Hate Stretchy Strings...

[CAMAKAZII]

I have dealt with this problem for a while and not bothered looking into it as I assumed it was just normal but I seem to have really loose strings from the get go, no matter how many times I change them, I get standard sized Ernie balls, so not really cheap strings I used to change them my self, but these days I just get them to do it in store. Because my nearest music store is 45 mins away, I may as well get them to fitted down there since it only takes 15 mins and it makes the drive a little bit more worth it in my mind.

They just seem to be really loose. It sounds fine. They just seem to stretch out and slide out from my fingers every now and again during fast play and I hate that, I want tight action so it annoys me when they don't seem to be tight like the other basses I play.

So I was wondering should I step up a size in strings so they don't feel as loose or do you think its a hardware problem (the bridge I have on at the moment its not of amazing quality) or do you think it could be just the guys that restring my guitar are just useless..?

 

[David Jayne]

Maybe try a set of DR Lo Riders next time, they're made to be stiffer than average. There are others but I like those best.

 

[JimmyM]

So what bass is this, and what are your other basses? Is the scale length shorter on this particular bass?

 

[iiipopes]

What gauge did you purchase? The lighter the gauge, the more flexible the strings. It may be you want one gauge heavier strings all around.

 

[CAMAKAZII]

What gauge did you purchase? The lighter the gauge, the more flexible the strings. It may be you want one gauge heavier strings all around.

Even if I'm in standard tunning? I do go drop D quite a bit..

 

[J Posega]

Even if I'm in standard tunning? I do go drop D quite a bit..

That's how it works. The tension (what you called "stretchiness") of the strings is determined by several factors all working together:
1 - Bass guitar scale length (length between the nut and the bridge)
2 - String diameter
3 - Pitch the string is tuned to
(4 - String construction: round core/ hex core/ heavier or thinner core: this is less important than the rest, so don't think about it for now)

Hardware on your bass doesn't have s*** to do with it.

So you have your bass guitar which is probably 34" scale length and you're putting "standard sized Ernie Ball strings" on it, which are probably something like .105-.045. You tune EADG (standard tuning).

The strings get away from you (bend) when you're playing fast. I'd guess that your problem is 99% technique based; the way you're pressing down the string isn't completely downward so you're pushing the string sideways. But, if you don't think that's the problem, then I suggest you get some heavier gauge (bigger) strings. .110 for the E to start.

I suggest you stop wasting your money at Guitar Center on restringing which anyone that isn't blind or has two hands can do. And stop wasting your money on crappy strings at Guitar Center by buying them from BassStringsOnline.