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Best strings for playing metal

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by SlapPopBass, Jul 8, 2013.

Strings of choice for metal

  1. Rotosound

    16 vote(s)
    38.1%

  2. Ernie Ball Slinkys

    3 vote(s)
    7.1%

  3. La Bella

    2 vote(s)
    4.8%

  4. D'addario

    5 vote(s)
    11.9%

  5. Dean Markley

    2 vote(s)
    4.8%

  6. DR

    8 vote(s)
    19.0%

  7. Other (please specify)

    6 vote(s)
    14.3%
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  1. Jul 8, 2013 #1
    SlapPopBass

    SlapPopBass

    Jan 8, 2013
    Iowa City, Iowa
    What is your string of choice when it comes to playing metal? Especially drop tuning playing and the like? Do you have a specific brand you go to? The store I'm going to has some choices and if you could what would you pick for playing metal? (e.g. Slipknot, Mudvayne songs etc etc.)
     
  2. Jul 8, 2013 #2
    Jensby design

    Jensby design

    May 22, 2008
    Hastings, NE
    Circle K
     
  3. Jul 8, 2013 #3
    4001

    4001 Inactive

    Sep 29, 2004
    Lake County, IL
    Razor wire
     
  4. Jul 8, 2013 #4
    hdracer

    hdracer

    Feb 15, 2009
    Elk River, MN.
    I would use a metal string,
    guts just don't cut through
     
  5. Jul 8, 2013 #5
    lowendmetal

    lowendmetal

    Jan 30, 2013
    If your looking to detune at all try dr ddt strings. Their made for drop tunings, and generally run thicker gauges.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2013 #6
    Jon Moody

    Jon Moody Commercial User

    Sep 9, 2007
    Kalamazoo, MI
    Manager of Brand Identity & Development, GHS Strings, Innovation Double Bass Strings, Rocktron
    Brand is ultimately going to depend on your preference. And given that there are exceptions to the rule on this, I'd probably recommend a steel string over nickel to get that attack and definition. Other than that, it sounds like it's experiment time for you!
     
  7. Jul 8, 2013 #7
    Atshen

    Atshen

    Mar 13, 2003
    Grim Cold Québec
    String-cut carrots.
     
  8. Jul 8, 2013 #8
    u84six

    u84six Don't panic, the bass player is here! Supporting Member

    Nov 8, 2006
    US
    lmao
     
  9. Jul 8, 2013 #9
    jamersonburton

    jamersonburton

    Jul 22, 2011
    rotosound. but it depends on what tone you're after, can you give some examples of what bands you enjoy playing to? what bass do you have? what rig do you have? what eq do you like using with your current setup? what are your current strings? do you pick or finger?
     
  10. Jul 8, 2013 #10
    BioWeapon

    BioWeapon

    Feb 16, 2013
    Calgary, Alberta
    I really like to string my bass up with barbed wire for gigs! :D
    In all seriousness, there is no best string for metal.
     
  11. Jul 9, 2013 #11
    SlapPopBass

    SlapPopBass

    Jan 8, 2013
    Iowa City, Iowa
    Hi, in general the metal bands I enjoy listening to are Mudvayne, Metallica, Iron Maiden and the occasional Black Sabbath. Out of those, Ryan Martinie's tone stands out to me the most, and I would love to sound even close to him. The problems are that i) playing on the same skill level as Ryan Martinie would be close to impossible and ii) It is currently impossible for me to have access or even afford a Warwick of any kind. (Malaysia got none coming in, not to mention I'd have to sell off everything I have just to afford one).

    Bass wise, I own a Squier VM Jazz, and a Cort Action, but I do have access to a Ibanez K5 Fieldy Sig Bass that one of my close friend owns (which I am currently loaning from him). Rig wise, I myself own a Peavy combo, but I also share a GK rig with one of my cousins, a Fusion 550 with a 2x12 Neo cab. (which I am also gonna use for the gig)

    Eq wise I generally like to have my highs and lows around halfway, and my mids all the way up.

    Current strings are Dadarrio Chromes (on the J), Rotosound swing bass on the Cort, and some unknown rounds on my friend's Ibanez.

    I play fingerstyle mostly, but if the situation calls for it I can use picks. Slap & pop are also quite often pulled out as a habit.

    As extra info, the gig I'm going wants to play Slipknot-esque songs, but I'm pretty sure I'll need to pull off a solo between song intervals.
     
  12. Jul 9, 2013 #12
    tom once dead

    tom once dead

    Mar 8, 2008
    Brisbane QLD Australia
    +1 on Circle K, once you go tension balanced you won't go back.
     
  13. Jul 9, 2013 #13
    tnicholson1138

    tnicholson1138

    Mar 12, 2013
    i use SIT David Ellefson Signature Series .45-.105
     
  14. Jul 9, 2013 #14
    AdamR

    AdamR Inactive

    Sep 24, 2007
    Bethel CT
    Im happy as long as they are fresh stainless steel. Ive used DR, D'Addario, Rotosound and Dean Markley. They all work for me. My band is influenced by the same bands you listed but we arent tuned very low. Were in E flat
     
  15. Aug 3, 2013 #15
    tjrtherealmagic

    tjrtherealmagic

    Jun 10, 2013
    Rotosound funkmaster fm66 30 50 70 90:bassist:
     
  16. Aug 4, 2013 #16
    darkstorm

    darkstorm

    Oct 13, 2009
    Rotosound.
     
  17. Aug 4, 2013 #17
    bigmoosepi

    bigmoosepi

    Oct 1, 2012
    Tasmania, Australia
    rotosound


    but they're the best for every genre
     
  18. Aug 4, 2013 #18
    Jay2U

    Jay2U Not as bad as he lóòks

    Dec 7, 2010
    22 ft below sea level
    I use Ernie Ball flatwounds for everything, metal included. The tuning is BEAD, which covers a range sufficient for about everything.
     
  19. Aug 4, 2013 #19
    puddin tame

    puddin tame

    Aug 14, 2010
    I like chromes... Rotosounds sound ok but have a terrible feel IMO
     
  20. Aug 4, 2013 #20
    Peepaleep

    Peepaleep Supporting Member

    Nov 3, 2010
    Las Cruces, NM
    +1

    Do a little research on bassists you admire and whose sound you want to emulate, then use what they use.

    But keep in mind that the tone is in your hands - literally.
     
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