Recommendations

[TTA]

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!

nickel roundwounds is a good all rounder. I would stress less on brand and more on fresh strings with the gauge you want. Unsure on gauge? Go with middle of the road.

 

[TTA]

M

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.

My only advice here is that if the op wants to compare strings… get two sets new and swap between each a few times in one evening. Wait a few months to compare and the new ones will always seem better.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

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!

Elixir

 

[6-3-2]

If budget allows try different strings. My two cents is I like nickel strings with most single coil pickups, because it adds some fullness to the sound. The ones I've played (DR Pure Blues) are still bright too, so I find them super versatile. Sweetwater does free shipping, so thankfully local shop limitations don't have to be an issue. That said, support your local store if you can.

 

[sonojono]

I’d go for middle of the road strings in middle of the road gauge. It’s a great middle of the road brand that can be had for a middle of the road price!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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!

Well, the good thing is strings are fungible and rounds for the most part cost about the price of a good meal out. Best advice is to try a few different brands. until your find the one that you feel good about. I would start your search with DR strings Highbeams or Lo Riders. GHS bass Boomer are fairly popular and offer good string life.

 

[JW56789]

I've played fives since the 80's, and for the 'Three Bears' approach to strings . . .

Flats are too cold . . .

Stainless roundwounds are too hot . . . .

. . . . and nickel roundwounds are just right (for ME).

Generally, those would include GHS Boomers or Bassics or Balanced Nickels, D'Addario XL's, or Fender 8250's, all of which are generally cheaper than not. I've used everything from Black Diamonds to Thomastiks over the years, and these strings suit my tone/feel/how long they last/purchase price formula best for me.

Others will have a different choice.

 

[NobodyImportant]

I third the DR’s, prob my favorite string brand. Give the Pure Blues a try. They’re balanced great and are tailored to sound great with all genres and playing styles. And they sound good, to me, for many months. I’ve got a set of their stainless Lo-Riders on the way, they’ll be the first set of hex-cores I’ve tried from DR. Hope you find “the ones”.

 

[Dincrest]

D'Addario XLs are a great place to start a string journey. They're a nickel-plated roundwound that are middle-of-the-road in terms of warmth/brightness. Start with standard gauge 45-105. They're definitely a jack of all trades string. Musicians in several genres use them.

From then on, experiment with materials, gauges, and winding types (e.g. roundwound, pressurewound). I like D'Addario strings because they sound good, feel good, come in a variety of styles, last a long time, and are easy on the wallet. This is important since, well, bass strings cost at least 4x more than guitar strings.

Changing strings is probably the least expensive way to alter the feel and tone of your bass. It's easy to get caught up in the hype of changing pickups or getting a whole new bass with different woods in that elusive quest for "the" tone, but sometimes all it takes is a new set of strings to make a difference.

And remember, my ideal string may not be yours. Everyone has different body chemistry and strings that last forever for some people die quickly for others.

 

[Peavaria]

 

[michael_t]

View attachment 4614424

How are these on a 5-string?

 

[Al Kraft]

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.

Great advice here IME. There are a lot of options out there that could all put a smile on your face, but starting with an old standard that's middle of the road and won't break the bank makes good sense. It also mirrors how I went about this same thing decades ago.

 

[Dincrest]

D'Addario XLs are a great place to start a string journey. They're a nickel-plated roundwound that are middle-of-the-road in terms of warmth/brightness. Start with standard gauge 45-105. They're definitely a jack of all trades string. Musicians in several genres use them.

From then on, experiment with materials, gauges, and winding types (e.g. roundwound, pressurewound). I like D'Addario strings because they sound good, feel good, come in a variety of styles, last a long time, and are easy on the wallet. This is important since, well, bass strings cost at least 4x more than guitar strings.

Changing strings is probably the least expensive way to alter the feel and tone of your bass. It's easy to get caught up in the hype of changing pickups or getting a whole new bass with different woods in that elusive quest for "the" tone, but sometimes all it takes is a new set of strings to make a difference.

And remember, my ideal string may not be yours. Everyone has different body chemistry and strings that last forever for some people die quickly for others.

Forgot to add also that D'Addario XLs are widely available as well. Break a string right before a gig? The nearest brick 'n mortar music store (be it a chain store or a mom 'n pop store) will have D'Addario XLs on the shelf.