Question For Bass Players With Many Basses

[selowitch]

I have seven or eight basses and I rarely think about the strings. In most cases, I play the strings that came with the bass when I bought it used and don’t even know what brand or gauge or type they are. The one exception is I decided to put D'Addario black nylon tapewounds on my 2009 Fender American Deluxe Precision and I’m glad I did because that bass sounds great.

Try not to buy strings that are too thick or two thin for your existing nut slots because you may have to replace or reshape your existing nut if you do.

 

[redstrand]

Flats, flats, flats. Due to my hand injury I can use rounds anymore. Had already dig flats. I have TI flats on several, labella LTF’s on several other, og Sadowsky blue labels on another. Chromes, Dunlops.
I do have rounds on two basses TI rounds for smoothness on one and a custom nickel set on another, they are quite smooth too. Also tapes on my acinonyx

 

[JRA]

Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?

yes. light gauges, all: roto 66s for 40+ years. but for years now: i try TI jazz rounds on an ax first --- if i like 'em they stay.

Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?

i don't think it's "best" to put flats on any bass for any reason. ever!

Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?

yes, the rotos and the TI rounds. i'll try other strings (rounds), but i rely on those two. i've played some coated strings that i kinda liked on certain axes.

And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

only rounds for me. when i tried the TI jazz flats i felt like hurling:
- hurling the bass against the wall or the floor.
- hurling...you know, like when you have to hurl.

seriously: i buy rounds, not flats, but it's a preference --- i'd play anything that was handed to me...just like anyone else.

 

[arbiterusa]

• Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?

• Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?

• Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?

• And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

Yes. Usually RS66LF or the BEAD equivalent. Occasionally for a minor change, DR Hi-Beams.
No. I have flats on one bass only and I bought it to sport flats only.
Yes. I have been using Rotosounds since I started playing in the early 1980s. Always the #1.
Rounds.

 

[MynameisMe]

I had EB slinkys on all of my basses until recently when I changed the Jazz to fretless and tried the Cobalt Flats, but I have some Labella Tapewounds coming for that one. I can't find a reason to like the Cobalts.
I used to have DR Pure Blues on everything but I've really come to like the EB cheapies.
I hate squeaky strings. Nickel on any rounds.
Flats tend to leave me, uh flat..........

 

[40Hz]

1. Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?
2. Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?
3. Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?
4. And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

For the record, I'm an unapologetic string junkie. I'll pretty much try out any string that's out there. And I've probably already tried almost everything offered by the majors at one time or another. But in answer to your four questions:

1. Not as a matter of routine. Right now I only have two basses (a 4- and a 5-string) that have the same string set. (LaBella Copper White Nylons in case you're interested.)
2. Only if you play flats every now and then. I've got (different) flats on two, and nylons on two. Everything else I own has different brands and guages of rounds, with nickels slightly edging out steels in that department.
   
3. Once I find something I like I will almost always stick with it unless something about it has changed in a negative way.
4. I prefer: steel and nickel rounds, flats, white nylon tapewounds, piccolo, and bronze ABG bass strings. (Sorry, couldn't resist!) My feeling is that there's an ideal string set for every bass out there. So I don't impose my string preferences on the bass. I prefer to experiment and let the bass tell me what works best for it and my style of playing. Much more fun - and I think I get the best out of the bass by approaching string selection that way.

 

[Bassmike62]

Here's the current flock.
I tend to have pretty much the same add-ons to each of my basses: Hipshot XTenders, Hipshot Bridge (for some) and flats, Chromes in my case. The way I look at it, I can use whatever bass for whatever occasion, get a similar feel with the strings and the same flexibility (Drop D). So yeah, flats everywhere.

 

[WoodyJ]

Nine basses, all Fenders - TI Jazz Flats on all but one, it has DR Sunbeam rounds.

 

[bmusic]

I’ve found—learned on TB?—that string experimentation can take the place of GAS. It’s hella cheaper, and allows you to experience that “new bass” feeling without cluttering your studio, feeling compelled to consider selling another instrument you may love, etc.

I have most strung with flats because I like the sound, not out of string life management, but yeah, I suppose that’s a nice byproduct.

‘74 P: Dunlop Super Bright Nickel rounds
‘73 P: Fender 9050L flats
57RI P: La Bella DTF
76 Mustang: La Bella DTF
‘65 Starfire: D’Addario tapes
Ric 4003S: D’Addario tapes
RW Jazz: TI flats
EBMM SR Classic: EB Cobalt Flats
Rob Allen Deep 4: La Bella 760N tapes

In typical replacement-for-GAS fashion, I’m fantasizing about [buying another bass] switching back to La Bellas on the Starfire, and putting those 9050L’s on my 74 P when I sell the 73. Also would like to try something else on the Jazzer—maybe La Bellas, or (haha) whatever else I have in the ole string box. Precision flats, maybe?

 

[stringthrough]

I get bored and experiment alot. So my string "half-life" is roughly 6 months on a given bass. I do keep the better strings around and occasionally reuse them on one of my basses (I have about 8).

