What kind of strings should I use?

[thtjakeguy]

Hey I'm fairly new to the bass and was wondering what strings i should use to minimize the annoying clicking and vibrating noise when changing frets. I mainly play rock, punk lines.

Should i use stainless steel or nickel plated?
thanks

[T. Alan Smith]

Well, pressure/compression wound strings will minimize the noises you are referring to. Grounds will minimize furthur, and flats will pretty much eliminate it.
That said, I firmly believe in working with rounds while developing your technique. If you don't like the noises, sharpen your skills to minimize them. When you switch to other windings, your sound will be better tenfold.

[Jjones32]

the clicking and vibrating is all from you. I personally use stainless steel which are the brightest and for people who aren't used to bass, make the most clanking and vibrating. regardless though its all about technique and as you get better you will reduce that sound. If you wanted to take a shortcut though flatwound strings would pretty much eliminate the noises, but i wouldn't recommend them to learn on.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by Jjones32

the clicking and vibrating is all from you. I personally use stainless steel which are the brightest and for people who aren't used to bass, make the most clanking and vibrating. regardless though its all about technique and as you get better you will reduce that sound. If you wanted to take a shortcut though flatwound strings would pretty much eliminate the noises, but i wouldn't recommend them to learn on.

+1.

[Double Agent]

Since rock/punk calls for aggressive tones, I would use stainless strings. You can learn to minimize this noise through practice, but most of those "noises" will not be as obvious when playing with a guitarist and drummer, and may actually help you cut through the mix a little better.

[thtjakeguy]

Thanks for the advice guys. ill keep it mind when i go buy new strings.

I think im only put off by it when practising alone.

any particular brands you would recommend?

[Double Agent]

Originally Posted by thtjakeguy

any particular brands you would recommend?

If you play with a pick, I'd go with Rotosound Swing Bass 66. They are the grindiest and probably the best string for the style you play IMO.

If you play fingerstyle, I'd go with DR Lo-Riders. These are my personal favorite string, they sound good for lots of styles. Lots of low-mids and they're nicer to your right hand than Rotosounds while still having an aggressive sound. They also last a really long time, so don't let the steeper price tag put you off. Average use for me is 3-6 months for a set, compared to 3-6 weeks for most other rounds I've used.

Lots of other strings will work though, so don't be afraid to experiment.

[T. Alan Smith]

If your looking for longevity, you must remember to play with clean/dry hands, every time, and wipe your strings after you play, every time.

[darkstorm]

There ya go doubleagent suggesting strings that can increase the clanking etc. Lol. Actually a good idea though cause helps one develope their fretting skills and useful for learning to make purposeful clanking etc when its useful for the music. Yes is excellent choice for the music he's doing to imo.