I have been looking around in the string secton and it is very aperent that a lot goes into picking strings for a bass. My strings just broke and I need to get some new ones. I was hoping that you guys could recamend me some strings to buy but not something to expensive. If it helps my bass is an Ibanez GSR 200, I have had it for about 5 months.
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Picking My First set of Strings
- Thread starter OctoRock
- Start date
What kind of music are you into? Bands and bass players you like? People will want to know before they'll make any recommendations.
LEL
LEL
Depends on the sound you want. If you're not overly worried abou tthat, I'd suggest some D'Addario Rounds. I think their cheapest set is $20 or thereabouts.
+1. I've been using them for a long time and love them. However, if you're interested, you should also check out what people are saying about DR, Rotosound and GHS strings. These 4 make up a large part of the string market.
Have you considered using flatwounds as well? Just an idea.
I used rounds exclusively (D'addario XL extra light gauge) for the longest time. While I still use them on a few of my basses, I tried out chromes for the first time 2 years ago and found that, while they take a little while to break in, they sound amazing in the mix. Big, bold and defined without sounding muddy. They also have a very bright sound for flats and they last forever (They actually seem to get better the older that they get).
If you're going to be playing reggae on top of rock and metal, I might suggest checking them out. Flats tend to be the go-to string for most reggae and R&B music.
I used rounds exclusively (D'addario XL extra light gauge) for the longest time. While I still use them on a few of my basses, I tried out chromes for the first time 2 years ago and found that, while they take a little while to break in, they sound amazing in the mix. Big, bold and defined without sounding muddy. They also have a very bright sound for flats and they last forever (They actually seem to get better the older that they get).
If you're going to be playing reggae on top of rock and metal, I might suggest checking them out. Flats tend to be the go-to string for most reggae and R&B music.
- Jun 25, 2007
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- Artist:TC Electronic RH450 bass system (original test-pilot)
+1 on the flats. Just changed over both my basses and I won't go back. BTW, Fender 9050's are believed to be repackaged Chromes and you can get them for $20 and they will last forever. I have a set on my Ric that I play rock and punk on and they are it! Bright and clear, but deep and meaty!
However, if you want some rounds, I have a few lighty used set I would sell for cheap. Just PM me if you want to know what I have.
Good luck,
LEL
Whatever you get, avoid cheap roundwound stainless steel strings like the plague. They go through your frets like a plasma cutter.
I vote for flats, but you probably won't like them.
I vote for flats, but you probably won't like them.
I'd love to try a set of these. Kills me to pay CA sales tax, though, which makes them about as expensive as Fenders on long sale.
So the strings are called D'addario chromes? or just chromes? Becuase they sound like the kind of string I should be using.
They are D'addario Chromes. Here is a link:
http://store.daddario.com/category/145852/ECB80_Set_Long_Scale_40-95
I found out the other day that they don't sell them in 6 string sets, but that they do sell a separate High C string for chromes. I went and got a 4 string set with an extra high C and could finally hear the High C through a mix at band practice the other day. Usually, it gets lost because of the rather thin tone inherent in the high C; this one didn't have as much of an issue.
Also, if you're curious as to how Chromes sit in the mix, here are some samples of some rock and reggae:
Reggae/Soul/R&B: (I no longer play for this band, but I used to and the demos currently on the page are still with my playing. Used an OLP MM2 with Chromes):
Link Removed
Prog/art rock: (I currently play in this band. Used a Pbass with Chromes)
Link Removed
Reggae/Soul/R&B: (I no longer play for this band, but I used to and the demos currently on the page are still with my playing. Used an OLP MM2 with Chromes):
Link Removed
Prog/art rock: (I currently play in this band. Used a Pbass with Chromes)
Link Removed
Thanks man the chromes sound pretty sweet I cant wait to get them tmorrow when I go to the music store! Weather they are six strings or not dosent realls matter because my bass is only 4 strings.But what about gauge? do they have guage for bass strings? I live in canada so would it be diffrent here?
I live in Canada (Vancouver) and I've found lots. Long and Mcquade usually has some in stock, as does Tom Lee.
Yes, they have gauges for bass strings. If I were you, I would try a medium gauge string and see if those work for you. That way, if you want something lighter or heavier than you have, you can get it.
Good Luck.
Yes, they have gauges for bass strings. If I were you, I would try a medium gauge string and see if those work for you. That way, if you want something lighter or heavier than you have, you can get it.
Good Luck.
As a very general rule: The thicker the gauge/string, the deeper the tone.
That isn't a complete truism, but it seems to be the case for most of the strings that I've come across...
That isn't a complete truism, but it seems to be the case for most of the strings that I've come across...
