Strings for a heavy hitter...

[snaggyjake]

What do you think are the best strings for me? I hit the strings pretty damn hard and I'm in to my heavy bass. I also can't gig with 1 set of strings more than 3 times without breaking them which is pretty costly if i'm gigging heavily at the time. Another thing..I tend to play alot in drop-d and at the mo. this seems to make the e-string a bit too loose. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

[HeavyFingers]

um.....are you playing finger or pick style? I've never broken a string in 3yrs.

[snaggyjake]

I play with a pick..

[guy n. cognito]

Obviously, thicker strings will help you, although I would suggest that anyone consistently breaking strings after 3 gigs should learn to play with a bit more finesse. I haven't ever broken a string over a total of 7 years of playing.

[stz]

I've not broken a string in 5 years. Except two weeks ago when I broke a bottom E.. I was very confused and didn't really know what to make of it. Playing guitar I used to break upto 2 a rehersal. Thats more my crappy guitar technique.

Like the guy above said, if your breaking strings that often, check your bridge and how you are installing them, then check your technique! Are you using an amp that just isn't quite loud enough therefore overplaying the instrument?

[zazz]

Originally Posted by stz

Are you using an amp that just isn't quite loud enough therefore overplaying the instrument?

i broke a string for this very frustrating reason!!

[Metal Mitch]

DR Lo-Riders or Dean Markley Blue Steels.

Also might help to shim up your nut. That'll give a stiffer feel, and helps with drop tunings instead of adding a bunch more relief.

[JayAmel]

When I was a hard rock player, once I happened to break an "A" string with my pick. Then I figured out my bass actually didn't sound like a bass any more, due to too much hit on the strings and too muck attack (added to a Ric 4001 set on pretty much treble boost).

Then I went back to a more "normal" playing and never broke any string again.

Hope this helps,
Jay

[Disc]

I cant fathom breaking a sting... Keep up the good work (no really thats awesome!).

[bassman1185]

I use DR Black Beauties (when I can find them in the right guage; I use 50-110) and have had pretty good luck with them holding up for me. I play pretty hard, although I have had to lighten up my feel a bit because I broke strings pretty often. Really, your best bet is to reevalute your playing. When you play so hard that you constantly break strings, you're really not doing yourself any favors tone-wise. I know that you do get a certain grind when you play hard that you just can't get any other way, but you also lose a lot of your low end when you really slam your strings. Try backing off just a little, and you'll probably be pleased at the results. I'll bet that you will stop breaking strings, and your tone will be better.

[Grimlock]

Originally Posted by snaggyjake

I play with a pick..

Try a lighter pick. What pick gauge are you using?

[dougjwray]

Try the LaBella "Jamerson" set.
(And have a sling ready for your fretting hand...)

[The Craw]

I've been playing for many years, and I don't play with a particularly light touch, but I've yet to break a bass string, either with pick or fingers. And I use a fairly thick, rigid pick.

If you're hitting the strings so hard you break 'em then you need to choose between using a less agressive technique or buying replacement strings more often than most of us.

[no-logic]

I play with a pick and used to break strings. I tried SIT Power Wounds and haven't broken a string since. (About 7 years) They're also inexpensive and sound great. They're all I use now.

[yaniv]

i use snarling dogs nickel roundwound
i got no mercy on my strings or fingers but i still didnt manage to break them (i did manage to get some bruises on the fingers though )

[God of Rapture]

I use Blue Steels and play pretty hard on them.

I've only broke one bass string in my life. That was on my last set of strings. The B string broke on me but it looked more like it was cut right at the bridge. Must have been a sharp spot.