Let's Talk About The Best Strings For 5 String Basses Shall We!

[faulknersj]

I have been a Die Hard DR Hi-Beams player for many years and love these strings, but am interested in trying new options and wonder what you all recommend? In particular, I am having trouble getting the B string on the DR Hi-Beams thru the hole in the bridge on my new Fender 5 string and am wondering about sets with a tapered B-String and what your experiences have been? I play EVERY style of music (except not much country), RnB, Rock, Motown, Blues, Soul, Reggae, Afro-Beat, Pop and am excited to hear some recommendations! My main axes are a 5 String Fender with Lindy Fralin Single Coils and an Audere Pre + a Lakland USA DJ 5 passive with the stock Lakland single coils...

What are you digging?

 

[Minimalist]

I recently moved to these SIT Strings. But also use and have used DR Hi and Low Beams

 

[rogerbmiller]

I am partial to DR Sunbeams and their stainless sisters, Hi Beams. I also like Dunlop Superbrights. Nice low tension but not at all wobbly.

 

[chris_b]

I used Lo-Riders and Hi Beams for many years. Then I switched to D'Addiro NYXL, cos they were cheaper. I liked the sound of them all.

 

[tb-player]

Former Hi-Beam user here. The absolute best string I’ve ever used is Elrick strings. They’re not made/rebranded by another big-name string maker. Instead, they’re a proprietary design. Snappy and smooth. Can’t beat them.

 

[BismarckHerring]

I also like Dunlop Superbrights. Nice low tension but not at all wobbly.

I agree with that assessment, they feel light on the fretting hand, but not too floppy for the plucking hand. I’m using a 45-130 set on a 35 inch scale bass (a Sire M5). The factory strings (XLs) felt a bit too tight for my taste, especially the G string. The super brights feel great. And their sound is very versatile too, they’re actually not that bright. Maybe a bit brighter than most NPS strings, but still a lot closer to these than to typical stainless steel strings.

 

[faulknersj]

I used Lo-Riders and Hi Beams for many years. Then I switched to D'Addiro NYXL, cos they were cheaper. I liked the sound of them all.

I just ordered a set of these.

They are tapered right?

 

[faulknersj]

Former Hi-Beam user here. The absolute best string I've ever used is Elrick strings. They're not made/rebranded by another big-name string maker. Instead, they're a proprietary design. Snappy and smooth. Can't beat them.

I might have to try these! Thank you!

 

[factorplayer]

I love DRs for 4-string. For 5-string I order Dingwalls in bulk, even though I don't have a Dingwall because I like their string gauges.

I'd like to try Elrick strings too.

 

[isky]

I used to be a die hard Hi Beams fan until I discovered GHS Round Core Bass Boomers. They're amazing and very consistent pack to pack!
I did have a bad experience with Hi Beams a couple of times, when the new strings felt and sounded totally dead.

 

[JRMK]

After long and costly trial&error process I know that for me it's:

On the budget: Dunlop super bright nickels 40-120

When money is not a concern: thomastik jazz rounds

Flats: thomastik jazz flats

And I'm very well aware it's as subjective as discussing most comfortable sneakers preferences ... but since you asked

 

[Shoreline Gold]

Bass picks the strings, but I've really had a lot of success with TI Flats on my Reverend 5'er

 

[Thundar]

For tapered strings, I really like the Sadowsky strings...either nickel or SS, I have used em both

 

[Reedt2000]

I only play 5ers and really like Ken Smith stainless taper core strings. I started using them on a Warwick which had to have tapered E and B, but started putting them on everything. They are clear and deep on the low end with a pleasant, not clicky and harsh top end. A particularly good match for a bass with a lot of mid range presence.

 

[Doug Parent]

Contact Core GHS but really, if you want flexibility, put a Hipshot A Style bridge on that Fender and have easy string changes. Shamless plug have one for sale that fits Fender.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I love DR, but not as much as 5s, their B strings are not always as good sounding to me.

SIT Foundations, Dunlop Super Bright, and Sadowsky Blue Label are all great choices. Sadowsky are tapered

 

[PrestoZoom]

I used to be really picky about strings and would form opinions about specific brands or styles.

Now, I just use whatever Ernie Ball, D'Addario, DR, or GHS roundwound sets I can find. They all seem to have the same lifespan and I can make all their tones work.

I think I currently have Ernie Ball slinkys on 2 basses, D'addario XLs on 3 basses, and GHS boomers on 3 basses. I think I prefer hex core to round core but I've used both without problems.

All of my basses are 5-strings BTW.

 

[bassballs27]

Black Diamond
Fodera DR Nickel or Stainless
DR Pure Blues

 

[monsterthompson]

Good thread. I’ve been testing a few things recently and doing some window shopping. I have a 5 with exposed core strings and the only thing I don’t like is that when using a pick on the open B I get the dreaded “overtones” issue. I tried using a spare exposed core string on my Spector Euro and found I really liked it, but I’m dreading the bridge adjustments to make it work with a full set. The Spector bridge doesn’t fit 125 and larger strings so I’m considering tapered or exposed options (before I consider modifying the bridge or crimping the strings).

I’ve looked at a few exposed and tapered offerings from the usual suspects. Dunlop Super Brights have my attention. But there’s a very interesting set they offer. I’m curious if the B is tapered like the EAD (but not G) and why it is nickel.

 

[prndltech]

I used to use Ernie ball regular slinky’s on my 5 string basses.

Now I play BEAD basses a lot and occasionally standard tuned 4’s.

In the BEAD I like what I’ve tried from D’Addario… regular nickel rounds and chromes. maybe next time I’ll throw some regular slinky’s on the p bass to try em BEAD. The 132 B string in the chrome set is always nice and stout!