First String Change: Your Reference Strings?

[Ivan ddt]

From my experience with guitar, I have had a good impression of D'addario strings but I don't really see much talk about them around here, much less the 'basic' XLs. Are they that run-of-the-mill?

Also, when people say a string is a 'nickel string', are they referring to pure nickel ones or are nickel-plated ones also considered 'nickel'?

 

[Eikari]

Fender 7250( i prefer 40-100). Cheap, longevity and good all-around strings.

 

[michael_t]

Also, when people say a string is a 'nickel string', are they referring to pure nickel ones or are nickel-plated ones also considered 'nickel'?

In most cases, when people talk about "nickel", they mean "nickel-plated-steel", which is the most common type of bass strings and a good starting point for a beginner. "Pure nickel", such as the Fender 7150, is not nearly as common.

 

[Bassamatic]

The D'Addario XLs are definitely the best "reference" strings as you request. There are better strings and there are worse strings (IMHO) but the XLS are a great representation of what your instrument can do, they are very consistent and they are very low cost! The best starting point. Once you have that, you can then choose your refinement - mellower or brighter, flats, half-rounds, etc.

And just to throw in my 2 cents - favorite rounds = Sunbeams. Favorite Flats = T.I. Jazz Flats with the new La Bella Low Tension Flats a close (and cheaper) second.

 

[michael_t]

From my experience with guitar, I have had a good impression of D'addario strings but I don't really see much talk about them around here, much less the 'basic' XLs. Are they that run-of-the-mill?

D'Addario XL Nickels are the Toyota Camry of bass strings. Nothing that really stands out, but quietly competent and reliable, which is the reason why you don't read a lot about them around here. The term "run-of-the-mill" doesn't necessarily have to imply anything negative.

 

[JRA]

fretless basses here: i use DR coated strings on a couple, i have TI jazz rounds on one, but: i'd have to say that my "reference" string, the one i always go back to (when i get confused about a 'new string try out') are rotosound swing bass 66 strings. and although i've used different gauges of that string, i go back to a medium light gauge set (35-55-70-90) to further 'stabilize' my thinking/experience/reference. i'm not sure how long i've 'referenced' with that set, maybe 30 years, or more.

they're cheap as strings go. i see them from $16-$18 most places. the medium light set is no longer automatically available in the box stores, so i have to order them online (usually amazon). because they're a light gauge, they aren't as stiff feeling as some steels. but they are hex core and therefore stiffer feeling tension than the round cores. they have that 'piano' zing/thing. i really like them on my fretlesses because i know what to expect. some would say they feel "rough" because they are roundwound, but that goes away when you have your 'gigging calluses'. i have tried flatwounds over the years: don't like the lack of 'zing' (that piano thing).

I notice most are recommending 45-105. I'm not sure exactly what gauges my bass is set up for and if that gauge is suitable for the nut cut. If it is factory set up for 45-100, will it be ok to use 45-105?

you can use anything you want! changing strings/gauges may necessitate some set-up tweaking, but 45-100 and 45-105 are right in the middle of the pack: not too soft, not too hard --- probably what a majority of players use. i doubt you would have a set up issue with either: i think you'd know right away if your nut needed work/adjustments. but finding the right string for yourself is so important: i wouldn't worry about nut issues until you need to: i think the nut needs to accommodate the string, not the other way around.

my .02. good luck in your quest!

 

[GK Growl]

D'Addario XL Nickels are the Toyota Camry of bass strings. Nothing that really stands out, but quietly competent and reliable, which is the reason why you don't read a lot about them around here. The term "run-of-the-mill" doesn't necessarily have to imply anything negative.

This is an excellent description of XL nickels.

 

[electracoyote]

Roundwounds: D'Addario and Ernie Ball are my go-to string brand. Been using them for many years, very happy. Middle of the road, but they've never failed me and I like the tone and feel just fine. I agonize over so many things in life, I decided long ago to strike string selection off the list and settle for "good enough."

FWIW, some bass manufacturers are installing string sets in the factory that meet my modest "good enough" standard criteria. Maybe Yamaha is one? For example, with the new run of Fender MIM Standard basses (from about 2009 forward), they sure look and feel like D'Addarios or Fender strings, which ain't half bad. I bought three and left the factory strings on all of them. It's your call, and some people get very intrigued with strings and finding the perfect set, but if your strings are "good enough," and you're new to bass, you might want to invest more time and effort into building your chops and turn your attention to strings at a later time.

Welcome to TB, happy thumpin'.

 

[Yigal83]

My streamer lx came with warwick strings from the factory... not bad at all.

 

[4StringTheorist]

From my experience with guitar, I have had a good impression of D'addario strings but I don't really see much talk about them around here, much less the 'basic' XLs. Are they that run-of-the-mill?

I suppose so. Run of the mill is A-OK with me. ^^

I've been using the D'addario Prosteels for years now, which are very similar to the XLs, just steel coated wrap rather than nickel coated. A recent pickup swap has made my bass for the first time ever a tiny bit brighter than I want. So I'm about to try a set of nickel XLs too. ^^ I'm building my own balanced tension set from bassstringsonline

 

[Linnin]

The D'Addario XLs are definitely the best "reference" strings as you request. There are better strings and there are worse strings (IMHO) but the XLS are a great representation of what your instrument can do, they are very consistent and they are very low cost! The best starting point. Once you have that, you can then choose your refinement

Very well stated! Good, Right, and True!

 

[Linnin]

GHS Bass Boomers are my go to strings.

Never A Bad Choice!
A Fresh Perspective On A Stalwart American Standard

 

[Blaargh]

I always reference strings against EB Slinkys (usually 45-105). They're reasonably priced and ubiquitous, as well as being pretty decent, so to me, they're the average.

