Signature strings. Do you use them?

[Cleezmo]

I said sometimes. I started using DR FatBeams years ago when they were still the Marcus Miller FatBeams. Since he moved on to Dunlop, I'm still using the same DR strings, but now the boxes just say FatBeams without his pic. So, I guess I used to use a signature set?

 

[Elmstreet]

i really like billy sheehan's signature string set.

slightly lighter G with the .110 e, all in stainless, it's a good set.

I've heard this is a good set, I used a 45-107 balanced tension set right now but they don't make it in Stainless I don't think.

 

[MCS4]

I've used a signature set or two over the years if the gauges looked good to me, although I don't have any in regular use now. Can't say the fact that they were signature sets made any difference to me positively or negatively.

 

[andymac]

I would probably be down on signature sets, except that I love love love the Rotosound Steve Harris flats, the combo of type/gauge are not available any other way.

And as others have mentioned, if you like Roto rounds, the Billy Sheehan set is one of the few roundwound sets on the market that is actually sonically balanced (heavy enough E and light enough G).

Though if I had a signature bass, I might need to sand the signature/logo off the headstock...

 

[Smooth_bass88]

well yeah, if they're good strings at an affordable price why tf would anyone care who's name is printed on the packaging

 

[kcducttaper]

AFAIK, what makes a difference in strings is:
* material
* shape (both core and winding)
* gauge
* coating (but arguably part of "material")

I notice a distinct lack of "endorsement" from that list. If a particular set I like happens to be endorsed by some artist, that fine (but it currently isn't). IMO your playing technique and the bass you're using make a MUCH bigger impact on tone than the slight variation of a 'regular' string compared to an 'artist signature' string of the same construction.

 

[alexclaber]

I’d forgotten how much I liked DR Bootzillas until I found an unopened pack and put them on our J-bass.

We’ve also got three signature instruments and one more on the way. And a “tribute” version. I haven’t even heard the playing of one of the players, it was just a great Tele!

 

[SunByrne]

I've heard this is a good set, I used a 45-107 balanced tension set right now but they don't make it in Stainless I don't think.

You mean the D'Addario EXL170BT set, yes? That's 45-107, quite well balanced (just like it says on the tin). No, D'Addario doesn't make it in stainless. However, if you buy ProSteels individually, you can get 45-60-80-110 which is actually really well balanced. Turns out their stainless strings are a little lighter per gauge than the nickels and so 110 actually works out great as the E with the ProSteels.

 

[toughluck]

I said carrots because I was interested how others felt about it.

If the signature set is the same as a non-signature set that I use, but more expensive? Hard pass.
If the signature set is the same as a non-signature set that I use, but less expensive? Sure. If it's a musician I hate? Doesn't matter.
If it's something unique that I want to try out and it doesn't break the bank? Doesn't matter if it's signature or not.

I understand there are people who may feel more strongly about their preferred brand or endorser, but I don't care.

I might care if the endorser is somebody I don't want to support and his or her name is clearly visible, but that doesn't apply to strings.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

I like 40-100 flats that are inexpensive. If that happens to be a signature set, so be it, but so far it hasn’t been.

 

[Pirate Captain]

Bootsy strings are pretty f'n dope...but I mainly play Sunbeams because Tony Franklin does (not exactly signature...but totally an endorsement)

 

[OldManNewBass]

The Ian Martin Allison strings by Labella are great.

I want to get a Sire D5, replace the pickup with a Seymour Duncan Thunderbird, and string it up with the IMA set...

 

[groovaholic]

I order my preferred gauges & lengths (I play a 4-string Dingwall) direct from SIT because that's the only way I can get that particular assortment.

If that same assortment was packaged as a set under the signature of some artist (regardless of if I was a fan of the signatory player or not) I'd happily save myself 3 mouse-clicks and just order that signature set.

Alas, no such set exists.

 

[blr2]

Yes, I use Rotosound BS66 cusom set (Billy Sheenah signature). It's 43-65-80-110. I love the tighter E and slightly thinner G. Overall, better balance than their classic 45-65-80-105 set. Other than that the strings are identical, so it is a more balanced tension version of their legendary RS66.

 

[Dust2Dust]

I actually have an aversion to signature gear. I'm thinking it's because I've wasted too much money buying stuff just because somebody else plays it. I assumed it would be awesome but ended up disappointed every time.

 

[jholling]

I voted no because I bought the Victor Wooten DR strings and still can’t play as well as him. What gives? I thought buying signature gear was my ticket to a platinum record.

All joking aside, I have tried a few signature strings and just haven’t had good luck. The Victor Wooten DR Pure Blues were too loose for me (never thought I’d sat that). The David Ellefson strings from SIT were on clearance and I had a project bass. They were decent, but they went dead quicker than most. I had a student put on some Flea signature Boomers. They were okay, but the E string felt like a different material and/or winding than the other strings. It felt like a steel string with three nickel strings. Plus, it was not the right set for the high school jazz music he was playing.

If they work for you, go for it. I just haven’t had good luck.

 

[Chrisk-K]

I use the DR Pure Blues Victor Wooten simply because I like its string gauges.

 

[basslayer]

I haven't had an urge to engage endorsed strings. I own a couple of signature basses, but I got them because of how I felt about the instruments more than the players, namely Roger Water and Michelle Ndegocello. I haven't had any string feelings.

 

[GTHintz]

Well I did use DR Fat Beams with the Marcus Miller endorsement. He's since gone to Dunlop and I've tried those but like the Fat Beams more. I do like Standard Series Dunlop though. Those are for some reason much better than the super bright. I noticed there's a lot more endorsed strings in nickel than steel and quite a few flats with an endorsement. I probably would use a signature artist endorsed string but it's not really a reason to seek a string out. You're going to sound like you on any string you play. Just more marketing.

 

[songwriter21]

As opposed to standard sets, or making your own gauge mix. (Or making your own if you have the equipment). Elaborate in the comments, and tell us what types you l8ke.

Nope. Elixir.