I like flats and rounds, depending on the bass. P's often get flats, the rest usually rounds. I also like nylon strings for a totally different sound and feel.

I like round core strings for their flexibility and nickel winding for a smoother sounds and feel.

 

[Drucifer]

1. Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?
2. Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?
3. Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?
4. And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

1. No, depends on the bass. Some basses I use chrome flats, some TI flats, some stainless rounds, some other types.
2. No, I don't agree with that, use the strings that best fit the role of the bass
3. Absolutely, if it's not broke don't fix it. I do try new things, especially where there're strong recommendations from this group.
4. I have a (couple of) P-bass with flats and a P-bass with rounds, a J-bass with flats and a (couple of) J-bass with rounds, I have a fretless with flats and a fretless with rounds, etc.

 

[2F/2F]

1. Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?
2. Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?
3. Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?
4. And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

1. LaBella DTB .110s. They are my go-to set. I use other flats as well, but these are in the plurality, for sure. EB flats come next, a .105-based set that I piece together from single strings. Then Roto 77s (.105s on regular scale, and .110s on short scale). Then various forms of black tapewounds. Then half rounds. Then LaBella Beatle Bass rounds. Then DR Pure Blues. Then normal bright roundwounds.
2. No. I put flats on nearly everything, as the norm. Rounds are the odd men out.
3. Yes, obviously, as mentioned above.
4. Obviously, flats. I have played them almost exclusively since 1988, when I first picked up the electric bass. When I started showing an interest at that time, my dad put a fresh set of strings on. Those strings are still on that very bass, and feel and sound great (although the silks are in ugly shape by now).

 

[ejaggers]

@JRA, @Drucife,@2F/2F,@arbiterusa, and @40Hz, thanks for addressing the question:
“Do you think it’s best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?”

The reason I asked is because I have basses that I haven’t played in years,
my Axcelerator for instance, because I’m mainly a passive bass kindda guy.

I think round go bad even if you don’t play them so this is a quandary.
I have considered trading it for something passive several times.
But if I get a wild hair, I want it to be ready...057912

 

[TDR1138]

Rogue VB-100 w/ medium scale Chromes
Fender Jazz 24V w/ Ernie Ball Group V flats
Squier Affinity P w/ DR Fat Beams
parts fretless w/ Chromes

Fender Jazz AmDlx w/ TI flats
Gibson SG w/ short scale GHS P-flats
L-1000 w/ GHS P-flats
L-2000 w/ LaBella Low Tension Flats
LB-100 w/ Fender flats

I like flats. I keep one bass with rounds just for those times when the mood strikes.

 

[2F/2F]

@JRA, @Drucife,@2F/2F,@arbiterusa, and @40Hz, thanks for addressing the question:
“Do you think it’s best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?”

The reason I asked is because I have basses that I haven’t played in years,
my Axcelerator for instance, because I’m mainly a passive bass kindda guy.

I think round go bad even if you don’t play them so this is a quandary.
I have considered trading it for something passive several times.
But if I get a wild hair, I want it to be ready...057912

Consider coated rounds. Black tapes, clear tapes, or just simple coated rounds, without the “flat” coating like tapes have.

My first trial for that use might be the Fender black nylons. They are a nice halfway point between tapewounds and simple Elixir-style coated rounds. I just tried my first set, and I kind of dig ‘em. Took me some time to get used to the very low tension, though. Increased string height helps.

 

[smtp4me]

• Do you use the same brand/model strings on multiple basses?

Me: Yes, same strings on all my basses (same brand, model, gauge, ...)​

• Do you think it best to put flats on basses you only play every now and then?

Me: I don't play flats, so I can't weigh in on this one​

• Do you find a brand/model that you like and stick with them for years?

Me: Yes, I played Rotosound Swing Bass 66 for (literally) decades. Switched to DR High Beams about 5 years ago​

• And of course, the controversial question, do you prefer flats, rounds or both depending on the bass?

Me: Stainless steel rounds, always. Flats just don't do it for me.​

057912

 

[Killing Floor]

You don't have a fretless or a MusicMan? Start shopping.

I have several with TI Jazz Flats, I think they are a favorite for some. I like LaBella DTF on my fretlesses. I have a set of LB tapes on an acoustic bass guitar and there are a couple bright EBMM basses that I only use rounds on, mostly DR Hi Beams but I am not at all afraid to try a different set. I have a set of TI Jazz Rounds I am planning to put on a P bass that currently has some older Chromes but I haven't been motivated to restring, as soon as I get off my lazy butt I'll do it. I like to try different strings whenever I can.

 

[Clark Westfield]

I only have just 4 basses, but they all have either DR Pure Blue nickels or Sadowsky Blue pack bright nickel strings.

They are very similar to each other and they are my go-to strings.

Leave them all the same and avoid experimentation.

 

[arbiterusa]

I think round go bad even if you don’t play them so this is a quandary.

No more so than flats. They will both go bad in humid/salt air regions. But here in SoCal I've seen instruments kept for 20 years in a case and the strings are fine.

 

[selowitch]

Playing with clean hands and wiping down your strings after use can definitely extend the life of your strings.