Help with next set of Round Wound strings for Ray34

[OldFunBass]

You asked what came on the bass from factory, pretty sure those come with the Ernie Ball Slinky Roundwound 45-100. And yes, they do not last as long as other brands, but I don't mind how they sound. I would put on a set of strings that you know and like and you should be good to go.

 

[Badwater]

You asked what came on the bass from factory, pretty sure those come with the Ernie Ball Slinky Roundwound 45-100. And yes, they do not last as long as other brands, but I don't mind how they sound. I would put on a set of strings that you know and like and you should be good to go.

Thanks for the info, EB Slinkys. They sounded amazing when new, bright and articulate. I'm going on 4 weeks with them, and I'm now realizing that these strings just went through the broken in period. The lows on the E, A, are smoother and punchier. The D is mellowed out not to bright. But the G string sound like a dead spot. I might look into just replacing the G string. I understand the local GC sells EB slinky singles.

 

[dave64o]

Thanks, I'm looking for a regular wound rounds sound with a lot of dynamics, not too bright, and not too muddy. I have another bass with flats, so I have that covered. For the Ray34, I'm seeking a growl and mid range tone with some clarity on the top end.

If you like a stiffer feeling string, DR nickel Lo Riders. If you prefer a looser feeling string, DR Sunbeams. I found them to sound pretty similar, with the main difference being the feel (the Lo Riders are hex core and the Sunbeams are round core).

Great sounding strings that give you the sound you say you're looking for, are relatively smooth roundwonds, and also have a pretty long life span!

 

[Badwater]

If you like a stiffer feeling string, DR nickel Lo Riders. If you prefer a looser feeling string, DR Sunbeams. I found them to sound pretty similar, with the main difference being the feel (the Lo Riders are hex core and the Sunbeams are round core).

Great sounding strings that give you the sound you say you're looking for, are relatively smooth roundwonds, and also have a pretty long life span!

Thanks for the info. That sounds exactly what I'm seeking. For right now, the original strings still hold up, and I'm hoping to go another month or 2 to see just how far these slinky will go. I'm going to replace the G string this week.

 

[rob_thebassman]

I'd have to say d'addarios, they're easier to get hold off and do sound great. Always find myself going back to them. Really liking the sound of the broke in 107 E of the EXL170BT set, it sounds big on my stingray and with there being the lighter A it seems to cut without over powering the E in volume like a 85 would

 

[Badwater]

I'd have to say d'addarios, they're easier to get hold off and do sound great. Always find myself going back to them. Really liking the sound of the broke in 107 E of the EXL170BT set, it sounds big on my stingray and with there being the lighter A it seems to cut without over powering the E in volume like a 85 would

Thanks, I agree, they do feel and sound good.
They came with my BB424x, and I liked them a lot. I'll be ordering a 2pac with my next order of strings.

 

[BigBenH18]

Thanks, I agree, they do feel and sound good.
They came with my BB424x, and I liked them a lot. I'll be ordering a 2pac with my next order of strings.

I think you are confusing the regular XL170 with the balanced tension set. The BT set is not available as a 2 pack.

 

[Badwater]

I think you are confusing the regular XL170 with the balanced tension set. The BT set is not available as a 2 pack.

Thanks for pointing that out. That's what the BT stood for. I was thinking the regular XL170s.

 

[rob_thebassman]

Thanks for pointing that out. That's what the BT stood for. I was thinking the regular XL170s.

Balanced tension my friend, they do 45 60 80 107, the tension of each string is closer than other sets and make the strings feel sorta the same. No tight D string or floppy E string

 

[Badwater]

Balanced tension my friend, they do 45 60 80 107, the tension of each string is closer than other sets and make the strings feel sorta the same. No tight D string or floppy E string

I've been using the regular slinky, and the E A and D are OK, but the G string seems a little dead. Perhaps a 45 would be the trick.

 

[rob_thebassman]

I've been using the regular slinky, and the E A and D are OK, but the G string seems a little dead. Perhaps a 45 would be the trick.

That's probably cos they're slinky, never liked them

 

[Badwater]

UPDATE.

It's been a month now with my new Ray34, the wood has settled in to the super dry desert environment. And I gave it a complete set up. After tweaking the pickup height, I got the G string to sound better. The factory strings are now about 1 month old. And, I think they've broken in. Now it sound more like a MM Stingray than it did when I first got the guitar. Perhaps a lot has to do with getting use to the tone and amp settings. But for now, I'll keep the factory string on and see just how long I can go without changing them.

Anyway, thank you all for your feedback and suggestions, it's been very helpful. And I will consider them for my next set of strings.