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Looking for very specific strings for a 6 string bass

MJS7101

MJS7101

Guest
Sep 3, 2015
38
22
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
#1
Alright, I have a long question, and I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to stringy stuff. I have a 6 string bass, I want new strings. What I ideally want, if at all possible, is a string gauge that should allow me to have flexibility between B standard and A standard. I am only 16 and do not really have the option (at the moment) to buy a second bass, so I do not know if that flexibility is really a possibility, but if so, what are your suggestions?

Also, what type of string should I be using? Rounds, flats, etc.? I have only been playing for 2 and a half years and have gone through 3 basses in that time, so I've had little need to know about this stuff until now. If it helps at all for that second question, I would like to get as close as possible to the tone in the attached video, but on a fretted bass. I know the little intonation differences and intricacies of fretless will never be there, but I know for sure that you can get somewhat close to it on fretted.

Anyways, thanks if anyone can help out!

 
#2
MJS7101 said:
Alright, I have a long question, and I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to stringy stuff. I have a 6 string bass, I want new strings. What I ideally want, if at all possible, is a string gauge that should allow me to have flexibility between B standard and A standard. I am only 16 and do not really have the option (at the moment) to buy a second bass, so I do not know if that flexibility is really a possibility, but if so, what are your suggestions?

Also, what type of string should I be using? Rounds, flats, etc.? I have only been playing for 2 and a half years and have gone through 3 basses in that time, so I've had little need to know about this stuff until now. If it helps at all for that second question, I would like to get as close as possible to the tone in the attached video, but on a fretted bass. I know the little intonation differences and intricacies of fretless will never be there, but I know for sure that you can get somewhat close to it on fretted.

Anyways, thanks if anyone can help out!

Click to expand...


A lot of this depends on how aggressive you play. That said, I would say a good starting point would be D'Addario EXL nickels with a low B of 135. These are a very neutral string IMHO that some would say is middle of the road tone and tension wise.
 
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#4
MJS7101 said:
Alright, I have a long question, and I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to stringy stuff. I have a 6 string bass, I want new strings. What I ideally want, if at all possible, is a string gauge that should allow me to have flexibility between B standard and A standard.
Click to expand...

What strings are on your bass now and what are they doing when you tune down to A standard?

If you don't know the gauges off the top of your head, measure them.

That's your starting point. If you are generally happy with the sound and feel of them, but they're too floppy when you tune down, get something similar that is a little thicker.
 
#5
GK Growl said:
A lot of this depends on how aggressive you play. That said, I would say a good starting point would be D'Addario EXL nickels with a low B of 135. These are a very neutral string IMHO that some would say is middle of the road tone and tension wise.
Click to expand...

MJS7101, I'll second GK Growl's suggestion on D'Addario EXL's in regular gauge. They're a very good starting point, IMO.

I also agree with lz4005's advice to get a feel for the set, and if any strings feel too loose, try a slightly heavier gauge the next time you buy a new set.

I also play a 6-string, and I can't recommend Bass Strings Online enough. Jason, who's also a regular here on TB as user Slapinfunk, really knows his stuff. He's helped me find my perfect 6-string set, and he offers the option to buy single strings, so you can create a custom set to suit your needs. He also offers a TB discount, and his prices cannot be beat.
 
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#8
You won't be able to get close unless you play a fretless bass.

That guy use Elexir strings, I know he uses custom shop instrument made in Montreal. EQ is also your friend here ... how and compression.
 
#9
Clef_de_fa said:
You won't be able to get close unless you play a fretless bass.

That guy use Elexir strings, I know he uses custom shop instrument made in Montreal. EQ is also your friend here ... how and compression.
Click to expand...
Yes, I knew about Forest's setup. However, I could not find any 6 string sets on Elixir's website. His must be custom made. Also I don't have enough money for any 6 string fretless basses at the moment, so I am just trying to get somewhat close, I know it will never be identical.
 
#10
Not sure I can help with the tone in that vid - for me, I've learned to find a tone that works for the contexts that I need, and look for basses that meet my specific tonal needs. The tone through headphones is rarely what comes out of your cabs, especially a live setting at gig volume.

That said, you may also look into Kalium strings, mainly their thicker gauges. If your bass has an 'open' style bridge (that allows the strings to drop in, instead of being strung through the bridge or body of the bass) you can put some much thicker strings on it.

For a while I used a .150 balanced hybrid set from Kalium; I now have a .142 stainless set but I'm thinking of getting the .150 hybrids again. I got great sustain with them. Their charts online provide tension and other string sizes, depending on the set you choose. I currently have a .142 set on my sixer.

Thinner strings aren't necessarily bad; I had a Conklin GT-7 once and detuned it from B-F down to F#-C, using the 'normal' set of strings on it that were ideal for B-F tuning. The strings were very floppy, but it was great for tapping, and the strings didn't lose their inherent sound. It was kinda cool.

Anyway, post some more info on your bass - that will help.

Raz
 
#11
I would suggest either GHS Boomers or Progressives. Both offer a .135 B for low tunings. DAddarios have a fast decay in their low end that I dont feel works as well with metal as other strings. Kaliums are probably the best bet with altered tunings. They also offer great tone and long life.
 
#13
What set of strings are on at the moment? Do you know the gauges? Or maybe they are 'stock'?
Perhaps you can borrow a micrometer screw gauge to measure them.
Since you want a tension between B standard and A standard, when in B standard, then very roughly, you need to reduce gauges by .005 or move to the next lighter set available.
 

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