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Can I figure out what strings I have?

mr_flood

mr_flood

Mar 18, 2013
170
148
#1
I recently purchased a used Ibanez SR5000E which, of course, came with strings already on it. The strings on it are slightly too bright for me so I want change them. I don't want a radical change so I need to know what type/size the current set are.

My question is, is there any way to tell for strings that are already on the bass?
 
#3
Here are the pics.
 

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#9
With no colored silk at the tuner end, and plain brass/ anodized gold balls on the other, it's easier to tell what they're not than what they are. If your bass isn't very old, and might possibly still have the factory strings on it, they could be D'Addarios; factory ones don't necessarily have the colored ball-ends like the retail-sales ones do, and they're pretty much the factory standard nowadays. Might also be EB Slinkys; but, other than that, I got nothin'..:unsure:
 
#10
GIBrat51 said:
If your bass isn't very old, and might possibly still have the factory strings on it, they could be D'Addarios; factory ones don't necessarily have the colored ball-ends like the retail-sales ones do, and they're pretty much the factory standard nowadays.
Click to expand...

I'd have to see some proof on that. I can't see D'A making two completely different versions of their strings unless it's a Private Label situation. Especially since the Sire bass I got a month ago had colored ball ends from the factory (and a hang tag), I'm sure D'A is keeping the colored ball ends consistent across the board.

My guess is, if they're OEM from the factory they could be Ernie Ball Slinkies, SIT brand, GHS Bassics or something different.

If they were switched after purchase, you can add a lot more options.

Better would be to find out if they were nickel or steel. That would give the OP a lot more direction so at least they'd get the same material. Since he mentioned they're too bright, I'd guess they were steels.
 
#11
The taper-down at the tuner end could be a clue, also, but there's to much glare/reflection to see if they are 'spiraled' like Dean Markleys or not (looks like they're close-wound, tho). Round-wound, no silks w/ brass colored ball ends is what it is so far.
 
#14
It most likely came with Elixirs. That's what Ibanez has shipped on most of their basses, for a few years. There is usually a "badge" or "tag" in the case or hanging from a tuning peg, which says so.

Elixirs have no silks and no color on the ball ends. They feel slick and are pretty bright. And they will stay pretty bright for a long time, because they are coated. A couple of strings which sound similar to Elixirs, but are uncoated (and will therefore darken in sound, with age) are GHS Progressives and DR Sunbeams. Both of those strings have reminded me of the tone of Elixirs, when new.

*additionally, you can email Ibanez and ask about the brand and the guage.

DSC_9236.jpg

DSC_9237.jpg
 
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#18
Well, here's the thing; 1) this has come up before a little while ago; also with an SR500E, coincidentally. According to a frequent poster here, whose point of view and knowledge I respect, while high end Ibanez' do use Elixers, according to the catalog the 500 series does not; they come from the factory with brass-ball ended D'Addarios. And, 2) I am sitting here looking at my Eastwood Magnum bass as I type this. I've never gotten around to changing the factory strings (or, sadly, playing it much, either), but Eastwood says quite clearly and up-front that it comes from the factory with 45-105 D'Addarios; and guess what? They have plain brass ball-ends. So, yes, if they are the factory strings, they are most likely D'Addarios. And if the Rickenbacker Light Nickel Rounds on my 4003 are made by D'Addario (and they are a supplier for Rickenbacker strings), those have brass ball ends, too.:)
 
#19
GIBrat51 said:
Well, here's the thing; 1) this has come up before a little while ago; also with an SR500E, coincidentally. According to a frequent poster here, whose point of view and knowledge I respect, while high end Ibanez' do use Elixers, according to the catalog the 500 series does not; they come from the factory with brass-ball ended D'Addarios. And, 2) I am sitting here looking at my Eastwood Magnum bass as I type this. I've never gotten around to changing the factory strings (or, sadly, playing it much, either), but Eastwood says quite clearly and up-front that it comes from the factory with 45-105 D'Addarios; and guess what? They have plain brass ball-ends. So, yes, if they are the factory strings, they are most likely D'Addarios. And if the Rickenbacker Light Nickel Rounds on my 4003 are made by D'Addario (and they are a supplier for Rickenbacker strings), those have brass ball ends, too.:)
Click to expand...
Maybe it's a recent change? The pics i linked are of an 5000E. But Daddario has case badges/hang tags, too. Hmm!
 
#20
New or used, I generally put the strings I like on any newly acquired bass. Usually Roto 66 round 45-105. Strings are cheap for the most part. And, they last a long time.

That said, if the existing strings sound good, then it is a bonus and saves five minutes of restringing.
 

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