whats the difference between different brand strings?

[samtheman27]

hey, was just wondering about buying new strings for my bass. I don't know what type of strings I had to start with coz they came with the bass. can I get "standard bass strings" that sound good no matter what I play (still trying to find what type of music I wont to play ) and how much they would be, don't have much money, CHEERS!!!

[Einherjar]

Probably nickel roundwounds. Pretty standard. Personally I like D'Addario.

[unclebass]

I really like the Curt Mangan Nickelwounds that I recently put on a Fender Deluxe active jazz bass, can hear the tone of the strings even unplugged. For smaller budget, I would give the D'Addario nickelwound strings a try. Go to bassstringsonline.com, talkbass members get a discount. Can get two sets for the low $20's.

[samtheman27]

nice one. thanks

[Ian_Flash]

All good suggestions. May I ask what Bass/es do you have, what musical style do you play and what sound are you going for?

[themaestro78]

dunlop nickels are pretty good too

[mmbongo]

D'Addario XL's are what I consider the 'default' string. Excellent strings, cheap, available anywhere, great tone. Start with those as a base and go from there. You may never leave from there.

[johnson79]

I've always liked Ernie Ball Slinky. I play a PJ, mostly punk with a pick. Never cared for GHS Boomers, always dead sounding.

[samtheman27]

that's the thing ian flash, im still picking what to play I was playing a few songs from red hot chilli peppers when my strings snapped. I play with my fingers and I have a shane targa bass. (you probably haven't heard of it because apparently not many people have) and I was just looking for a standard set of strings that would make a good sound no matter what I play. I don't really know much about the different sounds either :/

[tylerwylie]

Originally Posted by samtheman27

that's the thing ian flash, im still picking what to play I was playing a few songs from red hot chilli peppers when my strings snapped. I play with my fingers and I have a shane targa bass. (you probably haven't heard of it because apparently not many people have) and I was just looking for a standard set of strings that would make a good sound no matter what I play. I don't really know much about the different sounds either :/

When I think of default / standard strings:

D'Addario XL Nickel
Ernie Ball Slinkies
GHS Boomers

[thebassbuilder]

Originally Posted by tylerwylie

When I think of default / standard strings:

D'Addario XL Nickel
Ernie Ball Slinkies
GHS Boomers

+1

[Mushroo]

If you are breaking strings, I recommend to have a tech look at your bass and a good teacher look at your technique. The most common reasons strings break are: 1) a physical defect such as a "burr" on the bridge saddle; 2) improper technique such as striking the strings with too much force.

I absolutely agree with the GHS/Ernie Ball/D'Addario triumvirate suggested above.

[samtheman27]

my "bass mate" told me they were just old and not used much so they just went BAM!....so the vibe im getting here is buy D'Addario strings?

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by samtheman27

my "bass mate" told me they were just old and not used much so they just went BAM!....so the vibe im getting here is buy D'Addario strings?

I would. I got a set of XL Nickels, haven't put them on yet because I'm a Steels guy, but Michael Manring uses them, and I LOVE his sounds, and I almost liked the Prosteels better than my Rotos.

For quality/price, they're the one to beat.

[Einherjar]

Originally Posted by samtheman27

my "bass mate" told me they were just old and not used much so they just went BAM!....so the vibe im getting here is buy D'Addario strings?

Yep.

[superHEAVYfunk]

Originally Posted by unclebass

Go to bassstringsonline.com, talkbass members get a discount. Can get two sets for the low $20's.

Awesome

[darkstorm]

Different brands of nickel roundwounds like diff brands of steel roundwounds have their own sound. Not giant diff, but the sort of diff that causes peeps to generally favor one brand over another for their strings due to sound preference. There can also be some diff in tension between same gauges by diff brands.

[Ian_Flash]

Originally Posted by samtheman27

that's the thing ian flash, im still picking what to play I was playing a few songs from red hot chilli peppers when my strings snapped. I play with my fingers and I have a shane targa bass. (you probably haven't heard of it because apparently not many people have) and I was just looking for a standard set of strings that would make a good sound no matter what I play. I don't really know much about the different sounds either :/

OK Sam. I happen to agree with the majority here for all the same reasons. D'Addario XL Nickels for these reasons:

1. They are one of the most versatile strings for a variety of music. They rock, they slap, they can growl and they can mwahhh.
2. Because of this, they will allow you to find a style(s) that you like and develop further. After that, if you want more (or less)"Zing", "Thud", "Bark", "Punch", "Growl", "Snap" etc. etc. etc., you can look at other options... Because of their balance, D'Add XL Nickels are the excellent Default string.
3. They are Nicklel Plated steel, the same construction that Flea uses, so you can tune in nicely to the RHCP vibe.
4. They are easy on the fingers.
5. They come in a wide variety of gauges including "singles" for custom gauging.
6.,7, & 8. They are not "Boutique expensive", They are consistent from set to set and their QC is phenomenal. Have fun with it!

[Buayaguy]

I've been using Webstrings Detroit Bass Light Nickel Rounds probably almost since I started playing back in 2000. Tried the GHS Boomers, since I liked those on guitar, but I don't play for a living, strictly for fun, so I didn't need to be spending $25-30 a set for a 5 string bass

I first tried the medium Detroits (heaviest available), with low B at .130, and it was extremely muddy and just really huge. They were nice enough to trade out for a set of lights (low B = .110), which I love, and still sounds heavy.

[samtheman27]

cheers gys ill go for the D'addario ones. what does XL Nickels means?