New Bass Player Seeking String Advice

[Entwistle Fan]

I'm a new bass player (only been playing a few of weeks...but I am loving the instrument) and have a question about strings. I know there are a thousand threads about strings here but there is so much info it is overwhelming so I figured I might as well start another thread to ask my specific questions.

I have a Squier VM Precision PJ bass and am using the stock strings. When I buy a guitar the first thing I do is to remove the stock strings and plan to do the same with this bass but, being new to playing bass, I do not know which strings to replace them with.

At the moment I am leaning towards flat wound strings more out of curiosity than anything else. Since I don't know if I will be sticking with flats (can't know until I use them right?) I don't want to spend a ton of money on a set of strings so would be looking at inexpensive ones. But before I put out any money on them I was wondering if flat wounds are something a new player should try or are they something that should be tried after one has learned to play the instrument properly and thus has a better idea of what they want in terms of tone, etc.?

I have read that flats are great for cutting through in a band situation but don't sound quite as good for playing by oneself at home. Since I only play at home are flat wound strings even worth using? Or should a home player stick with round wound strings?

If I go to flats should I stick to the same gauge or go down just slightly as flats apparently have more tension than rounds?

I have also read that flats are easier on the fingers but, because I already play guitar, playing bass is not hurting my fingers so that isn't an issue for me.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of string for a home player and, more importantly, for a new bass player?

Basically I am looking for some advice that will help guide me through the maze so I would appreciate any, and all, advice and recommendations with regards to which kind of string to use, which brands might be best for a new bass player, etc., etc., etc. If it matters, I am into blues, classic rock, and a little country (primarily old school country rather than that New Country stuff).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mvilmany]

Go play a bass with flats already on it. Most likely, you'll love it or hate it.

Also, there are lots of vids on YouTube comparing basses with rounds vs flats.

If you like the warmer and darker vintage tone, then flats.

If you like the bright and boingy modern sound, then rounds.

There are substantial differences between flats. Some are brighter, than others. I currently use D'Addario Chromes which are brighter. If you want to try a flat string that's versatile and not expensive, then I'd suggest trying Chromes.

 

[Gorn]

Right now you're playing 45-100 Fender nickel rounds. Do you like the way they feel? The tension? The sound you're getting?

 

[Nev375]

Flats will prevent you from having string-squeak sounds when you move your fingers. Of course, that will make you sound good, but it can also cause you to develop a nasty habit with your technique that will be hard to break if you switch to rounds.

Personally I like the bright zingy sound of roundwounds and I use Elixir coated strings because they last a very very long time. So although they are higher priced than other strings, I only have to change them once a year rather than every 4 to 6 weeks which makes them relatively cheap in the long run.

However, flats only have to be replaced once a decade or so.. whenever they finally rust through. So if you like that dead thuddy sound, go for it.

 

[Obese Chess]

Go play a bass with flats already on it. Most likely, you'll love it or hate it.

Yup. I hate the way flats feel but really dig how they sound. So I just kill my roundwounds as fast as possible on my P-Bass.

 

[Entwistle Fan]

Right now you're playing 45-100 Fender nickel rounds. Do you like the way they feel? The tension? The sound you're getting?

I like the way they feel well enough, although I am still getting used to the size of the fourth string! By that I mean that it feels like my finger has scaled Everest (in comparison to a guitar string). The tension feels fine and I am not having the fret buzz problems I expected to have.

As for sound, I am playing acoustically the majority of the time with only about 25% of my playing being plugged in. Regardless, I think I am still too new to have any clue with regards to sound/tone (and is tone even something I should be worrying about just yet?). I like the sounds I am getting as I learn but more experienced players might think my tone sounds like crap.

 

[Gorn]

I like the way they feel well enough, although I am still getting used to the size of the fourth string! By that I mean that it feels like my finger has scaled Everest (in comparison to a guitar string). The tension feels fine and I am not having the fret buzz problems I expected to have.

As for sound, I am playing acoustically the majority of the time with only about 25% of my playing being plugged in. Regardless, I think I am still too new to have any clue with regards to sound/tone (and is tone even something I should be worrying about just yet?). I like the sounds I am getting as I learn but more experienced players might think my tone sounds like crap.

