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Best strings You have played
- Thread starter Bassmantd
- Start date
D'addario Pro Steels 32-130 long scale (6-string set)
I play aggressive, with pick and slap. They are bright as Fk.
I wash them in the sink with hot water, a little dish-washing liquid, and a scourer...Once a week.
They keeping coming back to new again and again - they last about 5 months.
I play aggressive, with pick and slap. They are bright as Fk.
I wash them in the sink with hot water, a little dish-washing liquid, and a scourer...Once a week.
They keeping coming back to new again and again - they last about 5 months.
After years (~30) of playing Rotosound Swingbass 66's, I have been using DR High Beams recently (~5 years). My perception of DR: well balanced, bright but not harsh, long life, round core makes them more flexible.
Gonna try a set soon.
I'm not sure exactly which ones. I need to read the blurbs for their bass strings again.
I love the customer service, and their Heritage line is awesome for acoustic guitar.
I need low tension strings to accommodate my weak hands.
TI JR344 are my current favorites.
I used to use Maxima/Optima golds before my hand strength went away.
I've had quite a few custom sets done my newtone and yes, their customer service has been excellent throughout!
I have diamond bass, stainless steel, round core strings on and they are really, really good, i think.
D
You need to specify which Thomastik-Infeld 344-set you are talking about. It could be the IN344 Superalloy or the JF344 Jazz Flats or the EB344 Power Bass or the AB344 Acoustic Bass...
I'm assuming you mean the Superalloys as they fit the OP description perfectly: "clean, clear set that has some pop but not too funky".
I don't think I can think of any cleaner/clearer sounding strings than those. They are one of my absolute favourites and they last FOREVER (but be aware that they sound at bit unbalanced string-to-string for the first 2-3 weeks).
I also don't understand a lot of the other recommendations in this thread. I mean, LaBella flats for "clean and clear"??? I absolutely love LaBells flats but that's not exactly how I would describe them... more like "thick and dirty" to my ears. Same goes for some of the other recommendations. Do we really hear things that differently???
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These are my new favorite as well. Before that it was DR Sunbeams. I find the balanced nickels a bit less clanky.
By far the best, and I have been buying strings since I was 12 years old, and I'm 67 now.
They are pricey, but well worth it. Every other bassist that has picked up my basses with them, are in awe.
They are pricey, but well worth it. Every other bassist that has picked up my basses with them, are in awe.
The best strings FOR ME are TI jazz flats. The best strings that I think fit what you’re looking for are Dunlop super bright nickels.
For brighter tone like Rock and things like that, I have been happy with the Dunlop Marcus Miller light gauge on my 5. They are reasonably priced, last a good while and I can dial then up or down tonally
I like a standard nickel round 45-105
Just to create controversy I'll say, (discounting the few super low cheapo strings)
THEY'RE ALL THE SAME! srsly
People generally compare the NEW strings they just put on to the OLD strings they just took off, and that creates an unfair and unscientific study.
With that said, Dunlop's $14 packs are just ducky.
Just to create controversy I'll say, (discounting the few super low cheapo strings)
THEY'RE ALL THE SAME! srsly
People generally compare the NEW strings they just put on to the OLD strings they just took off, and that creates an unfair and unscientific study.
With that said, Dunlop's $14 packs are just ducky.
drumvsbass
Commercial User
- Aug 20, 2011
- 1,981
- 4,323
- Disclosures
- I work for Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Canada in Sales.
My vote here for Thomastik Powerbass Strings as "best". Powerbass strings on my Zon seem to last forever with that piano tone (like serious pounding for 9 months and were still zingy). If the question involves $$$, D'addario is the best way IMHO best bang for the buck, will work on any bass etc. And my last 2 cents, if I had the funds to put new Rotosounds steels on all my designated bright basses everytime they go even slightly dead, that is the actual best.
Lots of strings are great, there is no best. As for what I prefer:
DR Sunbeams for fretted (125-100-80-60-40). I also like the Fat Beams when I’m wanting a SS string.
GHS Pressurewounds for fretless (Med. light gauge with a single low B)
D’Addario Chromes for flats because they retain some brightness (I use the Super Long light gauge 5-string set but I swapped the .065 D string for a .060 D and the tension is much more balanced with that one change.)
I’ve also used Sadowsky strings and really like the Blue Label SS in light gauge on my NYC 5-24
DR Sunbeams for fretted (125-100-80-60-40). I also like the Fat Beams when I’m wanting a SS string.
GHS Pressurewounds for fretless (Med. light gauge with a single low B)
D’Addario Chromes for flats because they retain some brightness (I use the Super Long light gauge 5-string set but I swapped the .065 D string for a .060 D and the tension is much more balanced with that one change.)
I’ve also used Sadowsky strings and really like the Blue Label SS in light gauge on my NYC 5-24
