How did you learn about strings?

[e-flat]

When I started playing bass, I tried the usual Local Guitar Store bass string selection: Boomers, Slinkies, Blue Steels (it was the late 80s). I was just starting out and didn't really know how to set my bass up let alone determine what strings were "good". In 89 or early 90 a guitar store worker in Virginia Beach turned me on to DR Sunbeams - I loved them and used them for 20 years without much else. Only in the past few years did I catch the "string bug" and have tried as many strings as possible.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

As you got into bass, how did you learn about strings?

 

[Jon Moody]

As you got into bass, how did you learn about strings? Did you actually have to buy and install 500 different sets? Did you take notes? Did you have a mentor? Did you have a vision or go through a trance state?

Simply put, I asked a lot of questions and paid attention.

I started off by asking for recommendations from the local store (Elderly Instruments), and they would tell me why the strings would do the things they do. I'd go from there, taking recommendations from teachers and players I admire.

I didn't stick with brands as much as the sound I was looking for, as well as the longevity I needed. Which is funny, because like many here, I would say "Brand A's nickel strings are way better than Brand B's" when the reality is that Brand B repackages their strings for Brand A (and thus, my intro to Private Label was complete).

Sidenote: Knowing what I know (and can't share), I giggle when many of you make the aforementioned statement.

It was around then I met Skip, Chris and Dave (remember him?) from Circle K Strings. Got an endorsement with them, and again, got to ask a lot of questions and get answers.

Fast forward to meeting Chris from GHS at a bar in town, and after some back and forth, becoming an artist. And then getting the gig here, where I befriended Ray, the R&D guy. He took me under his wing, gave me all his knowledge and showed me how things go from paper to production.

That's where the REAL string knowledge came from, which was also supplemented by Skip at Circle K, who was invaluable in helping me understand what string tension was, and how to put together a cohesive tension chart. That's right; Skip was the driving force behind me getting the GHS one put together, as he felt ALL string companies should have that info available.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Trial & Error and spending some money
for quite a few years.

This ^ until you find what fits your playing and your tone you're trying to achieve... your is important here.

 

[JimmyM]

Most of you are saying there's no substitute for trying them all. So I guess I'll set up a string budget and start a notebook.

BTW, I found this. It hasn't been updated in 20 years, but it's probably a good example of what to look at.

String Reviews

I disagree. You might have to try a few, but once you find something you can use, stick with it.

 

[kbob]

I disagree. You might have to try a few, but once you find something you can use, stick with it.

But it still comes down to "how do you know and how do you learn?" I have two basses with their original strings, and they seem fine to me. A lot of people here refuse to play on OEM strings.

(Ibanez SR300E came with D'Addario EXL165 strings, and Fender Player Precision came with Fender 7250M strings)

 

[JimmyM]

But it still comes down to "how do you know and how do you learn?" I have two basses with their original strings, and they seem fine to me. A lot of people here refuse to play on OEM strings.

(Ibanez SR300E came with D'Addario EXL165 strings, and Fender Player Precision came with Fender 7250M strings)

I don't mind oem strings if they are decent. Both Daddario and Fender are decent.

 

[KohanMike]

I believe in hearing and feeling strings first hand no matter how many reviews there are. I've used five different bass uke strings, mostly poly, but when I tried the flatwound nylon core, I knew those were the ones for my 21" and 23" scale, but for my 24" scale, I have Pyramid make me customs, all metal.

 

[CallMeAl]

2000-2016, pre Talkbass: Ernie Ball Slinky. Cheap, readily available.

2016-present, post Talkbass: let the experiment begin!

The trial and error is true, you have to find out for yourself. but I've definitely been steered in the right direction by TB reviews and comments.

My experimental period is pretty much over, and I'm pretty set on what I like. But I can't rule out a wild hair in the future to try something else!

 

[AboutSweetSue]

I learned about strings through a combination of events. I've tried near every electric bass purposed flat-wound there is. I've tried a lot of rounds. This indecisive and curious behavior cost me a lot of money but netted me near useless experience.

The first time I considered construction of strings was when I was about 22 years old, nine years after I began playing. I used rounds and didn't deviate until a guy at a music store in Murfreesboro, TN opened a pack of strings to show me what a flat looks like. Been using flats for fifteen years since.

Anyway, I have Covid fog so I can't recall the actual discussion question. Maybe I answered it, maybe I didn't.