You really should be playing amplified. You're not gonna hear subtle nuances that'll train your ear and help you learn what sounds good and what doesn't. You'll end up with sloppy technique if you're only playing an electric bass acoustically.

 

[Entwistle Fan]

You really should be playing amplified. You're not gonna hear subtle nuances that'll train your ear and help you learn what sounds good and what doesn't. You'll end up with sloppy technique if you're only playing an electric bass acoustically.

Point taken.

 

[raventepes]

I'm a fan of GHS Pressure Wounds. They're a somewhere between rounds and flats kind of string, and they have great tone. Mellow, but with the flexibility of a round.

However, I've played flats, too, and love them. But one thing you need to know about flats is that (especially coming from a more "advanced technique" point of view, they can be VERY hard to tap on, and to a much lesser extent, can be hard to run sweeps on, as well. I'll be honest. Much of who influences me as a musician are lead guitar players, rather than bass players. There are some very select bassists I'd call a major influence though.

Much of what you're asking, as I'd hope you'd know by now since you're a guitard convert, is that your strings can really dictate your tone. What kind of tone are you after? As a guitarist, do you prefer nickel or stainless steel? Much of what you know about guitar can actually be put to use on a bass. As already stated, old motown tone, yes, flats are the way to go! I like DR Legends and GHS Precision Flats for that.

I'm a long time fan of GHS and DR strings.

For a good, solid basic tone, GHS Boomers are the way to go, I think. They're my favourite nickel based string, at any rate. I also like various other strings though depending on what I'm playing. In the past, I've been happy with these:

DR Hi Beams, which have a nice high end sizzle to them. They sit really well in a mix and are fairly mid-scooped. I like them for playing in metal bands. I view GHS Super Steels as a comparable product.

Lo Riders, which are nice and boomy with a bit of brightness and sort of comparable to GHS Boomers. These tend to be a middle of the road tone for me where I want a bit of sizzle and mostly solid lows.

Legends, which are one of my flats of choice. They're just plain thuddy goodness, once you get them broken in. GHS Precision Flats are my alternate choice.

I'd love to try the DR Fat Beams, but unfortunately, can't at this point in time, due to a condition in my hands that makes them super sensitive and painful. Playing on typical rounds feel like I'm playing on sandpaper, hence the Pressure Wounds that I'm currently playing on. They're MUCH easier on my fingers, and work as well as any typical round wound, since I do a lot of double tapping.

Back to the topic though.

One thing I want to make clear is that I really do kind of go back and forth on strings, really, which depends on availability, and money I can put towards the strings. Sometimes, it's just more of a what I'm in the mood to play. Back in my days of having a few basses to choose from, I had a specific set, and alternate set that I liked on a particular instrument.

 

[Entwistle Fan]

Much of what you're asking, as I'd hope you'd know by now since you're a guitard convert, is that your strings can really dictate your tone. What kind of tone are you after? As a guitarist, do you prefer nickel or stainless steel? Much of what you know about guitar can actually be put to use on a bass. As already stated, old motown tone, yes, flats are the way to go! I like DR Legends and GHS Precision Flats for that.

On guitar I prefer pure nickel strings on electrics and normal nickle plated on acoustics.

As for tone, I honestly have no idea what tone I am after yet as I am simply too new a bass player to be anywhere near figuring that out. I have always preferred more vintage sounds on guitar though if that means anything.

I'm a long time fan of GHS and DR strings.

For a good, solid basic tone, GHS Boomers are the way to go, I think. They're my favourite nickel based string, at any rate. I also like various other strings though depending on what I'm playing.

I've never liked GHS guitar strings but would be willing to try their bass strings as those are a different animal.

I'd love to try the DR Fat Beams, but unfortunately, can't at this point in time, due to a condition in my hands that makes them super sensitive and painful. Playing on typical rounds feel like I'm playing on sandpaper, hence the Pressure Wounds that I'm currently playing on. They're MUCH easier on my fingers, and work as well as any typical round wound, since I do a lot of double tapping.

I believe I read somewhere that pressure wound stings can feel sticky - is that correct? If so, does that go away quickly?

