String Suggestions for my "secret" Stingray

Low End Lover · #1 07-11-2010, 09:17 PM

Hello All,

I wanted to get some suggestions for my new EBMM Sterling Classic. I am calling it a "secret" Stingray because I put in a stock 2003 EBMM Stingray pickup in it and it is pretty much a lighter, faster Stingray.
The guy I got the bass from put GHS Boomers on it and I find them to quite one-dimensional and, well, boomy. They just bury the wonderful round, clearly defined sound Stingrays are famous for in a thuddy, boomy mess and I can't wait to dispense with them.
The styles of music I will be playing with this bass will be rock (classic and indie) with a pick and blues and 60's soul with my fingers and those lovely mutes on the bridge. I want to get both a set of rounds and flats so I can swap them out for the different styles.
I am open to different gauges and am willing to pay for a nice set. I had a set of TI Flats I was going to put on it, but they were too short, i.e. trimmed for another bass. I am trying them on my Ric 4003 at the moment.
I would say the key thing I want in both sets I get is for them to let out the full range of the Stingray tone clearly. I do not want anything dark or boomy. Something on the bright side of mellow, but clear and articulate for the flats and clear with a sublte growl for the rounds would be just the ticket, if that makes sense.
If anything is unclear, please ask and I will try and be as clear and specific as possible.
FYI, the scale length is 34" and it is a string-thru body.

Thanks in advance,

LEL

bassfart · #2 07-11-2010, 11:52 PM

DR Low Riders are on the bright side of mellow and sound and play great. GHS Precision Flats are great flatwounds that don't cost an arm and a leg. I would look into these strings, they have never let me down.

p.s. I can't stand Boomers

pickles · #3 07-12-2010, 07:40 AM

My favorites on rays are usually Slinkys and Hi-beams.

CapnSev · #4 07-12-2010, 09:37 AM

I would do either KS Compressors or flats, but for full-blown rounds, I think Slinkys are where its at.

Low End Lover · #5 07-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the posts. I have done some searching and listening to the strings mentioned. For rounds, I am leaning toward the DR Hi-Beams and maybe Fat-Beams. Ran across this on DR's website and was very helpful in getting me a sense of their tone:

http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html

Would still like input on this. Forgot to mention I played a Classic Stingray yesterday at GC and I think they have Super Slinkys (45-100) on them. Just got it plugged in and dailed when some 14 year old boys rolled up and started playing metal LOUDY next to me, so I just couldn't hear much, but what I could, I liked. From what I have read, Slinkys tend to die fast and that DRs are similar in tone and last longer. Also, I heard Hi-Beams mellow a bit and settle in nicely. Has this been your experience? I am thinking either 45-100 or 45-105, but would like opinions on the differences.
Still want to get more input on the flat side of things.

Keep it coming,

LEL

James Simonson · #6 07-12-2010, 11:10 AM

I recently put the dreaded EB pink pack on my 1980 stingray. It's really great. I've always used heavy stuff but these match the bass so well. Punchy ... and they're cheap! Rays sound most like classic Rays with the Slinkys.

CapnSev · #7 07-12-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low End Lover

Thanks for the posts. I have done some searching and listening to the strings mentioned. For rounds, I am leaning toward the DR Hi-Beams and maybe Fat-Beams. Ran across this on DR's website and was very helpful in getting me a sense of their tone:

http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html

Would still like input on this. Forgot to mention I played a Classic Stingray yesterday at GC and I think they have Super Slinkys (45-100) on them. Just got it plugged in and dailed when some 14 year old boys rolled up and started playing metal LOUDY next to me, so I just couldn't hear much, but what I could, I liked. From what I have read, Slinkys tend to die fast and that DRs are similar in tone and last longer. Also, I heard Hi-Beams mellow a bit and settle in nicely. Has this been your experience? I am thinking either 45-100 or 45-105, but would like opinions on the differences.
Still want to get more input on the flat side of things.

Keep it coming,

LEL

IMO/IME the slinky don't sound anything like Hi Beams. Hi Beams are definitely that stainless "zing" sound. Slinkys are mellower out of the package, and mellow out even more later. The Hi Beams also have a really loose feel if that's your thing.

I would say that the Sunbeams are closer to Slinkys, but they are still pretty zingy out of the package.

Low End Lover · #8 07-12-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

IMO/IME the slinky don't sound anything like Hi Beams. Hi Beams are definitely that stainless "zing" sound. Slinkys are mellower out of the package, and mellow out even more later. The Hi Beams also have a really loose feel if that's your thing.

I would say that the Sunbeams are closer to Slinkys, but they are still pretty zingy out of the package.

Capn,

I'll take your word for it since I was sonically challenged by the young metal godz by me.
So any good sound samples of the Super Slinkys on a Stingray any one can point me to? That GC I was at is 125 miles away, so dropping back by isn't an option.

Thanks,

LEL

Low End Lover · #9 07-14-2010, 07:28 AM

So here's an update. I went ahead and tried a set of Super Slinkys since that would have come on the bass from the factory and I have to say they do the Stingray tone just right IMO. I guess the question is how they will sound in the long run. I hear a lot of folks say they go dead quick, so I will see. If they mellow a bit and keep their clarity, I think I'll be sold on them for rounds.
Now, if I could just decide on a pair of flats. I am liking the TI Jazz Flats on my Ric. It has a nice full and round sound, but still has that Ric growl. I wonder how a set would sound on the MM? I am sure there is a thread somewhere on TIs and MMs. Time to do a search, but I'd still love to hear from anyone on their experiences with what I have commented on here.

LEL

eyecandy · #10 07-14-2010, 08:17 AM

I'd vote for Slinky's or other Nickel plated steel rounds.. i.e. Dunlop, DR, D'addario

and for flats something that has a brighter tone i.e D'Addario Chromes, DR Hi Beam Flats and Ernie Ball Group III

Rebmo · #11 07-14-2010, 08:37 AM

Stock gauge slinky's

Greg75 · #12 07-14-2010, 09:00 AM

I've tried the TI flats on my Classic and, IMO, they were the best flats for that bass. The Chromes were too short for the string-through; the EB IIIs eventually worked and sounded great, but I broke two G strings before getting a set that could handle the bend from body to saddle; Roto 77s also sounded very good, but too much tension for me. As for the TIs, no issues--fantastic sound and feel, and no problem stringing through, which probably has something to do with the lower tension and flexibility of the round core construction.

Currently, my Classic has Sunbeams, which are my favorite rounds on that bass--switched to rounds because they're working better for what I'm playing. But, the TIs are just as good only different. Still have one set of TI takeoffs from my Jazz, also restrung with Sunbeams. Not sure if the takeoff TIs are long enough for your 'ray (appear to be), but I'd be willing to send them to you so you could try them. Shoot me a PM if you're interested. If they fit, we can work something out. If not, just send 'em back.

stretch80 · #13 07-14-2010, 04:28 PM

Ernie ball now makes coated slinkys, which should last a good long time ... and I've heard good reports on them.