Recommendations for a newbie...

[Bodhammer]

Hi all,

I just got a barn find ESP LTD B-50 34" J/P passive that ESP dated as a 2003. I believe it has the original strings on it but bass is like new. I'm learning everything from Alice in Chains to Earth, Wind, and Fire.

I do have a set of D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Custom Light, 45-105. Would these be a good replacement? Any other recommendations?


TIA,
Bod

 

[Linnin]

Any of the D'Addario XL's that fit your bass would be fine. I use XL-170BT's (Balanced Tension) on my Fender Jazz. They sound great and last me a good three months, before they really take a dive into the tone grave.
GHS Boomers are also an excellent choice.
I have a love/hate relationship with Rotosound Swing Bass 66's. They only last about 30 to 40 hours of playing time. They are rough as a cob and chew up both your fingers and your frets. They do sound good for a very short amount of time.

 

[Klondike]

The right strings for you is a process that you will have to go through. The largest factor being you, what sound would you like to have? From bright( round wound) to super mellow(tape wounds). And in between.

Personally i haven't been real excited about GHS Boomers buts that's me. I tried DR Flats in my ThunderBird and didn't care for that either. However I have been Liking the D'Adarrio Chrome Flat wounds.

All I can suggest is narrow yourself down to what TYPE you would like to experiment with then change some brands.

Good luck.

Also Bassstringsonline.com is an excellent source. And if you register as a VIP and tell them you heard about them in TB you will get a nice little discount. (No affiliation) I just appreciate having them around.

 

[BassinCT]

You have a good replacement set there. Once you string it up and things settle in, you may want to determine what you like/dislike about them and check back in with the string mob and share your impressions. We can give you some guidance at that point to get you moving on your journey.

I like the XL170 set because it can be used in a wide range of applications, and you can find them everywhere.

 

[TimB 619]

I agree about the D'addario XL nickel rounds.

 

[Bodhammer]

Hi all, thanks for the advice. I put the D'addario's on tonight and it does sound better, esp. the A and D. I don't know what was on there before but they were all brass on the ball end and not stepped on the headstock end. They were not color coded the way the EXL165's are. I did not have to adjust the saddles or intonation. These just sound a little "crisper", not "brighter". They feel basically the same on the fretboard and left hand side. Because I'm new, I'm still figuring out all the tones I can get out of this P/J bass and my little amp. There are a lot of variables! I realized tonight that I don't even know what sound I want so I'm not going to worry about the strings for a while.

I'm going to try these for a couple of months and resist the urge to put on DR Black Beauties just for the looks!

 

[BazzTard]

I've been using D'Addario EXLs for 35 years. I like their bottom end, not too trebly bright. They last reasonably well.
Look for the twin packs with bonus string cutter/peg winder.

 

[Klondike]

I'm pretty new as well. Played tuba in a symphonic band and an orchestra many years ago and for Christmas bought myself a bass. I understand what you mean having all the variables and not exactly knowing what tone I'm really looking for.