 

[raventepes]

The strings I have didn't feel very sticky, but even if they do have a bit of tack to them, wiping them down with a bit of rubbing alcohol should tske that feeling off.

 

[static0verdrive]

I love the Dean Markley Blue Steel strings. They feel very smooth and are not as expensive as most. They also come in nickel for about the same price which are not as bright but warmer.

 

[jthisdell]

I like DR High Beams, they are nice and bright.

 

[Mark Repass]

I use Ernie Ball Roundwounds. Have for years.

 

[GIBrat51]

Right now you're playing 45-100 Fender nickel rounds. Do you like the way they feel? The tension? The sound you're getting?

^^Start Here^^ If the answer is 'yes', you're done, although it's natural to want to try something else. Lots of light gauge nickel rounds that, in general, will sound similar to the Fenders; you may find some you like better, or you may not. For me, I always start with EB Slinkys/ Hybrid Slinkys (on a long scale bass), and move up or down, depending on what I want from that particular bass. It's worked well for me; and the EBs have stayed on quite a few of them.

If you want a deeper/thumpier tone, then try flats (or tapewounds). As for tension: yes, general rule of thumb is that flats are higher tension than rounds, and may require a tweak of the truss rod. Some are pretty high tension; on the other hand, some get constant knocks here about being "floppy noodles". You'll have to decide for yourself.

If you want a brighter sound than you have now, then try Steel or Stainless Steel roundwounds. Again, in general, they tend to be brighter than nickels (and personally, I don't like them; but, I'm an old coot). The bass part for "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" just doesn't sound right with them, somehow...

As for groundwounds, pressurewounds, exposed core, etc., they have their place (and their fans-pretty rabid, too, some of them), but I've never been tempted to try them. For me, and for what I like to play on my basses, regular flats and rounds work just fine. And as for playing flatwounds in the comfort of your home; don't worry. The String Fairy isn't going to appear suddenly, and smack you with her wand. I've been doing it for years. 'Course, maybe she feels I'm too inept a player to bother with...

 

[Entwistle Fan]

Because I like pure nickel guitar strings, I've also been considering pure nickel round wound bass strings.

I'm considering these (mainly because they are the only pure nickels I can find in stock near me):

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Rotosound made pure nickel strings as well but I guess they are out of production because I cannot find them on their website. If they were still available, I would consider giving them a shot.

 

[Camaro69]

The 7150s are a very "warm" sounding round string, like a very well broken in round. They are a tad thumpy, and I really liked them on Fender basses.

My favorite flats on a P bass have been the 9050 Fenders, not quite the same as Chromes, but similar.
For rounds, I like SIT power wounds.


What I would do is cruise the classified and look for lightly used rounds or flats. Best way to test at lower cost.
And put your location in your avatar, sometimes a local will offer up a set of strings if they know where you live.

 

[Entwistle Fan]

What I would do is cruise the classified and look for lightly used rounds or flats. Best way to test at lower cost.

I had never considered used strings...unheard of in the guitar world so they never crossed my mind.

And put your location in your avatar, sometimes a local will offer up a set of strings if they know where you live.

Done...now I just have to find a mod as I just realized I entered my birth date incorrectly.

 

[jd56hawk]

I have three basses:
Epiphone Thunderbird with DR Red Devils.
Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV with Guild flatwounds.
Dean Exotica with D'Addario tapewounds.
I really like the DRs, love the flatwounds, but I'm absolutely crazy about the tapewounds. Black looks great on my acoustic, they're every bit as smooth as my flatwounds, and they sound incredible.
I'm playing out next week…open mic night at a local bar with a friend who plays 12-string acoustic and sings…original "classic" rock a la T. Rex, Cat Stevens, early Bowie, etc.
My T-bird Pro is the bass I've wanted to own for the last few years and everyone who sees my black T-bird always has something nice to say about it, but hey, I'll be bringing my Dean Exotica…I can't wait to hear how good it sounds in the real world!
Anyway, if you haven't considered tapewounds, you might check out a few youtube videos.
Low tension…my Dean only needed the slightest tweak after I replaced the originals. Bassstrings online has a tension chart for them, I believe.

 

[Klonk]

What kinds of music do you play (or listen to/plan to play)? It could also affect your string choice, although there are no rules without exceptions.