Strings for Heavy Metal

metallist · #1 03-04-2008, 08:21 PM

Hey, I'm in the market for new strings - have tried a few; Warwick Yellows .045-.135, Warwick Blacks .045-.135 and some others (can't remember).

I'm looking to get something 'different'.

The Yellows were too bright & the Blacks chewed my fingers & frets.

Looking for something in between - something that is going to compliment the style of music I play (play mostly metal, with a mixed of Tool {they are their own category} mixed with Jazz with some random tapping (I DON'T SLAP).

The strings will need to have a .135 B string as my nut has been filed out to fit a .135 B.

Please help me out!

Cheers, Simon

quadebass17 · #2 03-04-2008, 08:27 PM

i dig rotosounds. they sound reallll good to me.

one of my metal-playing friends uses DR's. the colored ones.

metallist · #3 03-04-2008, 08:34 PM

Sorry - I'm a novice when it comes to strings...

Rotosounds?

What DR's does you're mate use?

#4 03-04-2008, 08:38 PM

I like Rotosounds for metal also, except I like the light gauge. I also use DR and D'addario. For tapping I prefer lighter gauges.

metallist · #5 03-04-2008, 08:40 PM

Who make Rotosounds?

lowendgenerator · #6 03-04-2008, 08:44 PM

Rotosound is the name of the company.

I like DR Stainless Steel Lo Riders. Plenty of grunt and ping, but so smooth on the hands.

metallist · #7 03-04-2008, 09:00 PM

Oops - my bad!

diechris · #8 03-04-2008, 09:34 PM

i tried DR's... Rotosounds.... Fender... GHS... and everything was ok... except D'Addario! ... I LOVE THEM! i got the 45-105 brights and i couldnt be happier.. i play a 4 string tuned down CGCF. its got the right tension and aggressive tone.. i wish i would have used them to record.

WayneS · #9 03-04-2008, 09:48 PM

I use Rotosound flatwounds. They are probably not good for tapping though. Too stiff. They sound freakin great though!

Mike Shevlin · #10 03-04-2008, 10:01 PM

Rotosound Swing Bass - They sound like a jazz string but I swear they are made for metal. Nothing bites harder.

Ampeg SVT · #11 03-04-2008, 11:05 PM

Lo-Riders here, Killer strings for downtuning.

Risen Ashes · #12 03-04-2008, 11:12 PM

I used to play Rotosounds until I discovered La'Bella Hard Rockin' Steels!

justinbass · #13 03-05-2008, 01:33 PM

I use D'addario Nickel wounds. I play bass in two metal bands.

bassgod0dmw · #14 03-05-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendgenerator

I like DR Stainless Steel Lo Riders. Plenty of grunt and ping, but so smooth on the hands.

+1. DR lo-rider SS all the way.

I hate Rotosounds. They last for like 3 days...then they're dead, and that's if you get a decent pack in the first place. I'm sure they were the best thing since sliced bread in the 70's, but technology has done wonderful things!

Croox · #15 03-05-2008, 01:44 PM

DR extended life strings (colored ones)

thats what I use. great strings with a good color selection. check them out

Qvist · #16 03-05-2008, 01:54 PM

To be honest I can't hear the difference between Ernie ball and rotosound strings, so I don't think you should put yourself so much up on that. You want a very deep bass sound, go for some really thick strings, and the other way around if you want to do some high's

Earwigger · #17 03-05-2008, 02:41 PM

DR Hi-Beams are brighter then the Lo-Riders, but have a bit clearer low end. The Lo-Riders have a lot of midrange honk, which can be a good or bad thing.

I prefer Fat-Beams on my Jazz that I use for metal. They are very deep sounding.

GabeN · #18 03-05-2008, 04:38 PM

SS Lowriders FTW. Plenty of tension for aggressive picking but TONS of delicious tone. Oh, and silky smooth.

optikhog · #19 03-05-2008, 04:49 PM

Ken Smith Metal Masters. Lotsa Zing and tons of low-end grunt.

*smb · #20 03-05-2008, 04:57 PM

I use d'Addarios. I find Rotosounds far too bright and metallic sounding, and they don't age well IMO.