Need string suggestions. Rounds. Higher tension. Growly.

[DwaynieAD]

DR Drop Down Tuning.

 

[CRich0205]

I use DR lo-riders SS only and they are very grindy on my PJ bass. Last quote some time and the hex core is a good stiffness. I'm only a 4 string player so I'm not sure about their B strings.

 

[bass40hz]

D'addario NYXL...done.

 

[Systolic]

D'addario NYXL...done.

I've never really gotten along with D'addario's in the past, neither the nickels or the prosteels. What makes these different?

 

[bass40hz]

I've never really gotten along with D'addario's in the past, neither the nickels or the prosteels. What makes these different?

From their website..."NYXL Bass features our high carbon NY Steel core wrapped with our reformulated nickel-plated steel. This new construction delivers deep, powerful lows, focused punch, and accentuated harmonics. Designed for all playing styles, NYXL Bass provides more dynamic range and sustain than any other bass string."

And I say its all true, but that's just my opinion. I dont care for their EXL strings, I've been playing GHS Boomers since the 80s, there are some DR's I like, like the Black Beauties, but the NYXLs, IMHO, are top of my list for rounds, I use the 50105 set as I like a heavier gauge.

 

[dave64o]

Another recommendation for DR Lo Riders. I prefer the nickels, but it sounds like the stainless steels might be an even better fit for you.

 

[Ric5]

I've been playing with Kalium for years, but I just can't handle the poor customer service anymore. I currently have my 4th paypal dispute open with them for not shipping the strings I ordered and not answering my emails. Just about 3 weeks since I ordered at this point.

So....needing an alternative for a 5 string set for half step down tuning. To stay balanced and in the mid 40lbs' tension wise with Kalium I've been using a .158, .114, .086, .063, .047 set.

I'm aware that I'm likely not going such specific gauges anywhere else, but I need to find an alternative to the Kalium's I've been playing for years.

So what I'm looking for:
+Round Wound (Nickel, Steel or other...doesn't matter so long as they sound good.)
+Growly. I definitely prefer that open grindy tone that really cuts through a mix.
+High tension/stiff/heavy gauge. I generally run high tension on the Kalium's bc they're pretty supple. I could go lower tension if the strings were stiffer.
+ I prefer hex core, but not a deal breaker.
+ I prefer a tapered B string, but not a deal breaker.

That's about it, but I'm honestly kinda having a hard time tracking something down that fits my needs. They'll be going on an MTD Kingston Z5. It's a Mahogany body, Maple Neck, Rosewood fretboard. So it's a traditionally "warm" sounding bass if you buy in to all that.

Suggestions?

I am the opposite ...

I use D'addario Super light 125, 95, 75, 60, 40,

I tune BEADG ... I find heavy strings give me a boomy E and B and that lighter strings give me more growl ... WHY? the lighter strings bring out more mids and mids = growl

For a while I used to believe that fatter strings sounded better ... Then one of my 5 string basses has a slightly twisted problematic neck ... So I started using the super light D'addario on that bass and then I noticed the B and E strings sounded better on that bass so now I put the super lights on all 15 of my 5 string basses ...

Also Rickenbacker used to ship the 4003s5 from the factory with a .115 B on a 33" scale neck.

 

[Systolic]

I'd have to have sky high action to play with strings that light. I just dig in too much, not that I don't have the ability to play light, but it's hard not to during a rock show.

 

[JGR]

I really like the Kallium SS, and have been a long time SS DR Low Rider user, but my new favorite are EB Cobalts. They have insane growl, and are also probably the stiffest strings of the three.

 

[bassadvisor]

I really like the Kallium SS, and have been a long time SS DR Low Rider user, but my new favorite are EB Cobalts. They have insane growl, and are also probably the stiffest strings of the three.

I just bought a bass with rotos on it. It sounds very growly and clear but it's rough and stiff. Are cobalts rough as well? I like to be able to play close to the bridge to play jaco and flamenco vibe and I need growl, but I'm afraid cobalts will be too stiff for that. Are they?