Strings for precision

Ironderby · #1 07-25-2011, 05:57 PM

Hi guys.
I own a precision bass, and im wondering what strings are best to get that last long, have a nice bright sound (for a long time, my ernie balls only lasted about a month and now only have a little zing) preferably roundwounds, but open to any strings. i play mainly metal/classic rock with some bluesy numbers. Much appreciated.

MrGotBass · #2 07-25-2011, 06:01 PM

Rotosound 66s

Mojo-Man · #3 07-25-2011, 06:02 PM

Strings I must use on a P-Bass.

1- TI flats 344JF
2-Ken Smith Compressors
3-GHS Pressurewounds
4-DR Sunbeams
5-La Bella Nylon coated flats.
6-DR low Riders -Nickel

fretlessguy · #4 07-26-2011, 12:49 AM

Depends, obviously, on the tone you are after. I use SIT medium-light nickel Powerwounds to get the tone you are looking for. The price is right, too.

S I T Strings Electric Bass Power Wound Nickel Long, .045 - .100, NR45100L

Duckwater · #5 07-26-2011, 01:15 AM

Rotosound 66s sound the best IMO but they go dead faster than any other string. If you want a bright string that will keep it's brightness for a long time I would suggest Dean Markley Blue Steels or DR Neons.

madmatt · #6 07-26-2011, 01:35 AM

I found that a BAII bridge will do exactly what you are needing.
I put one on my P, then I put on some used Fender 7250's I pulled from another bass just so I could use those to get my setup right before I put on a new set. Well that BAII made those used strings come to life and they have been on there for a few months already.

bassgod0dmw · #7 07-26-2011, 06:54 AM

I've found that DR strings last the longest for me. I'd go with DR lo riders in SS...my string of choice. Otherwise, DR High Beams.

baileyboy · #8 07-26-2011, 07:02 AM

D'Addario half-rounds

DavePlaysBass · #9 07-26-2011, 07:13 AM

SS Lo Riders are bright on a P for a long time. They keep their brightness longer than several types of nickel rounds I have tried.

darkstorm · #10 07-26-2011, 04:50 PM

DR sunbeams or Rotosound swing66 would be my pick. Or if willing to spend a little more for strings that will last a good 1 and half times as long go with the dr neons, which are the neon color coated sunbeams.

Chasarms · #11 07-26-2011, 07:35 PM

DR Hi-Beams are the longest lasting, bright steel that I have experienced.

stingraysvt · #12 07-26-2011, 08:17 PM

I had the same experience you are having with the EB's they sound good but when the mellow out they're pretty much dead....

I have found the D'Addario's have worked best for me as far as lasting on a bass that is played regularly. I've one bass that has had the same set on it for 4 or 5 years, and still sounds great! The DR's are great too, I like the growl they get and seem to last a long time as well.

I tend to think you can't just put a certain set on every bass you own, Aside from D'Addario's I rarely use the same strings on any of my basses...

I've got Fender Super Basses on one, Ken Smith's on another, GHS Boomers, DR's, Thomastik, EB's that I never cared to take off... Just happens they sound good dead on that bass. I've used SIT's and loved them, just can't find them locally....

I'll use only D'Addario's on basses with Graphite necks, I've experimented, they just function the best for me...

I've got a Jazz Bass that came with Smith's and it'll never have anything else on it... Just has that MOJO!

I've got Fender Super Bass strings on my other Jazz...

So it's just kinda a game you have to play, I wouldn't discount any brand or type until you've given them a shot...

jasper383 · #13 07-26-2011, 09:03 PM

DR Black Beauties. A little less bright than Hi Beams, but once they are on the bass, their sound doesn't change for a long, long time.

eggfart1 · #14 07-26-2011, 09:32 PM

DR HI Beams. They're my favourite string. I play hard rock and they're incredible. I use 45-105. Best strings on earth!!

aus_bass · #15 07-26-2011, 09:35 PM

La Bellas
Chromes
GHS Precision flats.

/thread

Mirios · #16 07-26-2011, 09:41 PM

I have also had great luck with DR High Beams. Or their longnecks if I'm going for a neck through body stringing. Same string just tapered I believe.

eggfart1 · #17 07-26-2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus_bass

La Bellas
Chromes
GHS Precision flats.

/thread

Why are you recommending him flats? He wants a round and wants to play ROCK.

Duke21 · #18 08-01-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eggfart1

Why are you recommending him flats? He wants a round and wants to play ROCK.

Yes, totally agree, OK some are so nuts about this "p-bass must have flats thing"....
The rock thing is actually not a good argument, Steve Harris use flats, the Steve Harris sig. Roto's: SH77. Which are actually very bright! So you might want to check them out. Even though I think the E string is at least .110 so more tension and maybe you will need to adjust the nut.
If you liked the EB, try To find the Marshall nickel plated strings. These are actually EB slinkys but in Marshall package, cost also half of the EB.
Also the Rotosound RB45 are the same as the Roto's 66 nickel plated steel, cost almost half as well of the blue package Roto's 66.
I also think the Fender nickel plated rounds are quite good, and cost.... almost half of many other strings.
I mention only nickel plated steel rounds as I tend to prefer them over steel. The nickel plated have lots of brightness but are still warm and kind to both fingers/ pick and frets.

I'm going to try the Hartke nickel plated rounds. These are hexagonal core, just as the Roto's and the EB slinkys, and they cost less. I find the expensive rounds to last about as much as other strings, so I tend to find the cheeper strings and change more often.