Need help choosing strings!

[Tristan Ewing]

Hi Everyone

New user here, first time posting and I'm looking for some help choosing new strings.

So I'm a drummer at heart but I wasn't in a position to invest in a kit and I just don't have the space to keep one, so I bought myself a bass guitar a few years ago and essentially taught myself how to play. Can't read sheet music for sh!t, have no idea where notes are on the fret. Basically, all I know is how to tune my guitar and play by ear. It's worked out well so far.

The bass I bought is a Maxwell, 4 strings but the jack's solder and screws have come loose. I'm in the process of getting it fixed, I'm about to take it to some guys down the road so I can get back into it again. It needs a full service, a proper clean and some new strings but I have no idea what strings are on there or which ones to replace them with! I know there are a lot of factors to take into account like the style of play, genre of music, how often you play, number of strings etc, but what I'm looking for is a full hearty sound on the low end (obviously). I play indie/classic/alternative rock, the first thing I taught myself was the Pixies and Bombay Bicycle Club.

What would you guys and girls suggest or recommend to help point me in the right direction? Feel free to ask more questions!

I appreciate all the help you can offer!

Bass I bought is basically exactly the same as this one, I couldn't find an image online (I don't even know the model number)

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[Turbo Sparky]

Hi Everyone

New user here, first time posting and I'm looking for some help choosing new strings.

So I'm a drummer at heart but I wasn't in a position to invest in a kit and I just don't have the space to keep one, so I bought myself a bass guitar a few years ago and essentially taught myself how to play. Can't read sheet music for sh!t, have no idea where notes are on the fret. Basically, all I know is how to tune my guitar and play by ear. It's worked out well so far.

The bass I bought is a Maxwell, 4 strings but the jack's solder and screws have come loose. I'm in the process of getting it fixed, I'm about to take it to some guys down the road so I can get back into it again. It needs a full service, a proper clean and some new strings but I have no idea what strings are on there or which ones to replace them with! I know there are a lot of factors to take into account like the style of play, genre of music, how often you play, number of strings etc, but what I'm looking for is a full hearty sound on the low end (obviously). I play indie/classic/alternative rock, the first thing I taught myself was the Pixies and Bombay Bicycle Club.

What would you guys and girls suggest or recommend to help point me in the right direction? Feel free to ask more questions!

I appreciate all the help you can offer!

Bass I bought is basically exactly the same as this one, I couldn't find an image online (I don't even know the model number)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

So, if you like Kim Deal's general tone in the Pixies, look to see if there is info abound regarding what she used. IMO, look into Super Slinky's or GHS Bass Boomers. Decent tonal spread, can be played through many genres etc. Many decent manufacturers of strings. I'd stay away from $10 (USD) specials. Good luck.

 

[GIBrat51]

I have no idea what brands of strings are readily available in Cape Town, but - most people tend to prefer round wound bass strings, usually in the 45-105 range. Some people like stainless rounds (very bright), some prefer nickel or nickel-plated (less bright). Personally, I think the right rounds can sound fine, but - they tend to need replacing fairly often. Some players can kill a set of some rounds in a couple of days. And some (like me ) can make them last for months; just depends on the player. So, I prefer flat wound strings, because of what I like to play ('50s-early '60s Rock, blues, and C&W), and the fact that flats last a very long time.But, when I do use rounds? I use GHS Bass Boomers, or Ernie Ball nickel Hybrid Slinkys. If you can get Rotosound strings easily there? The RS66 roundwounds are a pretty iconic string; way too bright for me, but you might like those...