I'm playing(I use that term loosley) a Fender Deluxe Active Jazz bass. I have had Fender flats on it since I got it, and am ready to try something new. I definitely want to go round wound, and am looking for some growl. I don't know much about string brands and types since this is the first time I've changed them. I have heard that certain strings mess up your frets, and I'd like to avoid that. I mainly play blues and classic rock. I would appreciate some suggestions of what to try since there are so many choices out there. The first thing that comes to mind are Rotosounds and Boomers. Thanks for the advice
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Recommendation for new strings
- Thread starter mdsmith
- Start date
i'm fairly new to this whole thing but my last set of strings were DR Bootzillas. they added a lot of what you would call growl to my bass. they are steel, coated and have a hex center. i reckon they are fairly similar to the the DR lowriders, only coated. i'm going to try some DR hi-beam flats next. just to see the difference. they way i play i need new strings every month or so anyway.
good luck.
good luck.
I've used GHS Boomers, D'Addario, DR Black Beauties, Slinkys and Rotosounds and I have to say that Rotosounds have the most growl and bite out of all of these. If you're going for that mean growling jazz bass tone, just get some medium gauge Rotosounds and you'll be set.
If i could go back in time and trade all the junky strings i have used in for one pack...
It would be DR Hi-Beams. In fact any DR will not disappoint you.
Ken Smith is probably my second choice. However, i havent played em in a while.
D'Addario's dont last as long or sound as warm.
GHS die after about a week of playing. They start off extra bright and trick you 8)
Fender strings are just bland.
Ernie Balls were similar to GHS, just didnt do anything for me.
Rotosounds have a reputation of being harder on frets.
Thomastik can be nice but are overpriced.
I judge the strings by how well they represent the punchy mids of my bass and how long they hold that growl.
These are just my subjective opinions - no need to feel hurt if you like these brands 8)
Try juststrings.com or bigcitystrings.com You can often get better deals after shipping costs than you would at the local shops.
It would be DR Hi-Beams. In fact any DR will not disappoint you.
Ken Smith is probably my second choice. However, i havent played em in a while.
D'Addario's dont last as long or sound as warm.
GHS die after about a week of playing. They start off extra bright and trick you 8)
Fender strings are just bland.
Ernie Balls were similar to GHS, just didnt do anything for me.
Rotosounds have a reputation of being harder on frets.
Thomastik can be nice but are overpriced.
I judge the strings by how well they represent the punchy mids of my bass and how long they hold that growl.
These are just my subjective opinions - no need to feel hurt if you like these brands 8)
Try juststrings.com or bigcitystrings.com You can often get better deals after shipping costs than you would at the local shops.
For those styles of music try D'addario Half Rounds.... Nicer on your fingers and still a great sound. Not as bright as rounds but not as dull as flats.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm stopping after work to day to grab a set. I'm torn between DRs and Rotosounds. I've read a ton of ggod stuff about all of the DR strings, and I haven't read a bad review of the tone of the Roto's, the only bad thing I've heard about them is that they're rough. Guess I'll decide when I get there 
