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School me on strings!

#42
It's not just about tone, though...
JazznFunk said:
If you're new to bass, the nuances of different strings won't really be as discernible until you have a wider scope of experience to really know what you like/dislike. What you WILL notice right off the bat though is FEEL. Heavy, hex core, stainless steel strings will feel very tight and hard to play until you get the muscle strength and memory down to deal with them, versus light gauge, nickel rounds on a round core. Experiment with a few different brands, noting the type of core and wrap material, and see what you like/don't like. And electric bassists have it easy in terms of string cost.... be glad you don't play upright bass (yet)! haha. Good luck!
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While the differences in tone may or may not be slight, the differences in feel can be huge!
 
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#44
Im also still searching for "my" strings, but i now think differently about gauges. I used to think the bigger the strings the heavier theyll sound. Not necessarily true. I got a light gauge 100 i used to always get 105's. The lighter gauges are easier to bend/play, and they sound great. Consider the size as well as brand. I also prefer nickel wound, bit warmer and they feel good on the fingers. So theres my two cents.
 
#45
H13 said:
YO!

I am new-ish to bass playing. I have not experimented with strings 'cos...jesus Bass Strings are expensive.

However I have run out of my current supply so it's time to try something new! But I have no idea what strings do what.

Looking for sets of 4 string roundwounds. Tried flats. Hated 'em. I like zing!

I've used the D'Addario and they didn't light me up. I've been using Rotos for a while and I found they were deeper and zingier than the D'Addarios.

But that's the extent of my string experience. Ergo I turn to the internet.

What do LaBella sound like compared to Rotos? Ernie Ball? Fender? Any other brand I should consider? I would assume that <X> brand has <X> character so...give me some ideas about what to try next :)

But don't get poopy if I stick with Rotos ;). I'm not experimenting due to dislike of Rotos, but due to a lack of experience and not knowing what's out there.
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Elixir for new string zing that lasts a LONG time. Long-time user here that has tried many brands...Elixir pay for themselves, and no roundwound string even comes close to the value.
 
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#46
tb-player said:
Strings don’t matter… especially if you’re new to the bass. Play what you’ve been playing and focus on technique/skills. Experimentation with strings will just distract from what really matters. :thumbsup:
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They do, in the sense that students will want to practice more if the sound is more to their liking.

I can't stand flats, like the OP, as I just palm-mute occasionally. That sound all of the time would rarely make me want to play.
 
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#47
tb-player said:
Pursue the tone in your fingers and it won’t matter what string you play.
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For you!

And that is of course all fine.

But...

To me it matters, and for your information I do know how to use my fingers to produce the tone of my preferences.

And it clearly matters to OP, who got a clear preference.

So bad advice, or rather no advice at all, but just blatant waving of personal opinions as facts.
 

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