I read a lot about circle k strings being awesome for metal. But I also read that they are awesome for everything else too. I have not used them but I plan on it sometime. They will set you up for what ever tuning your heart desires.
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Best strings for metal?
- Thread starter Samthebassist
- Start date
Since you play in drop D you need a set designed for that tuning, with the gauge of the dropped D increased to maintain it's tension relative to the other strings. Circle K Strings sell purpose designed drop-tune sets with gauges chosen for equal tension on each string in the dropped tuning. The 4 string drop-tune sets are here: Link Removed. They're nickelplated roundwounds, might not work with through-body stringing due to a well-designed short tapered section.
Alternatively use the tension charts to build a set from singles with equal tension on each string in DADG.
Alternatively use the tension charts to build a set from singles with equal tension on each string in DADG.
this may sound ridiculous,but the e on my la bella tapes stripped,and considering how poor i am, i kept it on the bass but just unwound the philament,and that is the darkest sounding dtring i have ever heard in my entire life,no joke,just strip some tapes...
I play Speed Metal.
Over the years, I've used GHS Boomers, Dean Markley Super Round Wounds, and most recently DR Fat Beams. The Fat Beams are keepers for me. They sound awesome, have lower tension, so for me are more comfortable to play, and seem to last (this I'm basing on the fact that I just played 3 super-sweaty gigs in 4 nights on the same set of strings, and they still sound brand new! I didn't boil them or use any sort of cleaning procedure on them between gigs, either).
Cheers!
Over the years, I've used GHS Boomers, Dean Markley Super Round Wounds, and most recently DR Fat Beams. The Fat Beams are keepers for me. They sound awesome, have lower tension, so for me are more comfortable to play, and seem to last (this I'm basing on the fact that I just played 3 super-sweaty gigs in 4 nights on the same set of strings, and they still sound brand new! I didn't boil them or use any sort of cleaning procedure on them between gigs, either).
Cheers!
wow finally someone mentions GHS boomers! played trash on the road in 80-90's always using boomers! switched to DR's maybe 9-10yrs ago. n they have been awesome. if you play with a pick, i like boomers. fingers (me now) DR.
semiprohooker said:the ones that came on the best bass for metal
Okay, what strings does the Mothman use?
I use Circle K strings for metal and other heavy styles. The sound is great, but they also have a huge variety of custom string gauges that are great for drop tuning or odd tunings while keeping the tension balanced among the strings.
I know Gene Simmons used to use the GHS Boomers. Don't know if he still does. He got an awesome sound out of them. But I have heard a lot of players use the Dean Markley's. I used the Dean Markley Misfits Jerry Only "Skullbusters". Those were the s h i t! Seriously the best bass strings I've played so far. They held up extremely well and could take a beating like none other. I have not played the circle K strings but I did check them out on the website cause I'd never heard of them before and they have strings for every gauge you want. You want drop tuning, they got it. However I found the string gauges to be confusing the way they list them. I am used to the .045 -.105 type of labeling for string gauges. They go like .045 -.015 type of labeling. And another thing is that you really have to know what your looking for because they have not only the gauges but the scale length and tension and all. Its all really confusing to me. They don't do refunds or exchanges so if your not sure what strings you need do not buy from them.
I've played GHS Boomers and D'Addario Pro Steels. After playing through several sets of the Boomers, switching to Pro Steels, then back to Boomers, I can say they are both really great, bright round wound strings with lots of attack and both sound awesome. Overall I think the Pro Steels are a little brighter and have a little more of that metallic, brutal attack though. Boomers are a little warmer and richer but still very bright.
Gonna have to branch out with my next set I think, a lot of good suggestions on this thread.
Gonna have to branch out with my next set I think, a lot of good suggestions on this thread.
I have to admit that as a typical bass player, I only buy new strings about once every few years. I'm going to be doing a comparison video on YouTube soon and I'll be trying out Earnie Ball regular slinkies for 5 string, but what I REALLY want right now is to try the EMP Warwick Black 135 5 set. I'm looking to get that ultra crisp, deep bullfrog ribbit in at least 1 bass and it kinda sounds like they will deliver it.
Most metal bass players tend to use Rotosounds or DR HI-Beams. I don't like either of these though. I tried out Hi Beams on a BEAD build to play along to Alex Webster tunes and did not understand why he used them. Seemed to sound thin to my ears and the B just wasn't all that loud.
Most metal bass players tend to use Rotosounds or DR HI-Beams. I don't like either of these though. I tried out Hi Beams on a BEAD build to play along to Alex Webster tunes and did not understand why he used them. Seemed to sound thin to my ears and the B just wasn't all that loud.
