What's going on...

JoeyZ · #1 08-11-2009, 03:00 PM

I don't get it, do ALL strings lose their brilliance and snappyness as fast as Ernie Ball? It's like, I'll play once or twice and we'll be back to them sounding like crap...
I keep thinking it's my amp, but my tone sucks ball when i'm not even plugged in...

What are some better strings than ernie balls?

It's all I've ever used, but I've heard alot of great things about Rotosounds.

Advice would be appreciated, and I realize this has probably been asked a few times, and I thank you guys for being patient!

spiker · #2 08-11-2009, 03:14 PM

Howdy,

Ernie Ball strings sound so nice....for the first set of a gig. I love them to death but i can't buy them as i gig too much and can't afford new strings every time i hit a note.

I've played all sorts of strings and found that the D'addario EXL 170's have that snappy 'new string' sound well past the first gig. I get a good couple of months out of them before they start sounding like ass. I don't play any other strings anymore, unless in an emergency.

Jim Breece · #3 08-11-2009, 03:35 PM

Try some Rotosounds and see. Ernie Balls don't die on me quicker than anything else. I use DR Sunbeams now, but it's not for longevity. Some people kill strings quicker than others do, but one time playing is a pretty quick death. Do you wash your hands before playing and wipe the strings when you're done?

JoeyZ · #4 08-11-2009, 05:26 PM

Actually, let me rephrase that. They die sometime around 2 shows. Practices and just regular playing are another story...
I don't wash my hands before, nor do I wipe anything down...
Maybe I'm a bad(uninformed) bass player...

But, where do EB's sit in terms of overall string quality. I've always used them, but I don't really know why.
I was thinking of trying out some DR Lo Riders since they seem to get good reviews.

Foamy · #5 08-11-2009, 05:28 PM

I like the DR coated strings. Black Beauties. They seem to be nice and snappy for quite a while.

capnsandwich · #6 08-11-2009, 05:43 PM

There are plenty of strings out there that are worth trying out but most of them are more expensive than the EB you play. The best way to keep your strings as new sounding as you can is to keep your hands clean before you play your bass, wipe down your string when you're done, and keep your bass in it's case or bag when you're not playing it. It's also easier to keep your strings lasting longer in the winter than in the summer due to humidity and sweat on your hands.

As far as string brands, I like DR High Beams and Sadowsky strings.