• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

String recommendation for comeback newbie?

vindibona1

vindibona1

Apr 18, 2015
3,142
3,505
65
#1
I used to play bass as a kid, but the sounds and techniques are nothing compared to what bass players do today. I've been playing guitar actively again for a couple years so I'm not starting from square zero. I got seduced back to the dark side when I came across a used Squier VM 70's jazz bass (4 string). The strings on this bass measure (to the best of my ability) 46-64-86-105 but the wind is tearing up my fingers even though I play guitar 1-2hrs/day. I want to have versatility of sound and playability to explore many styles with feeling like my fingers have been through a cheese grater and will allow me to get around quickly and easily.

A couple of string sets that have come up on the radar are Rotosound RLD77 and DR Sunbeams but I know there are hundred of choices out there. Also I have no concept of what gauge would be ideal for my level of development. FWIW on my electric guitars my standard string gauge is 10-46 if that helps at all. I would appreciate any recommendations to check out.

Thanks in advance
 
#2
There are so many factors, not just gauge - type of winding, type of core, materials used in each, etc., etc.. No matter how good your guitar calluses are, they're not going to stand up to rounds on bass. Stainless rounds are the toughest on the fingers (but also my favorite sound). If you want to take it easy on the fingertips, look into pressure or groundwounds, flats, and tapes (might or might not like the sound). Figure out what sound you want and go from there - you may find that desired sound and "easy on the fingers" are mutually incompatible requirements.
 
#4
If you're not sure where to start, always start with something that's considered "middle of the road" and work your way from there once you have clearer ideas on what you want in terms of both tone and feel according to your personal preference.

My recommendation would be the D'Addario EXL170BT Light Gauge Nickel Rounds Balanced Tension Set (45-60-80-107).

Why this particular set? Several considerations:
  • Readily available and affordable.
  • Nickel rounds are probably the most versatile in the sense they're suited for a lot of different musical styles.
  • Nickel-plated steel (NPS) is generally easier on your fingers due to its smoother texture compared to stainless steel (SS).
  • The light-gauge set would be easy enough for your fretting hand without being too floppy for your plucking fingers.
Hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Linnin and Klonk
#5
michael_t said:
If you're not sure where to start, always start with something that's considered "middle of the road" and work your way from there once you have clearer ideas on what you want in terms of both tone and feel according to your personal preference.

My recommendation would be the D'Addario EXL170BT Light Gauge Nickel Rounds Balanced Tension Set (45-60-80-107).

Why this particular set? Several considerations:
  • Readily available and affordable.
  • Nickel rounds are probably the most versatile in the sense they're suited for a lot of different musical styles.
  • Nickel-plated steel (NPS) is generally easier on your fingers due to its smoother texture compared to stainless steel (SS).
  • The light-gauge set would be easy enough for your fretting hand without being too floppy for your plucking fingers.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That is a start. Any thoughts or comment on the Rotosound RLD77's?
 
#6
JimmyM said:
You just need to build up your bass string calluses and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Fortunately I've got guitar callouses so I'm not starting of with soft fingertips. But I also want to be able to slide around better. Whatever I have on there now has to go and I can only assume that the existing strings have been on for a long time and need changing. I can't imagine someone trading in a bass with $20 of new strings on it.
 
#7
vindibona1 said:
Any thoughts or comment on the Rotosound RLD77's?
Click to expand...

Rotosound Flats are not what I would consider a good "middle of the road" starting point for a newbie. In fact, based on all the research I've done, I have no interest in them for myself.

If you would like to try a set of flats, I would recommend the Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100) as a good entry point to the world of flats. I have them on my Fender Jazz and love the way they sound and feel!
 
#8
Rotosound are known for high tension and a bit rough surface compared to most other brands, so I agree with michael_t that they are not ideal for beginners, they are more of an "aquired taste".

The D'Addario EXL170BT are excellent roundwounds, for flatwounds I'd start with D'Addario Chromes ECB81. Both are readily available, inexpensive, and good representations of their type of string.

