Frist Strings

Welcome to TB

1) Do you happen to know what type of string you have now? Stainless or nickel roundwounds?

2) Do you like them? Would you want something like that again?

Since you are buying strings for the first time, I'd say keep it cheap for now, or rather, inexpensive. Bass strings are a bit costly when you start experimenting, but there's no harm in finding something reasonable first when working towards what you like.

If you like metal, that would definitely be roundwounds. Try a medium gauge set first, something like .45 .65 .85 105. Some like thicker strings, some like thinner ones. I recommend going with medium since I don't know what strings you've been playing.

Next, do you want nickel or stainless? Here's some pros and cons.

Some people think nickel sounds warmer, less harsh than stainless. Some people think they sound better longer too, though I suspect it's because they are lacking some clarity to begin with. Nickel is also more forgiving in regard to technique, it does not accentuate flawed technique as much as a stainless string would. This is because stainless is more responsive on the high end than nickel.

Personally, I love stainless strings. For metal especially, stainless has that edgy sound that cuts like a knife. Some people think they are too rough on the fingers and uncomfortable to play. Yeah some are a little more abrasive, but hey, when it comes to your sound... If you play with a pick, then your plucking/picking hand is less likely to feel the bite of a stainless string anyway. Finally, some people claim stainless strings don't last as long as nickel. It's suggested that since stainless is brighter than nickel when new, this makes them more likely to lose that 'like new' sound at a faster rate. The truth is...it all depends.

I think stainless have the best sound overall, and for that reason, nickel strings will never be on any of my basses. I never thought stainless were too rough to play, but if you have nickel strings now, I just want to be sure I warn you that stainless will definitely feel more abrasive. Still, they have a lively sound that makes nickel dull in comparison. This is just my opinion and personal preference, so bear that in mind when making a choice.

I'd say start out with a set for $15 or less if you can. Ken Smith Rock Masters, Everly Bass Rockers, Fender, etc. Eventually, you will work towards finding a string you really like. That might take some time and money though. If you start simple, it will provide a good standard against which you measure other strings. If you need a comfortable string that is not especially bright or lively, then try nickel first. If you can put up with a string that's a tad more rough and you want a sound with lots of edge to it, try stainless first.

My favorite strings are DR Lo Riders. These come in both stainless and nickel, though you'll likely find the stainless version in the stores. The stainless Lo Riders are lively, bright, deep, and comfortable. I give them my highest recommendation.

Good luck!

 

Yeah, if you've been playing for 8 months, they are definitely dull and in need of replacement.

If the bass was new when you got it, you could try contacting the manufacturer to see what they string those basses with. Most manufacturer's stick with a certain make of strings for specific basses when they leave the factory.

 

After several brands of strings and several gauges, I've ended up playing medium gauge (45s) Rotosound round in stainless steel. A lot of poepl don't seem to like them but I do. Mostly it's heavy rock type stuff we play in the band, but I like a lot of metal stuff.

A couple of well known player - Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) and Duff McKagan (Guns 'n' Roses) used rotos - for what it's worth!!!

 

Peavey Electronics Corporation
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Customer Phone: 1-877-732-8391
Fax: 601-486-1278

I second the vote on the Roto 66's too. Before I tried Lo Riders, the 66's are all I would ever use. I still keep them around too, in addition to the DR's.