Bass Strings

[KiDD QuE]

I play the guitar and just recently started playing bass. I have been reading online about all the different type of bass strings. I was wondering what type of bass strings do yall prefer and what kind of music do yall play?

 

[Robertjoel]

Really depends on what you're playing and your own preference, it's not a decision anyone can make for you. That being said, there are plenty of threads on TB with info on different types of strings and their own characteristics.

 

[parmezans]

Two basic windings; Flatwound and roundwound.
Roundwound strings are more growly, mid oriented with expressed treble. They are exceptionally more "raw".
There are 2 basic types of rounds- Steels and nickel coated. Steels really emphasize the upper mids and have a lot of rich overtones. They tend to be rough in texture though, some people don't like that. Of course, some aren't too rough.
Nickels are more "warm" than steels, emphasize the lower mids and are nicer to the touch.
Flats, as opposed to rounds, emphasize on the base of the tone. They are used to get that "thump" mostly. They feel nice to the touch as they are nice and round.
All strings can be either hex or round core. Round core is more flexible, has less tension, hex has more tension and is less flexible.
Here are some sound clips of different rounds and one set of flats, that should be good to get you going.
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[parmezans]

Oh, to answer your question, I don't know what I prefer, currently.
I play whatever I feel like and I use steel Hi Beams. I love them... But looking forward to trying Sunbeams. Don't want flats as they can't cover some styles as I would want them to.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

I play Rotosound 66's, light gauge for Prog Rock, Metal, Fusion, and Jazz (gypsy, bebop)

 

[bassteban]

Hey, KiDD QuE- there is a specific *strings* section here. That said, I like Rotosounds, Ken Smith, DR, Dunlop & D'Addario. Welcome to TB.

Edit: Oh yeah, I play both kinds of music: Good & bad, often simultaneously.

 

[wilfred]

EB limes and Fender lights. Music I play is punk

 

[khutch]

I've always preferred flats and that is what I use on my main bass. I recently tried GHS Pressure Wounds which are a round wound where the round winding wire has been partially flattened before winding it on the string core. Gives you a feel and tone somewhere between round and flat (ground wounds also do this). I put them on a bass I don't particularly like and they did not make me like the bass any better but I do like the strings and may switch to them on my other bass too. I don't care for the tone or feel of the round wounds that all basses seem to come with but of course I am in the minority on that opinion! I play worship music at my church so the style varies quite a bit without visiting any of the extremes.

Ken

 

[Rip Topaz]

Flats here but now I'm forming a harder edge band so I may be making the switch back to rounds. Gonna try to avoid it though, I really prefer the feel of flats.

 

[PlungerModerno]

Rounds and flats are something you have to try to 'get'.

I really liked the tone of Rotosound 66 Steels untill I tried the nickels (rounds as well).

I tried D'Addario Chromes... flatwound but quite bright with very smooth feel...

I'm currently trying Rotosound 77's (monel flats) and am very keen. They seem more 'solid' in tone than the chromes, but I can see retrying them after a while, as flats take a while to break in.

I'd reccomend rounds at first, and flats later... unless you're recording - in which case flats could be the easiest option from day one.

You'll figure it out. Remember, the biggest ingredient is you...