What do you use on your Sterling Bass?

mgauge · #1 01-13-2010, 04:14 PM

Just wanted to know what strings other people use on their Music-Man Sterling Bass...

At this time I use DR Hi Beams. 100 - 45.

73jbass · #2 01-13-2010, 04:17 PM

I've always used Elixirs,but I did have one that had EB flats.Just depends on what tone you're after.

mntngrown · #3 01-13-2010, 09:14 PM

My 1st sterling had hi beams and it was super present, cut through and clacky on the maple board. I just put at beams on my current maple board. Also BIG sound

mntngrown · #4 01-13-2010, 09:15 PM

Fat beams (darn keyboard) sticks on the F

CElton · #5 01-14-2010, 06:58 AM

+1 to Elixirs...

mgauge · #6 01-14-2010, 12:12 PM

I was thinking of giving Elixers a shot. I use them on my Acoustic guitar and they are great.

then again, Im very happy with my dr's just wanna experiment

Jkaz · #7 01-28-2010, 09:20 PM

I have an Ibanez that has Elixirs, and its a fast moving neck. I bought a Sterling, and tried the DR Fatbeams. Talk about night and day. The Fatbeams felt like sandpaper. I almost switched out the strings immediately, but I stuck it out with the fatbeams. I'm glad I did.

The Elixirs, have a smoother feel, and you can move quickly, and effortlessly up and down the neck. However, I do believe what you gain in speed and technique is somewhat sacraficed in tone quality.

The Fatbeams have a much more deeper, and fuller sound, where I find the Elixirs to be more neutral. I don't find much range between the highs and lows. It's just my experience.

I think both strings represent the extremes of smoothness, and coarseness. For me, I will probably try the Sunbeams, and hopefully, I'll get the feel and sound that I'm looking for.

Maiden Bass · #8 01-31-2010, 01:15 PM

I just ordered a set of Nickel Dunlop strings for my new Sterling. I'll let you know how they work out by next weekend.

Strings that I don't like on my sterling are Ernie Ball Nickel Slinky and Rotosound Swing bass. After trying those sets back to back I can tell you that IMO they are not the best sound for a fingerstyle player on a Sterling.

I am hoping that the Dunop Nickel's will be a good fit for my Sterling!

pbass888 · #9 02-10-2010, 09:29 PM

labella flatwound 760fl ... great for jazz reggae and funk....switched from elixers....

bassdog · #10 10-27-2011, 05:33 PM

"I just put at beams on my current maple board."

Hi Beams on a maple board?

Bob

RFMac · #11 10-28-2011, 01:12 AM

DR sunbeams on both of my Musicman Sterlings. I need a bass with rounds and these curb the aggressiveness of the preamp without killing its character, IMHO.

Crabby · #12 10-28-2011, 11:20 PM

I have Chromes on my fretless Sterling that sound really bright, punchy and yes, growly which is really surprising for flat wound strings. Loving them so far.

Gyver · #13 11-01-2011, 08:05 AM

DR Nickel Lo Riders - 45 - 105 at the moment. Really like Sun Beams and Chromes on it as well. Found the Hi Beams to be too bright with the aggressive nature of the Sterling. The Nickel Lo Riders seem to give it the best growl without being too bright, and I can set the action low without fret buzz.