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Strings for American Performer Mustang Bass

GrahamNN3

GrahamNN3

Apr 11, 2018
302
420
#1
Hello ...

I am new to bass.

I’m going to buy an American Performer Mustang bass in Satin Surf Green.

So I am looking for recommendation for different strings which will not damage my hands.

I’ve tried tape wound strings on another mustang bass I borrowed - but now I want to try something different. I like the sound on flats.

Elsewhere, I was recommended chromes? Will chromes cut into my fingers?

Thank you in advance for your enlightenment.
 
#5
chromes are a good choice - i find them gentler than other flats, which is why i have them on one of my basses. and yes, it sounds like thomastic jazz flats are a good option, although pricy.

but if you want to avoid damaging your fingertips, the most important thing is not to play for long each day. tape wounds are possibly THE single gentlest strings when it comes to not abrading fingertips, but even they can cause pain if you play too long. it's just the nature of the best.
 
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#7
pcake said:
chromes are a good choice - i find them gentler than other flats, which is why i have them on one of my basses. and yes, it sounds like thomastic jazz flats are a good option, although pricy.

but if you want to avoid damaging your fingertips, the most important thing is not to play for long each day. tape wounds are possibly THE single gentlest strings when it comes to not abrading fingertips, but even they can cause pain if you play too long. it's just the nature of the best.
Click to expand...

Thank you - I suppose as I’m trying to maximise my practice time and minimise my finger damage - I should probably stick with tape-wounds.
 
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#8
Callouses are your friends. Once built up you can feel comfortable with any strings and I believe you can get a broader range of attack. Tapewounds I have tried can hurt a bit due to friction but your experience will vary.
 
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#12
I've had these (La Bella 760F-MUS) on my CIJ Mustang for a few years now. They were a little bright initially, but have mellowed out beautifully. The tension seems is a bit higher than my other shortscales, but I have come to appreciate it. They are silky smooth and only get better with age. Additionally, are specifically made for the string-through-body. I don't think you can go wrong with these.
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#14
I like both Dunlop medium-scale flats (light scale) and GHS Precision Flats. They both are very easy on the fingers with moderately low tension. GHS has a slightly deeper, middier sound. Dunlop has a tighter low end, a bit more bite in the highs, and excellent string-to-string balance. GHS last forever; Dunlop last about a year.

To me, on a Mustang, Chromes aren't the most fun to play. They'd be fine, and won't be too hard on the fingers, but they have more tension and don't have as smooth of a feel as Dunlop, GHS, LaBella, TI, etc. Lots of people swear by them, though.
 
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#15
walkdatbass said:
I've had these (La Bella 760F-MUS) on my CIJ Mustang for a few years now. They were a little bright initially, but have mellowed out beautifully. The tension seems is a bit higher than my other shortscales, but I have come to appreciate it. They are silky smooth and only get better with age. Additionally, are specifically made for the string-through-body. I don't think you can go wrong with these.
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Click to expand...
Depending on the model/year, Mustang basses can be a little difficult to get strings for. So, ^^THIS^^. La Bella flats are always a good choice, AFAIC. And, since you are primarily a piano player, I can understand your concern about calluses and your fingers. You might want to think about a "Player's glove", which is designed to protect your fretting hand. They're pretty readily available (I understand), and might be just the thing for you.:cool:
 
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