

Another vote for Rotosound Swing Bass strings.
They eat your frets and go dead rather fast (but the denatured alcohol trick might help with the latter) but nothing else has that rock crunch, IMHO. Seems like a natural match for that bass.

ElBajista · #16 03-10-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by permadave

http://www.tunemybass.com/strings/ba...ning_tube.html

Haven't tried this yet. I'm wondering how it will work as the Ken Smith's I use have silk ends...

I just tried this with some silk-ended strings. They're a bit messy, with some little hairs coming off, but they're still relatively intact.

Then again, I've taken off and put on these strings about 4-5 times, so that's probably what did it.