Recommendations

[Gadiel]

Hi guys, I'm new here, this is my first post and taking advantage of the fact that I'm about to change my strings I want to ask you for recommendations for my five string bass. As for musical genres I play everything, just as a reference to recommendations for rounds of nickel, cobalt or steel, thanks!

 

[bikeplate]

Elixir

 

[michael_t]

I want to ask you for recommendations for my five string bass. As for musical genres I play everything, just as a reference to recommendations, my budget is 50 USD, thanks!

A set of strings under $50 USD that's suited for every genre?? Get ready for dozens of recommendations!

 

[ejaggers]

Welcome to TalkBass.
Stick around after you change strings.

What kind of 5 do you have?
Do you want rounds, flats, nylons, or what?

057912

 

[michael_t]

By the way, have you read the string forum rules yet?

STRINGS FAQ + RULES: READ THIS FIRST BEFORE POSTING!!!

 

[Gadiel]

A set of strings under $50 USD that's suited for every genre?? Get ready for dozens of recommendations!

 

[Gadiel]

By the way, have you read the string forum rules yet?

STRINGS FAQ + RULES: READ THIS FIRST BEFORE POSTING!!!

Nope I didn't. Thanks

 

[WarwickE36]

I like every DR string I've ever played. They offer nickel and stainless in hex core and round. They have sound demos of each on their website. My favorite are the Fat Beams. Best of luck in your string journey.

 

[BassFalcon]

LaBella Copper White Nylon Tapewound. Why? Because they are my favorite…

 

[5StringBlues]

What kind of bass? Single coils or humbuckers?

 

[micguy]

My suggestion is to go with nickel rounds - GHS Boomers. They’re “middle of the road” strings - if they’re not bright enough, then you’re headed to steels. Too bright means you’re headed to Pressurewounds or flats. if they’re just right, then you’re done.

 

[GTHintz]

I'd keep away from the Chinese no name strings. Anything from Labella, GHS, Rotosound, Dunlop, Diaderrio, Galli, Fender, Dean Markley, DR you should be fine. I've literally played every brand mentioned and had good strings. I'd recommend Ernie Ball but personally I don't like the sound so I'm not going to sit there recommending something I wouldn't want to use. If you want the brightness and character and most expressive sound I'd say stainless steel is the best. If you want a little more mellow nickel is good. If you want the smoothest and most mellow then try some flat wound strings.

 

[michael_t]

My suggestion is to go with nickel rounds - GHS Boomers. They’re “middle of the road” strings - if they’re not bright enough, then you’re headed to steels.

Before heading straight to stainless steels, I would try the GHS Bassics as a slightly brighter alternative to the Boomers. As far as all-purpose, middle-of-the-road NPS rounds go, I actually prefer the Bassics over the Boomers.

 

[Supadope]

I second DRs. Hi Beams have amazing clarity and last well over 6 months.

My economic choice is D'Adario XL's. Great sounding and last OK. Not as good as the DRs, but not as expensive either.

 

[pingvuiini]

Tapes.

 

[Killing Floor]

I really love TI Jazz Rounds for rich rounds that are easy to play and last forever. But they are not cheap. I have them on my P5.

My favorite bright rounds are DR Hi Beams. I have them on EBMM basses.

There is no best string set. Experiment. Take notes.

 

[themickster]

Hi guys, I'm new here, this is my first post and taking advantage of the fact that I'm about to change my strings I want to ask you for recommendations for my five string bass. As for musical genres I play everything, just as a reference to recommendations for rounds of nickel, cobalt or steel, thanks!

What you need, and I don't care whose mileage varies, are electric bass strings - any of them.

 

[Nev375]

Since you are new, you need to try a different kind of string with each change so you can get some experience at knowing the differences and determining your preferences.

I like Elixirs because they genuinely do last a very long time and keep that bright tone. I'm not a fan of changing strings every month. But for you, changing strings is a good skill to practice.

But to answer your question, I'd also recommend D'Addarios and DR strings as your budget allows.
I prefer stainless rounds from 40-45 on the G to 100-105 on the E.

 

[Bill Murray]

Literally doesn’t matter.

Go to the closet music store and buy whatever they have that fits your budget. It’ll likely be Slinky’s which is good because they are very budget friendly.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Literally doesn’t matter.

Go to the closet music store and buy whatever they have that fits your budget. It’ll likely be Slinky’s which is good because they are very budget friendly.

Good call. This is a situation where you purchase a readily-available known quantity. Give 'em a spin and get back to us in 3-6 months and let us know what you don't like: too rough, too stiff / too floppy, no definition, fret noise, etc.

Riis