Strings for a Ibanez 506

[orestes71]

Hey I bought Ibanez 506 and I am like 90% sure my strings are worn but I am not sure what strings should I get for my 6 stringer. Also side note what are the tall tale signs for worn strings?

[~ignited~wings~]

That bass comes stock with Elixirs I'm pretty sure, which are fabulous strings in my opinion, although pricey. I've actually found my basses can last a year nder heavy use before the strings need a change.

Tell tale signs of worn strings are a dead sounding tone (less "zing", less treble, a little muted). Some guys really like dead strings, I used to be one of those guys. My first bass kept it's original strings for five years.

Strings are a really personal thing though, what kind of sound do you like? Modern? Edgy? Thuddy? Can you deal with roughness on the hands? Then there's gauges... It's a long process to finding the right strings for you, but once you've found them, it's easy sailing.

[Sijjvra]

Worn strings usually just sound really flat and dull. Hard to describe.

Elixirs are great strings IMO. I had them on my ATK for several months before I finally changed them, after much play and use.

Ernie Balls are my second string of choice, since Elixirs are a little pricey and hard to find where I'm at. But it's all preference. Some people swear by GHS Bass Boomers and I can't stand them, while some people hate Elixirs and Ernie Balls. Try a few brands and decide which ones you like the best.

[~ignited~wings~]

I used to use Ernie ball strings, because they were cheaper then Elixirs, but then I realized that because the Elixirs last literally five times longer for me, they're WELL worth it, as I'm paying less in the end. Also, the coating is nice on the left hand.

[Bygde]

I'm using DR TMR6 (stainless) on my 6'er. Gives the B-string great clarity and punch.

[orestes71]

I am not really sure how I want to sound though my strings. I want to sound "warm" I guess would be the term, I like to play everything and anything sooo any set of strings that can fit into anything.

[Bygde]

If you want warm, you'll probably not like stainless. The problem I've had when I've played SR 50X is a very flat, treble-less sound. I suspect stainless could remedy some of that, but then again, stainless is usually not warm. I've tried three different SS-sets, and none of them were warm.

[orestes71]

I think I am going to get DR Lo-Riders or something from that brand that isn't stainless, anyone ever buy the Warwick strings?

[Hugh Jass]

I tried slinky's on my SR700 (same electronics) and they were terrible. really scooped and boomy.

Currently have it strung with good old (and cheap) D'addario XL nickels. They sound great and I much prefer them to the elixers as well. Good strong mids and not so boomy in the lows.

http://store.daddario.com/category/1...-String_32-130

[6stringftw]

I have a sr506 with d'addario XL nickel set currently on and the b string tone died out on me within a month or two and the rest of the string are starting to get to that stage as well. I'd just got with another set of elixirs.