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Need some string suggestions!

#41
When I ordered my 50s Classic P online a couple years ago, I have to say that the strings on it surprised me with their longevity and robustness. Since I go long periods playing other basses/styles, it's actually still got them on there and sounding well played but not dead, heh.

If those are D'Addarios, then I wonder which ones, because I'm rather impressed by them.
 
#43
CygnusZero said:
I tried some rotosounds a while back and they were causing a lot of fretbuzz issues which I guess is common with them? Thats what I heard anyway. I used to use Daddarios a lot when I was younger and always liked them, but this set that I got recently that I posted a link to did not last long at all. It was like an absurdly short amount of time before they were completely dead.
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Setup issues cause fret buzz. Switching string types will introduce setup tweaks. There is nothing about Rotosounds that cause fret buzz, per se.

IMO, if you had a set of strings go dead in a very short amount of time, the reason is your sweat, not the strings. The only string type I know of that will nullify this issue are Elixir Polyweb, which is a D'Addario string coated by another company. (not the Nanoweb, those rub off. Polyweb string will sound the same for years)
 
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#46
For me, it's either Swing 66s (but you said no Rotosounds), or Dean Markley Blue Steels. The Blue Steels aren't quite as zingy as new Rotosounds, but they're close, and in my experience they last a good long while - much longer than the Rotosounds. Plus they have a really pretty turquoise silk.

Edit - corrected the Blue Steels manufacturer, 'cause I'm an idiot.
 
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#49
@CygnusZero - In terms of playing style/technique, what makes up the bulk of your playing? i.e. Are you very light touch w/ soft dynamics, do you dig in real heavy for some growl/grunt, lots of slapping, pick playing, thumb playing, etc?

I was big on DR Fat Beams (ss) and would occasionally throw on a set of their nickle strings or some EBs that are regularly stocked at GC when I'm in a pinch. The EBs were fine, but felt a little 'meh and sounded the same after a short break-in period. They always sounded just shy of dead to me and didn't really have any character. The DR fats and low riders (both stainless) sounded great - good bite and long life. But sometimes I found the tension to be a tad higher than I like, especially when I want to dig in hard on my jazz bass. The Dunlop Super Brights have been my perfect middle ground. Nickel Plated Steel are my go-to in the SBs, but I just picked up a pair of the stainless to see how they sound/feel. The NPS won't last as long as good stainless strings, but they sell for $15 a set.
 
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#50
I'm new to regular bass playing and in the different-string-trying phase. The Rotosound 66LDs are what I grew up with and have gone through a few sets. It's finger noise, not fret buzz that you might be thinking. Had some D'Addario chromes (flats) for awhile and enjoyed them. I've thoroughly worn out a set of GHS Pressure Wounds ML. They're slightly rubbery when fresh. Next up is DR Pure Blues, though I might put the chromes back on for a bit first.
 
#53
CygnusZero said:
So I recently tried these out, and a LOVE the sound of them, but the problem is they dont last long at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006LOBB2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Im not really looking for anything in particular. Just looking for some new strings to try out. Open to anything really other than flats, and no rotosounds. Havent had good experiences with them.
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Sorry about Rotosounds because that is what I now use and the Roto's pure nickel. not nickel wound 45-100 is my new fav string. Not twangy more mellow sounding to my ear.
 
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#57
I have a deal with Curt Mangan strings and really like them. I have also used Ernie Ball Cobalts. I love the sound but found that they cause frets to wear more quickly than nickel or stainless strings I have used.
 

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