Looking for strings that sound like regular slinkies, but don't dull in 5 seconds

[geburgess2]

Hi all! Been using regulars slinkies for a while, but I'm starting to get a little tired of changing the strings so often because of how quickly they die out. I love how they sound, so I'm wondering if you all have recommendations for strings that sound like a fresh pack of slinkies, but stay sounding like that for longer than one night.

Thanks!

 

[jTrolt]

MTD's have been pretty good as of late. Yep. They cost more than the EB's, so when you get a set that has a dull one, it's a bit frustrating. Had a couple sets last summer that seemed to go a bit dull on the E rather quickly, but still, we're talking at least 2-3 gigs of brightness.
The last 5 string sets I ordered were out of stock, so they subbed 6 string sets and told to do what I like with the extra .030's. I only mention this, as it's the longest running set for brightness I've gotten from MTD to date. Like 4-5 gigs of almost new tone.
Wish I could say there's one supreme brand or set, but seriously, over the decades, they all seem to have good batches and some that just don't seem to go as far as the majority.
But I will concur: the EB's sound beautiful, if only for a day. But then, they're a good 40% less cost than the above, so I cannot conclude that you'll save all that much money, but if you're just tired of re-stringing, I've been much happier with the MTD's longevity and tone, and will no longer bother with the EB's.

 

[geburgess2]

MTD's have been pretty good as of late. Yep. They cost more than the EB's, so when you get a set that has a dull one, it's a bit frustrating. Had a couple sets last summer that seemed to go a bit dull on the E rather quickly, but still, we're talking at least 2-3 gigs of brightness.
The last 5 string sets I ordered were out of stock, so they subbed 6 string sets and told to do what I like with the extra .030's. I only mention this, as it's the longest running set for brightness I've gotten from MTD to date. Like 4-5 gigs of almost new tone.
Wish I could say there's one supreme brand or set, but seriously, over the decades, they all seem to have good batches and some that just don't seem to go as far as the majority.
But I will concur: the EB's sound beautiful, if only for a day. But then, they're a good 40% less cost than the above, so I cannot conclude that you'll save all that much money, but if you're just tired of re-stringing, I've been much happier with the MTD's longevity and tone, and will no longer bother with the EB's.

Thanks for the reply! Are you referring to the MTD Standard nickels?

 

[jTrolt]

I've been using the stainless, STR5CM, which my bass came with, which they refer to as "5 string Custom Medium". .045-.135X, which means a tapered B. While I've not typically gone that heavy on previous instruments, this bass really has the sound I love, so I stick with those, and have acclimated to the heavier gauge, no problem. Have not yet tried the Nickels.
Fret Nation has been my latest source. They offered an elite account after my first order of multiple sets, which then kicked in a bit more discount on whatever you buy there. Free shipping if you hit something like 50-$100. The pricing averages out much better than one set at a time I'd previously been buying direct from MTD, so it's worth checking them out if these work out for you. It hurts when you start hitting $65+ for a set of bass strings with shipping fees at $15-$20 now.

 

[GTHintz]

Id recommend trying Dunlop nickel or Dean Markley Signature series. I dont do nickel but those 2 sounded good to me while i tried them.

 

[Killing Floor]

TI Jazz Rounds last forever and are bright but not glassy. Do it.

 

[blr2]

Hi all! Been using regulars slinkies for a while, but I'm starting to get a little tired of changing the strings so often because of how quickly they die out. I love how they sound, so I'm wondering if you all have recommendations for strings that sound like a fresh pack of slinkies, but stay sounding like that for longer than one night.

Thanks!

Well, the only way to get much longer lasting round wounds is to go coated. They will sound warmer, but will keep their tone for 3-4 times longer. I've tried almost any brand of uncoated RW strings out there, and didn't find any that last longer than the rest.

 

[Ulf Buck]

I endorse these strings but I actually used them before I got the endorsement deal. The stay in tune better and keep consistent sound much longer than the DR low riders I had been using for years.
https://bluemagicmusic.com/product-category/bass-guitar-strings/

 

[Deleted member 271037]

TI Jazz Rounds last forever and are bright but not glassy. Do it.

Did you miss the part about "sound like regular slinkies"? Because TJ Jazz Rounds don't sound even remotely like Slinkies. Or any other strings for that matter. TIJRs really are in a category of their own. Superb strings. But not a good choice when someone is asking for a longer lasting alternative to Slinkies.

 

[eriky4003]

OP, not sure what your process is when you are done playing/rehearsing but I usually wipe down my strings (with a paper towel) and case the bass. My strings last a good six months (or more) with a nice tone. If you are not doing that and love the tone of your strings, try that first and you may find you can keep the magic a bit longer.

 

[MonetBass]

Sounds like your body's pH would prefer stainless steel strings, since it's killing the nickel ones. I don't have specific recommendations since I'm the opposite: I kill SS strings in minutes due to my body's acidic pH.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Elixirs would be the obvious choice IMO. They will stay fresh/bright MUCH longer than Slinkies. They won't sound EXACTLY the same (they're coated) but they are quite similar. They both have a rather generic "middle of the road" hex core/roundwound nickle plated steel tone/feel. And who knows? Elixirs may even be coated Slinkies. I don't think the manufacturer of Elixir strings has ever been revealed (Elixir only do the coating) and I would be VERY surprised if it isn't either Ernie Ball or D'Addario. Maybe both, at different times over the years.

 

[michael_t]

Been using regulars slinkies for a while, but I'm starting to get a little tired of changing the strings so often because of how quickly they die out. I love how they sound, so I'm wondering if you all have recommendations for strings that sound like a fresh pack of slinkies, but stay sounding like that for longer than one night.

One's "dull" is another's "broken in"... Nickel rounds tend to lose their initial brightness quickly and settle into their warm midrange goodness and stay there for a while before they "die". If that's a problem for you, I would suggest stainless steel rounds for the zingy top end that can last longer than nickel.

 

[faulknersj]

DR Hi -Beams

 

[socknroll1]

Elixirs.

 

[Killing Floor]

Did you miss the part about "sound like regular slinkies"? Because TJ Jazz Rounds don't sound even remotely like Slinkies. Or any other strings for that matter. TIJRs really are in a category of their own. Superb strings. But not a good choice when someone is asking for a longer lasting alternative to Slinkies.

Problem - current strings OK but don't last.
Solution - better choice.
I stand by it.

 

[Gorn]

I think a lot of string brightness longevity expectations are unrealistic.

 

[bigthemat]

la bella deep talkin flats....

oh wait, wrong thread

 

[Crackle]

I usually get around 2 years out of a set of DR Hi-Beams. But I only play with clean hands and wipe my strings with Fast Fret after playing.

 

[eriky4003]

The last bass I purchased was an SBMM. Ordered through my supplier, delivered to their store a few months later and came with Slinkies installed. I found the strings dull compared to what I'm used to so assuming these strings were reasonably new sounding, based on my readings I would likely go with DR Sunbeams or Pure Blues.