Tough Strings?

jimmiehendricks · #1 03-25-2007, 02:12 PM

Just snapped another bass string yesterday, what type of string should I get now?
I use GHS Bass Boomers at the moment, have used D'addario XLs, Dean Markley Blue Steels, have also snapped them. Is there any recommendation on any strings that wont snap if slapping is my thing?

saxnbass · #2 03-25-2007, 02:31 PM

What bass do you have and what sound are you looking for?

rockwarnick · #3 03-25-2007, 02:48 PM

6 years...still have yet to break string...

lemur821 · #4 03-25-2007, 03:04 PM

They aren't all snapping at the nut, are they?

EDIT: I mean bridge.

saxnbass · #5 03-25-2007, 03:08 PM

Either one would be a problem ^
Thinking sharp saddles?

lonote · #6 03-25-2007, 04:03 PM

If there are no burrs on the bridge saddle(s), you need to modify your technique.

jimmiehendricks · #7 03-25-2007, 09:44 PM

hmm i think its technique, it snaps by the bridge, but it isnt the ball that flings off like on an electric guitar, its a about an inch inwards to about where you pick from, the wound string unravels, has happened to me quite a lot - usually at about the 1 month mark, but mind you the onl thing i ever do on my bass is slap for hours on end.

Koki · #8 03-26-2007, 06:23 AM

I find GHS Bass Boomers best for slapping. I slap hard and last string I broke lasted for 6 months. (it was G). XL are ok too but not that good. I have bad experiences with fender and Dean Markley. (I broke fender G after a week and a half and D after maybe three weeks)

TyronPotamkin · #9 03-26-2007, 09:52 AM

try a set of Carvin strings. I believe LaBella makes Carvin's strings and they are thee strongest string I have played. They are very bright and full with a very nice piano ping that lasts a good while. The longest I've had them last is over a year and the shortest about 4 months. I have broken all the strings at different times and they are inconsistant as far as what string will break and where they will break, but they are consistant in how they break. the inner wire snaps and then it just unwinds and flattens out against the pickups. 3 packs will cost ya about $30 plus shipping. I usually get the medium guage strings.

Bass for Beef · #10 03-26-2007, 10:14 AM

the first year I played I broke 3 strings...now seven years later I have yet to break another one...nock on wood. I broken 2 strings on upright...now thats tough but I played it in a rock band so thats why.

saxnbass · #11 03-26-2007, 10:22 AM

I haven't broken any string except one set when I got my first and only 5 string. I thought it was tuned E-B, rest is self explanatory. I have broken plenty of guitar strings bending them (playing blues).

jimmiehendricks · #12 03-26-2007, 09:47 PM

oh phew.. good to see im not the only one snapping bass strings.
As for the strings, its really hard for me to find any low key companies as I live in New Zealand, its pretty much only GHS, D'Addario and Ernie Ball at the counter for $60 a set, I heard DR strings were good slapping strings?

BellBottomBlues · #13 03-26-2007, 10:36 PM

ever try ordering off of musiciansfriend or another online retailor?

SGT. Pepper · #14 04-21-2007, 06:44 AM

GHS Boomers are pretty strong. In fact in the 45-105 guage I find them rather hard to play on. {Im strictly finger style}
When I use Boomers I usually go down a guage to compensate. Right now I use 45-100's and have grown quite fond of that gauge. If I went to Boomers now I'd have to use the 40-95's. If you feel Boomers don't cut it either try Rotosounds.

fishtx · #15 04-23-2007, 11:25 AM

I have been playing Bass for nearly 35 years...and don't remember ever "snapping" a string.

Phalex · #16 04-23-2007, 11:55 AM

You're breaking Boomers?? Regularly??

Dude, I play with a very heavy hand and I don't think I've ever broken a Boomer. Blue Steels, yes, but that's why I don't play them.

If you are consistently breaking Boomers, I'm not so sure the strings are the problem. Check your saddles for burrs, and maybe try turning up the gain on your amp.

CrashClint · #17 04-23-2007, 12:24 PM

I have been playing for 30 years and the only time I have ever broken a string was in my younger days when I was living on Cornbread and Blackeyed Peas. I think I had boiled my strings for about the third time. I was bringing it up to tune when my "D" string broke. I remember just like it was yesterday, I had to tell my girl friend that it was either new strings or taking her out to dinner. I was amazed at how that 75' Jazz sounded with new strings.

Bass for Beef · #18 04-23-2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

I have been playing for 30 years and the only time I have ever broken a string was in my younger days when I was living on Cornbread and Blackeyed Peas. I think I had boiled my strings for about the third time. I was bringing it up to tune when my "D" string broke. I remember just like it was yesterday, I had to tell my girl friend that it was either new strings or taking her out to dinner. I was amazed at how that 75' Jazz sounded with new strings.

great decision...i hope you played a sweet line for her on those new strings to make up for dinner

CrashClint · #19 04-24-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass for Beef

great decision...i hope you played a sweet line for her on those new strings to make up for dinner

She actually paid for my dinner. A real keeper, so I wasted no time and asked her to marry me. We have been married for 21 years now. She is an accountant and does our budget, she has even given me a monthly Musical Equipment budget so I never have to worry about being in that situation again with her, lol.