Best strings for slap (5 string)

[mrcbass]

Wow I figured there would be about 100 threads on this, but search returned nothing in the first couple of pages.

So it seems like the strings that came on my bass last year are kinda dead (duh) so I need to get some fresh rounds for my Sire PJ.

I like to be able to roll the tone down to get a P feel for bluesy stuff, but roll it back up for some stank when I slap.

If there's anyway to be able to avoid clanky string noise when tone is rolled up, that's a bonus.

Thanks in advance.

 

[michael_t]

Would you happen to know what brand/type/gauges you've been using on that bass that need replacing?

 

[mrcbass]

Would you happen to know what brand/type/gauges you've been using on that bass that need replacing?

I don't know - their the ones that came with the bass from Sire.

 

[michael_t]

I don't know - their the ones that came with the bass from Sire.

Do you like your strings to be relatively stiff and firm or flexible and bouncy?

 

[mrcbass]

Do you like your strings to be relatively stiff and firm or flexible and bouncy?

Stiff

 

[michael_t]

I like to be able to roll the tone down to get a P feel for bluesy stuff, but roll it back up for some stank when I slap.

If there's anyway to be able to avoid clanky string noise when tone is rolled up, that's a bonus.

Stiff

I would suggest the DR Lo-Riders, either stainless steel or nickel, for what you're looking for. The 45-125 set should provide a nice, firm feel.

Stainless LRs would have a bit more snap at the top, while the Nickel LRs are warmer in the mids for the "bluesy stuff" with the tone rolled down.

Personally, I also like the GHS Bassics, which are nickel-plated steel roundwound with stainless steel inner layers. A nice, crisp top end without being overly zingy bright, along with a clear and punchy midrange. The factory 5-string set is 44-63-84-106-130, which are very similar in overall feel to the Lo-Riders 45-125.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

I like D'addario nickels.

 

[sean_on_bass]

pretty much any roundwound string will deliver, with stainless steel strings being brighter compared to nickel.