Personally, after much experimentation, I'm on LaBella DTB 760FS, and Sadowsky Black Label Flats SBF45 on my two basses. They are more expensive though.
 
#9
These are two great recommendations with which I concur
michael_t said:
If you would like to try a set of flats, I would recommend the Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100) as a good entry point to the world of flats.
Click to expand...

Klonk said:
The D'Addario EXL170BT are excellent roundwounds,
Click to expand...

I run the EXL170BT's on my Jazz, and they are great. The Balanced Tension is of real benefit and not just marketing hype/gimmick.
I run GHS Precision Flats on my Precision, but these are very dark and percussive strings and not for everyone. Fender Flats are great, and are an excellent choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Klonk
#10
Fodera nickels, either standard 45-105 or a little lighter 40-100 (might be a bit easier on the hands for a guitar player). These are compressed round cores. They have great tone, last a while and are not too expensive.
 
#11
Klonk said:
for flatwounds I'd start with D'Addario Chromes ECB81.
Click to expand...

The Chromes are a good option for someone who's just venturing into the world of flats for the first time due to their "almost-like-rounds" total characteristics.

The only thing to keep in mind is the Chromes tend to be quite a bit stiffer in feel compared to the rounds of comparative gauges, especially the 45G and the 65D in the ECB81 set mentioned above, which are quite a bit higher in tension than the 80A and 100E in the same set.

The ECB84 set (40-60-80-100) might be a better place to start for a newbie (like I did when I was one) as the G & D tend to balance better in tension with the A & E.
 
#12
michael_t said:
Rotosound Flats are not what I would consider a good "middle of the road" starting point for a newbie. In fact, based on all the research I've done, I have no interest in them for myself.

If you would like to try a set of flats, I would recommend the Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100) as a good entry point to the world of flats. I have them on my Fender Jazz and love the way they sound and feel!
Click to expand...

yup +1000, done IMHO :thumbsup:
 
#14
vindibona1 said:
D'Addario EXL170BT's are on order based on your recommendations. Found them for $16. They can only be better than what I have on my bass currently. Hopefully they'll be here by the end of the week.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I've used them a lot and I found them to be very good strings, nice softish feel and good tension. Nice sounding rounds without being overly bright. They don't last very long though, they go dead fairly quickly. A good place to start though and nice and cheap.
 
#15
Quilbert said:
They (D'A EXL170BT) don't last very long though, they go dead fairly quickly.
Click to expand...

One's "dead" is another's "well broken-in". It all depends on what kind of tone you're after.

The set I tried did start out fairly bright, almost to the point of being a little harsh for my taste, but once they settled, they stayed that way...until I finally decided to go back to flats after six months. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Klonk
#16
daddario xl
ghs precision flatwounds
dr sunbeams
rotosound rs77 flatwounds

those are some good strings, i would recommend rounds for a beginner though since they are more standard. i'd suggest rotosound rs66 but those are some rough strings!
 
#17
michael_t said:
One's "dead" is another's "well broken-in". It all depends on what kind of tone you're after.

The set I tried did start out fairly bright, almost to the point of being a little harsh for my taste, but once they settled, they stayed that way...until I finally decided to go back to flats after six months. ;)
Click to expand...

I've actually taken the plunge and put flats on my stingray recently...why did I wait so long, they sound great. I think there's a difference between dead strings and mellow strings though. To my ears dead strings lose sustain and clarity.
 
#19
I have played bass for 40+ yrs ... but I do not play bass every day , since my main instrument is keys and I also play gtr ... so to keep my fingers happier I use GHS PressureWounds ... they are round wounds that are Roller wound under pressure so the string has a bit of an Oval shape ... makes them a good bit easier on the fingers ,... and quieter, less finger noise ... they are NOT half/ground wounds , which I've tried and hate ..
they are not Flats which feel and sound very different from rounds ... they are not over priced ...

a couple other folks have them( pressure or roller wounds ) also ...

they have close up pics of different kinds/types of strings at bassstringsonline.com

Edit ... here's the page ... click on them and look at them enlarged ...

Invalid Link Removed
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back