string confusion

harpguy74 · #1 10-08-2011, 05:51 PM

when i started playing guitar 20+ years ago the closest music store sold earnie balls and xl rockers after trying both i have been using power slinky's for allong time. now with my new venture into bass and the internet i have no idea what to get
roundwound, halfround, flats, long scale, guages, metals ,strings that have been frozen,heated. taperd?
i used to change guitar strings every few weeks and bass seem to get changed way less.
i will be playing mostly blues and classic rock with some buddys. what is a pretty versatile string? what is the most common guage used? i orderd a fender jazz bass on ebay and will be getting it next week.

AmadeusXeno · #2 10-08-2011, 07:35 PM

What is your personal preferance in tone? I know you said you plan on playing blues and classic rock but a good bassist can make any string work in any style of music. Years ago I proved this point by mainly using a fretless with flats in a metal band. As far as the most versatile strings I've personally tried would be DR Highbeams, and GHS bright flats. They tend to be able to give a good brightness when wanted but can sound mellower as well.

FunkMetalBass · #3 10-08-2011, 09:39 PM

I'm not sure where you are located, but I recommend you try out Circle K Strings. They offer balanced tension sets, which I feel really evens out the tone from string to string. Also, they are extremely comfortable, seem to have quite a long lifespan, and are probably the most versatile strings I've ever used.

SLaPiNFuNK · #4 10-08-2011, 09:48 PM

Well... Let us know what kind of tone you are wanting...

Also, what gauges have you used of what strings... Do you want to have strings that feel tighter or lighter than what you have previously used...

These will give us better idea's of what you are looking for in a string...

Also, maybe even some players that you enjoy the sound of their instruments...

darkstorm · #5 10-09-2011, 12:51 AM

Since you like ernie ball slinkies for guitar, Id suggest try their roundwound bass string slinkies. 45-105 gauge is the most commonly used and is medium gauge. GHS Boomers would also be good middle of road strings for starting out with to.

harpguy74 · #6 10-11-2011, 05:51 AM

did a bunch of reading and after talking with the guy at the music store i stoped off at in littleton nh i whent with d'adario round xl 50-105. he gave them to me and said to use that as a starting point. now i just need to wait for the jazz bass to arive on thursday.