Strings best suited for fast playing metal style

Kjarkas · #1 10-02-2010, 08:12 PM

I'm sure this has been discussed before, I did a search before starting this thread...

What strings do you recommend for fast playing, let's say songs like Damage, Inc., Fight Fire With Fire, etc. I heard Cliff Burton used Rotosound 66LB 35-90 gauge, but that was a long time ago (R.I.P. legend, still got respect for the man). So far I heard Ernie Ball's Super Slinkies can get the job done, but I just wanted to get some more feedback before making my decision. These will be put on a Dean Edge 10a.

darkstorm · #2 10-03-2010, 02:35 PM

Medium gauge 45-105 or lighter. Roundwounds. Set your basses action as low as possible without getting excessive fret buzz. Just as with guitar, lighter gauge makes for easier fretting and thus better ability for fast playing. Just like with guitar, very low action makes for easier fretting also making for easier fast playing. Other then gauge concideration and action setup, what brand of string wont make a diff to anything but sound tweak.

EdHunter · #3 10-03-2010, 02:42 PM

Roto rounds. Flats work as well (as shown by the king of metal bassing) but for a proper metal tone, a set of broken in Roto SM66s are ideal.

Shmone · #4 10-03-2010, 02:52 PM

The only reason I can see for needing different strings for metal is if you are playing detuned, if that is the case, you might want to try some heavier gauge strings for that. other than that its a matter of personal preference, I wouldn't use flats for metal but any strings combined with low action should work.

darkstorm · #5 10-03-2010, 07:26 PM

Edhunter is wise. Lol. Rotosunds are my fave strings, very suitable for metal and electronica. Ernie Ball would good good choice if your wanting your bass to have a tad more crunch. Rotos dont add to or subtract crunch factor as the comparrison, whereas some string do detract from crunch imo.

Metal Mitch · #6 10-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Gauge doesn't matter, tension matters. The gauge should give you stiff enough tension in whatever tuning you are using. Personally, I find Lo Riders to be the best metal string. But they're not available in gauges suitable for downtuning.

Stiffer tension minimizes excessive string flap, allowing better control of the attack tone when fast picking. It also allows for lower action without buzz, but action is a secondary concern. Controlling fingerstyle attack with the right hand is more important.

KingRazor · #7 10-04-2010, 08:30 AM

I haven't tried them myself yet, but Circle K offers strings that are designed for drop tuning. The tension is nice and balanced and can be anywhere from very low to very high, depending on what gauge you choose.

jbrady · #8 10-04-2010, 04:49 PM

I use Tru Bass 88s to cop a decent Harris tone

mmbongo · #9 10-04-2010, 06:54 PM

Higher tension strings like DR LoRiders are what you want.

JoeVictim · #10 10-04-2010, 06:59 PM

How are Knuckleheads? I am looking for a a decent string too.

Chrisk-K · #11 10-04-2010, 07:17 PM

I once put 30-90 gauge Hi-Beams on a bass. I could play Yngwie licks on the bass.

FunkMetalBass · #12 10-04-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

How are Knuckleheads? I am looking for a a decent string too.

Circle K's are my string of choice. Last forever and the balanced tension is extremely comfortable.

TS,

The strings you like are the best strings. If you don't know how to EQ with your bass and amp, you'll sound like garbage regardless fo what strings you have on the bass.