strings for a fender jazz

1dgbass · #1 07-31-2009, 09:28 PM

Currently I play an american fender jazz bass with ernie ball strings. I was wondering the next time I change my strings (maybe in about 4-5 months) that I should upgrade to better strings. I've always used ernie balls but I wanted to try experimenting. I feel i'm still new to bass (2 and a half yrs) and if better strings would give me a more well rounded sound.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

d

arginator · #2 07-31-2009, 09:34 PM

All depends on the sound you want. Personally I love DR strings. Never played them on a jazz bass, but I loved the hi beams on the '80s jazz bass special I used to own. Currently playing the lo riders on a warwick.

Pilgrim · #3 07-31-2009, 10:12 PM

Yup, depends on the sound you want. Ferinstance, IMO flats on a J sound great and never have to be changed.

bassist4dalord · #4 07-31-2009, 10:22 PM

Well I must say I love Ernie Ball Slinkies on my 5-string Jazz. +1 to flats; particularly D'Addario Chromes.

dmusic148 · #5 07-31-2009, 10:27 PM

Dude, forget it. Seriously. We will all say "I like these," or "I like those".........it's absolutely meaningless. You will have to play bass for several more years before you can zero in on which string you like.
If the Balls were OK, get them again-----.......Dj

iridiumrocks · #6 07-31-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Yup, depends on the sound you want.

For a bright, gritty rock tone, I still love the Rotosound Swingbass 66.

electracoyote · #7 07-31-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Dude, forget it. Seriously. We will all say "I like these," or "I like those".........it's absolutely meaningless. You will have to play bass for several more years before you can zero in on which string you like.
If the Balls were OK, get them again-----.......Dj

+1

I play EB on my Jazzes. After reading all the incredibly interesting and glowing testimonies about every other kind of string in the world here on TB, it is tempting sometimes to think, "Hey, maybe my strings suck and I should try something else." But then you begin this incredible process and sometimes disappointing journey. I'll stick with EB's for my Jazzes. They are inexpensive, sound great, and you can find them almost anywhere.

**BLDavis** · #8 08-01-2009, 10:22 AM

After thirty years of playing bass I still experiment with different strings. There's way more choices now than there were then and I play a lot of different musical styles. So it's not easy to pick one brand of string that I like over all others.
FWIW, right now I'm using DR Sunbeams medium on my MIA Jazz and I'm very happy with them.......so far.
I've also used D'addario XL's and Fender 8250's quite a bit and they work well for me. I tried EB Slinky's a few times but they don't seem to last as long as the others. YMMV
B.