Who is your favorite string manufacturer?

HMZ · #1 03-18-2011, 07:45 AM

Gunnerhea86 · #2 03-18-2011, 07:49 AM

tangentmusic · #3 03-18-2011, 07:49 AM

I've been using Rotosound Swing 66's for years 'n years

Double Agent · #4 03-18-2011, 08:01 AM

Right now, it's DR...but I have been thinking of switching over to La Bella. Using the Hard Rockin' Steels on my Jazz V and they are a killer set of strings. The .128 low B is especially nice. But, I still like Lo-Riders (both nickel and steel), DDTs, and Sunbeams too.

groovethumper · #5 03-18-2011, 08:01 AM

D'addario for the last 20 years.

mmbongo · #6 03-18-2011, 08:02 AM

To be completely fair, Ken Smith and Fender are not manufacturers. Smith are made by GHS, Fender by D'Addario. Elixers are also made by D'Addario, but Elixer does their own coating.

And I voted DR. There really are only 2 types of bass strings. DR, and everything else

cnltb · #7 03-18-2011, 08:02 AM

Newtone strings at the moment.

stepswork4me · #8 03-18-2011, 08:03 AM

DR's by miles and miles.

fivestringgecko · #9 03-18-2011, 08:04 AM

Tried a few brands along my 13 years of playing and keep coming back to D'Addario EXLs (or Chromes on my PBass V).

Most recently, I tried a set of DR Lo Riders on my Jazz V and hated them. That bass has become my favorite/go-to, but with the Lo Riders on it, I could barely stand playing it.

No offense Gunner.

5sg.

WalterBush · #10 03-18-2011, 08:06 AM

Circle K strings. Foderas a close second.

I used to love DRs, but they just don't have enough options for ERBs or headless basses. Otherwise, I might still be using them.

bassplayerbob · #11 03-18-2011, 08:07 AM

DR hi beams for me.!!

hdracer · #12 03-18-2011, 08:19 AM

La Bella on all of my basses except my medium scale, but now that they have them available I will be switching that one out.

Root 5 · #13 03-18-2011, 08:25 AM

Ok...I'll put my oar in for GHS strings. But let's face, all manufacturers today make very very good strings and you'd be hard pressed to go wrong with any of them.

Kenner · #14 03-18-2011, 08:31 AM

I used to use DR's (love em...), but, as often as I change strings, I went to Dunlop Nickels (less expensive and very consistent).

dcr · #15 03-18-2011, 08:33 AM

Labella, as sold by CARVIN

dcr

fivestringgecko · #16 03-18-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Root 5

Ok...I'll put my oar in for GHS strings. But let's face, all manufacturers today make very very good strings and you'd be hard pressed to go wrong with any of them.

True. It's more about the sound, of course. I was a little stunned at how different the DR's sounded. Nickels, just like my D'Addarios, but the only way I can describe them is that my Jazz sounded too honky (nasally?) for me.

5sg.

JayfromDeeKay · #17 03-18-2011, 08:39 AM

I've also used Rotosound 66 swing bass for years and years. I love the sound, but they sure have given me a lot of blisters and some pretty tire-tracks up and down my fretless neck.

In the last couple of years I've begun opening up to experimenting with different strings, Elixirs, Rotosound 77's, DR Hi-Beams.

PSPookie · #18 03-18-2011, 08:41 AM

I've gotten string I like from a variety of manufacturers but DR is my go-to brand. I like the way their string feel and sound and I have yet to get a bad set from them.

Rockingbird · #19 03-18-2011, 08:49 AM

I don't have a favorite. I use D'Addario, but only because that's whats available for cheap hereabouts.

Pillgrimm13 · #20 03-18-2011, 08:51 AM

i love dr strings, their customer service is awsome too.i had a core break on the 4th string of a new set of ddt strings last week and emailed them and they sent me a new set. before dr i loved conklin snakeskins, they were custom made by sit but arnt made anymore. they were 60 bucks a set though but they stayed bright for ever and had a piano like tone. ive got dean markley skull busters on 1 bass and d'addario flats on two of my basses but now dr is making a new flat wound that im gonna try when i change strings.