5 string players what strings do you like?

[bassbully]

Yes I tried the search got nothing there. So what do you 5 bangers out there like. I just got an active passive Fender 5 and I have no idea what strings are on them...maybe SIT rounds. They sound ok but wonder what you guys like.

What do flats sound like on an active 5? I play flats on my 4s but to me a 5 string needs rounds.

 

[jdb72]

I use nothing but ernie ball round wounds!

 

[MattyO]

I've only played these two strings so take it fro what it's worth. DR Hi Beams, hated them. Circle K - custom even tension set,Loved 'em.

 

[unclebass]

Mine is currently strung with D'Addario nickel rounds. Just put Dean Markley Helix nickels on an Epi EB3 that I just got, like them so much it will likely be what I go with next time. I think that a tapered B string will fit better through Badass bridge.

 

[Precision101]

Rotosounds. In the lightest gauge possible. 30-85

 

[DerTeufel]

My current 5'er is a Yamaha BB425X strung with D'Addario Nickels. I prefer DR Hi-beams.

 

[bassbully]

I've only played these two strings so take it fro what it's worth. DR Hi Beams, hated them. Circle K - custom even tension set,Loved 'em.

BTW this bass is string thru or bridge thru. I'm looking for a tight clear B string...yea I know. What is a balanced set if I may ask?

 

[Jon Moody]

Flats on an a active sound like...flats on an active. If you like the flats sound, the active EQ and pickups will help you shape that overall sound a bit more.

Personally, my favorite set on my active 5 is GHS Pressurewounds. Nice smooth feel, mellow but articulate tone.

 

[WalterBush]

I have Chrome XL flats on my active (and heavily modified) OLP MM3 five string.

They sound remarkably like flats on a passive bass. In the case of my active fretless there's a bit more treble bite than I'm used to hearing from flats, but I'm not sure if that's the maple fingerboard or active electronics, and it EQs out pretty quickly.

 

[KaseOfBass]

I switched to Elixirs and have been very pleased with them because I completely kill normal strings. For normal strings though, I like D'Addario nickels and DR Hi Beams best.

 

[Martin89]

D'Addario EXL-160-5, B string is very tight and clear. Feels and sounds great on my active/passive 5. Very affordable set and lasts long/ages well.

 

[shenager]

Currently I have rotosounds 66. A bit chunky. To bright the first 15 hours but once broken in they rule.

I love the blue steels post boiling. Brand knew they are amazing for 20 minutes and then go flat. I just went straight to boiling them and they deliver lasting deep rich tone.

Elixirs are amazing and so far my favorite.

Dunlop xl. Nickel are cheap and have a nice growl.

 

[Ric5]

D'addario Super light.

For years I used to think heavier strings sounded better ... wrong ... lighter strings give me a better low B and low E.

 

[Precision101]

D'addario Super light.



For years I used to think heavier strings sounded better ... wrong ... lighter strings give me a better low B and low E.

I use these. So bright.

 

[geoff_in_nc]

Played DR Fat Beams on a Peavey Cirrus (active), and it was a beautiful clear sound.

Sold that and got a Peavey Millenium BXP (passive J-layout) as a holdover and ran Fat Beams (only OK) and later Chromes (very very nice, smooth tone). That bass wasn't real even from string to string though on either set.

Got another Cirrus now and tried the DR Dragon Skins. Jury is still out, but they're VERY trebly... not harsh, but I'm having to EQ the treble way back. They're amazingly consistent from string to string, and still possess lots of deeper tones.

 

[G On Bass]

Circle K - custom even tension set,Loved 'em.

+1. I have a balanced set (all strings have similar tension) with a .136 B and they are stellar.

I have Chrome XL flats on my active (and heavily modified) OLP MM3 five string.

They sound remarkably like flats on a passive bass. In the case of my active fretless there's a bit more treble bite than I'm used to hearing from flats, but I'm not sure if that's the maple fingerboard or active electronics, and it EQs out pretty quickly.

I have Chromes on my active 5 string fretless and they sound great. I alternate between Sadowsky Flats (light) and Wilkins Roadtested Nickels on my active PJ5. They both sound amazing. The Sadowskies for me are just pure flatwound tone and feel heaven.

 

[bassbully]

Allot of ideas here..thanks. I hate the clanky sound of rounds but think on an active they are better than flats. I used SIT silencers on my 5ers years ago and they were cool. Maybe a pressurewound would be good?

 

[macrocheesium]

I like DR Lo-Riders on both my 4 and 5 string basses (active). Clear, growly, and phat when I want them to be.

 

[swing]

I love Labella Hard Rockin' Steels on my Stingray 5s…

 

[two fingers]

Another D'Addario XL user here. However, let me thorw this out there. I agree that if you are LOOKING for a really bright sound, you can certainly get it with XL's. But you can also mellow them down a lot (especially with an active pre). I use them on both my Roscoe Beck Signature 5 and my P bass 5. Love them on both basses. Extremely versatile. I can fit them in any kind of song.