I think the L-1000 in single coil mode sounds fairly close to a P Bass. The pickup is in basically the same place.
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I think the L-1000 in single coil mode sounds fairly close to a P Bass. The pickup is in basically the same place.
Just changed the strings on my M2500. I put DR Pure Blues on it when I got it, and they sounded outstanding. I used to use DR hi beams 90% of the time but I'm becoming a bigger Pure Blues fan now. Well I thought I should try Hi Beams too, so I just put on a set on Sunday. Definitely sounds good but I think I preferred the Pure Blues a little more.
Curious what strings other M owners are using.
I have a set of GHS pressure wounds in the closet I might try next for something different. Anyone have trouble going string through with them before?
Curious what strings other M owners are using.
I have a set of GHS pressure wounds in the closet I might try next for something different. Anyone have trouble going string through with them before?
I'm an L user, but I finally put Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on my L-2500. They are perfection to me.
I've been reluctant to change the default strings on my Kiloton 5 fretless, mainly because I'm used to their sound, but I think it may be wearing Cobalt Flats in the near future as well.
Pure Blues are great strings and work nicely with MFD pickups. They’re on my L2500. I have TI Jazz Flats on my M2500 and love the sound. Top 4 strings are through-strung and the B only is top-loaded.
My M-2500 came with the best case candy ever: three sets of Dean Markley strings. The Helix (discontinued) were excellent, and I'm now on the SR2000 set which might be even better. They're very balanced, with nice clarity, thickness, and bite. I like them so much that I bought a set for my JB.
Otherwise I normally use DR strings. My JB-5 has a set of Pure Blues, which are fantastic and I think would be a great match for the M-2500. (My Fender Jazz has Sunbeams, which seem pretty close to the Pure Blues.)
Strings are truly love/hate with me. I love trying new ones but hate to have to remember what is on what bass. I know that color of the ball ends or wrap is the best way to differentiate but I forget what's what.
I'm using flats on a new P-bass and I LOVE them. I think they are Ernie Balls but could be D'Addario. I've used TI, DR, GHS, Dunlop, and more. I just bought a set of GHS Balanced Nickels as I definitely prefer nickel over stainless. Beyond that, I'm all over the map. So, looking forward to hearing your success/fail stories with strings.
I'm still looking for the right strings for my Kilotons. Maybe I'll put flats on one and rounds on the other. Too many strings!!
The figuring on this Rick looks nice but on the G&L it just looks like cheap wood gnawed by rats to me.
My string list says my Kiloton has Lo-Rider nickels on. I love love love them.
Generally I have used DR strings for the last decade. Haven't found a brand I like as much! Obviously it's a personal preference
Tbh I was not a big fan of it on my Rick, I suppose one man's figuring is another man's gnawed rat.
I think it looked better on the Ricks that had laquered fretboards.Tbh I was not a big fan of it on my Rick, I suppose one man's figuring is another man's gnawed rat.
Strings... yikes.
All my G&Ls use D’Addarios EXL170s regular light gauge. I like their punch and that they’re not overly bright. I especially like the clear tone of E string and slightly smaller gauge.
I’ve tried so many I’ve lost count.
I have a set of D’Addario chromes waiting to go on my MJ-4. Haven’t played flats in ages.
How important is string gauge for everyone? Does it matter?
I’m all over the place with strings, too. Tend to be gravitating more toward flats lately.
My ‘89 L2k is currently wearing Chromes. Got the setup just right and they sound great. I get the most compliments on my tone with this one.
My ‘88 L1k is wearing LaBella LTFs, mainly because I wanted low tension strings for the sake of the neck. I prefer the feel of the Chromes on the L2k, but I prefer the sound on the L1k just slightly. A little deeper and fuller, where the Chromes have more punch and definition in the mids.
My LB-100 has Fender 9050 flats. I had them on a ‘00 L2k for a while, and really liked them. Similar to the Chromes, maybe a little less in the mids, though.
That ‘00 L2k eventually went through DR Sunbeams and Fat Beams, with my preference toward the latter. Also tried the Fat Beams on the ‘88 L1k and really liked them, but only took them off for the sake of tension on the neck. I’ve also used Fat Beams on a L2500, though the B string wasn’t my favorite.
I preferred nickel rounds on my M2500 when I had it. Dunlop Super Brights, if I remember. Easy playing strings with a somewhat neutral tone. Similar to D’Addario XLs, but with a little more clarity on the lower strings. And cheap.
I played Rotosound RS66s on an SB-2 for years. Real raw, gnarly tone, especially with a pick. Not easily tamed.
Other strings I tend to use are DR Low Riders. Have ‘em on one of those 2013-14 Gibson EBs with the double buckers and they sound great. Also use them on P basses fairly regularly.
75% Sunbeams / 25% XL's
.045 - .100
Anybody have a way to tell if old strings are SS are nickel played?
Seems like the nickel have more of a straw color but it does very brand to brand.
Have some strings on a G&L JB2 that are awesome but they came with the bass when I bought it used ages ago.
.045 - .100
Anybody have a way to tell if old strings are SS are nickel played?
Seems like the nickel have more of a straw color but it does very brand to brand.
Have some strings on a G&L JB2 that are awesome but they came with the bass when I bought it used ages ago.
What color are the ball ends and silk on the strings. We might be able to tell from that.
Interested in how you'll like chromes on your MJ-4. Please report back?
Flats or rounds, I mostly go with 100 ga (TI's being the exception). 100 feels comfy for me, notes still have just enough heft for my tastes, unlike 95 ga. YMMV
That said, the biggest sound I ever got from any bass was an SB-2 strung with Roto 77 flats, 110 ga. An exhilarating sound, especially pick style, but a lotta effort to play. But man, if I could stand the high tension....
Edit: I'll check but the TI's may be 100 ga, fourth string, the rest lighter than most?
