Bass strings

[tfer]

That is a task that requires not only the correct tools but a specific kind of finesse that can take a long time to develop.

Time that I don’t have...!

 

[keto]

When I was changing over to bass about 3 years ago, I went to Chromes = flatwounds, specifically to deal with excess noise. Though I have moved on from them now, I occasionally play with them and continue to be impressed with how little noise they generate when it comes to fret clank and etc. Even with my crap technique/hard picking, I get very little noise with Chromes (and very decent tone, though I prefer the growl of nickel rounds specifically DR Lo Riders now), even sitting in front of the TV playing acoustically - never mind through an amp, where small fret noise generally doesn't come through at all.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Hi, Kevin. I thought providing this link may help, if you're comfortable adjusting the string action on your bass. Use the correct tools, and make small adjustments. I generally tighten My truss rod a 1/4 of a turn, and check it the next day. If it needs further adjustment, I repeat the same process.

As far as strings go, I personally prefer nickel plated roundwounds, such as:
GHS Boomers
Ernie Ball Slinkys
D'Addario XLs
LaBella Nickel Plated

My personal favorite strings are GHS Pressurewounds.

I prefer strings with a higher tension, because I tend to pluck my strings with a bit of force. I set my string action fairly low, for fretting hand comfort. My bass has a tiny bit of string buzz when played without an amp, but plugged it, it's not very noticeable.

Best regards.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

i tend to play a bit too hard.....since those habits are very very old ( since 1973-4 ) ... i'll play a bit closer to the bridge , where there is naturally more string tension ..!!

i also play GHS Pressurewound strings ... they make less fret/finger noise because of of the way they're made ...!!

Same here, although I started in 1976. I developed playing with a light touch, but when I started playing in bar bands, on small stages, my light touch went right out the window!

And I'm also a huge fan of Pressurewounds!

 

[Kevin Pressnell]

Thanks for your insight Arthur I will keep that in mind when setting up my bass

Regards Kev