 

[Ivan ddt]

Just some closure for all the great people who have helped.

I have since bought two sets of D'addario EXL165s, one for replacement and another as a spare. I knew the strings would be thicker than a guitar's that I'm used to but man, those strings are tough!

The E and A strings are now way tighter than the floppy stock ones and has really reduced the buzzing on them. Seems like I might be able to lower the action a little. Love these strings! Thanks TB!

 

[michael_t]

I have since bought two sets of D'addition EXL165s, one for replacement and another as a spare.

The EXL165 is exactly what I started out with myself. A great starting point for someone who's just beginning their "string journey".

 

[Malak the Mad]

I see Ivan has already picked out a set he digs, so chalk these replies up to "keeping the discussion going".

Ernie Ball Cobalt Roundwound. A little sticky at first but last forever and have very buttery playability after a couple hours.

These are also great if you like a very aggressive sound with lots of "snarl/growl/zing".

To the OP, @Ivan ddt ... Instead of thinking in terms of specific make and model, focus on the general type (Nickel-Plated-Steel on hex core), gauges (45-105) and affordability ($20 USD or less).

I like where you're going with that idea. With that in mind, I'll designate my "reference strings" by gauge, instead of by brand or composition. In my case, I try to go for .100 sets. Personally, I find them to be a bit more responsive and easier for me to get my fingers around.

It is worth noting that I have since discovered some sets that have that .100-ish feel, despite the thicker gauge…Thomastik-Infeld's "POWERBASS" strings come to mind.

I was heading more toward being an experimental physicist when I was at university. Worked for a while on a particle accelerator studying ion optics, basically the techniques for shaping, focusing and directing a beam of charged particles using electric fields and magnetic fields.

I decided teaching was more interesting to me, so now I teach physics, engineering and computer science at the high school level. ^^

You must've been pretty steamed when "budgetary politics" shut down the Superconducting Super Collider they were building in your back yard, yes?

 

[Susie]

I've heard some Yamaha basses come factory-equipped with D'Addario XL's. Do the ones on yours have color-coded ball ends with no silk at the tuner end by any chance?

I was told that the factory equipped ones are the equivalent to the D'Addario EXL165. I gad contacted Tamaga directly and they advise using the D'Addario EXL170 on the Yamaha TRBX174 bass.

 

[GTHintz]

I’d probably start out with a set of nickel round wounds and a set of Stainless Steel at the start. They can be pretty much anything for a regular long scale so 34”. As long as it’s not extra long you’ll pretty much be fine. See if you like the mellower nickel sound and if it’s too mellow especially after you play a few days then go for the stainless steels. After that then come take a look at all the posts about what string does what on here and start from there. Personally I would try la Bella rx or Dr stainless steel first over diadarrio pro steel just because they are stiffer and rougher than most steels. If you’re just learning it might be too much for you unless you’re able to really set them up for a low fast string height. However if it doesn’t put you off go for it because they are great strings too. You’ll find that strings are all built different so the tone and feel will vary and it’s more noticeable than on guitar.

 

[J Wilson]

Over time, you may try many different strings until you find what suits you and your hands and ears the best. We all have.

Bass strings basically break down to either 'flatwound' where the outside wrap is a ribbon-type wrap: Very smooth. Roundwound strings are like your wound guitar strings, the outside wrap is round wire, which can feel rougher to your fingers vs. flatwounds.

Then these two types of strings will be made with more stainless steel (the most aggressive tone), or nickel (still bright when new, but not quite the bark of stainless). These are, BTW alloys: The various strings use alloys with the nickel or stainless steel percentage mixed with steel can vary from brand to brand, but there are no 'pure' nickel or stainless strings.

You may see the different brands advertised with a 'hex core' or ''round core': Bass strings consist of a core wire (in either shape) with several layered windings. In my experience, round cores seem to feel a bit more flexible, but not a night & day difference.

Tone-wise, flatwounds emphasize the lows with a muted high end. Nickel roundwounds are pretty even sounding high to low, and stainless strings are brighter than the other two.

For me, D'Addario XLs (or GHS Boomers or Fender 7150's) are nickel roundwounds are my '3 Bears' Choice': Not too dull, not too bright, but just right for me, and are very reasonably priced to boot, as are the other two which are similar).

Best of Luck,

JW

 

[MrAB4003]

Hi all, first post here after picking up the electric bass for about two weeks. I have no idea what the factory strings are on my Yamaha TRBX174 so would like to find what are some of the de-facto string sets that you guys use as a reference when making comparisons with regards to things like feel on the fingers, tension, tone etc? As a first set I want to be able to get a feel of these strings and hopefully gather information on how I want my preferred set to eventually be like.

As some background, I use D'addario EXLs on guitar and looking to just focus on fingerstyle bass in the foreseeable future. I am also looking forward to focus on bass as I found that it is immensely helping me understand music better as a whole with the associated music theory and concepts of sitting in a band.

Thanks!

D'Addario NYXLs are my go to rounds and they're the best I have ever played. But I have also played D'Addario (regular) XLs, Rotosound 66s, and Rotosound 55s in the past.

Flatwounds exist on a brightness to darkness spectrum. So I refer to the spectrum when trying out or even thinking about flats. D'Addario Chromes are my go to bright flats and La Bella DTFs (Deep Talkin' Flats) are my go to dark flats. They exist on the two opposite ends of the spectrum, so they both serve as reference points for me.

Tapewounds are generally dark like flats. But there are exceptions in the La Bella White tapes series. I would put these tapes on various places on the flatwound brightness spectrum.