What strings...? I need mean-ness.

Trevorus · #1 10-30-2009, 01:00 AM

I have a Reverend 5L, and I'd like it to growl a bit. You know, that Warwicky, exotic woody nasty, burpy BLAAAT noise. What strings to start with. I've been considering Warwick's Black Labels, DR Stainless, etc... Give me some direction here. Obviously, picking near the bridge will help a bit, and I am playing through a GK1001RB-II and a Berg HT212 for the big rig, and a 400RB-III with a random 112 for the small one. What can you tell me?

countrybassist · #2 10-30-2009, 07:26 AM

I've always been a big fan of Roto swing 66. They sound great. I just recently have tried LaBella Rockin' Steel. I heard that they will last alot longer than the Roto and they sound phenominal.

mmbongo · #3 10-30-2009, 07:27 AM

Dunlop Stainless. About $20 a set, can't beat them!

Trevorus · #4 10-30-2009, 08:46 AM

Anyone else got any suggestions before I start buying strings? I also had some questions regarding gauge. Which direction do I go to get this mean tone, too?

bearshimmy · #5 10-30-2009, 02:15 PM

guage depends on how hard you play. lights give you a twangier sound with less effort, but if you put some muscle into your playing you'll want heavier strings so that it dosent sound like your notes are getting choked

Trevorus · #6 11-06-2009, 07:44 PM

DR Stainless are where it's at.

MohawkHarry · #7 05-09-2010, 09:02 AM

Have to agree the DR SS strings are pretty rude and keep their rudeness longer than most brands I have tried.

darkstorm · #8 05-09-2010, 07:41 PM

String sound tweak is a minor thing, your not going to transform a mellow sounding bass into one with growl and crunch via strings used. It'll never happen. Start with replaceing the pups with ones that have a crunchy rather then smooth voiceing.