Strings that don't sound like rubberbands (thud thud) after a few months?

[nicksorenson]

I am in the camp that feels like I have a new bass every time I change strings. I use round wounds and play fingerstyle, slap, and use a pick. I like edgy bass that has some zing to it.

I'm using super slinky's now and like them but they seem to lose the zing after a couple weeks and sound pretty dead (to my ears) after a few months. Is there a longer lasting string or should I just be factoring in $20 any time I'd like to hear new strings?

I consider Leo Fender's greatest hits (MM, J, P) my go to basses btw. I tend to play the later two in passive original form.

 

[Jon Moody]

I would try stainless steel strings. Brighter tone that lasts longer than the nickel-plated steel ones you're used to.

 

[Killing Floor]

DR Hi Beams and Dunlop Super Brights last a pretty long time. I like both flats and rounds on different basses.

Also the TI Jazz Rounds are amazing. Not as sharp but they are lively and last forever. But they are not cheap so if you don’t like lighter tension they may not be your jam. I love them.

 

[michael_t]

I use round wounds and play fingerstyle, slap, and use a pick. I like edgy bass that has some zing to it.

I would try stainless steel strings.

Another vote for stainless steel rounds.

I would suggest DR SS Lo-Riders in either 40-100 or 45-100.

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[CTW68]

I second Hi-Beams as a string that will keep some zing for 2-3 months of 1-2 hours per day of playing.

 

[tindrum]

You cannot go wrong with any DR string. I’ve been playing for 35 years and have tried dozens of brands and can say 100% that DR’s have an uncanny ability to last for a ridiculous amount of time. In my experience nothing comes remotely close.

 

[Geri O]

I have yet to play any make of string that I wasn't ready to change in several weeks. I've spent an insane amount of money on trying strings over the years, especially lately.

Yeah, I like 'em zingy. I can write 'em off.

 

[Reedt2000]

I like zing and articulation, as well as strings with longer life even if you're gigging regularly. I've been really happy with the Ken Smith taper core strings (stainless rounds).

 

[mini-milli]

Elixirs are supposed to last pretty long because they're coated. The stainless ones should be fairly zingy.

 

[micguy]

OK, so string life is a function of a few things. In college, I played one bass. I played on stages with incandescent lights. We were young, we jumped around a lot. I that environment we sweated constantly. Strings died quickly (but I couldn't afford to change them). 40 years later, I have several basses. I play more, but my playing time gets spread around on multiple basses. The stages I play on are lit by LED spotlights - it's brighter, but not nearly as hot. I don't sweat on stage at all now. My strings (same model as 40 years ago) can easily last a year, and they're not as dead at that point as they were a month in when in college.

Also, if you like zing, your impression of string life will be that they die quickly. If you don't like zing, your impression will be that they last a LOT longer. If you want strings that last a very long time, you should get ones that are too bright when they're first put on - stainless rounds (I agree with Mr Moody - always a good idea w.r.t. strings) are probably where you should start.

 

[scuzzy]

Stainless elixirs stay bright forever

 

[bobdabilder]

Elixirs.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I am in the camp that feels like I have a new bass every time I change strings. I use round wounds and play fingerstyle, slap, and use a pick. I like edgy bass that has some zing to it.

I'm using super slinky's now and like them but they seem to lose the zing after a couple weeks and sound pretty dead (to my ears) after a few months. Is there a longer lasting string or should I just be factoring in $20 any time I'd like to hear new strings?

I consider Leo Fender's greatest hits (MM, J, P) my go to basses btw. I tend to play the later two in passive original form.

Slinkies were my first “go-to” string because of their initial sound and attack, but they do suffer from dying incredibly fast.

D’Addario nickels have a relatable tone to Slinkies, but they last much longer. I’ve also had good luck with DR strings, but they generally start out much warmer sounding and aren’t quite as bright and crisp. The benefit, however, is that they maintain their tone for much longer and don’t die the same death as Slinkies.

Personally, I do NOT like the feel or sound of SS strings.

 

[scott sinner]

I too like the ss Dr Lo riders.

 

[Gizmot]

I agree with all the love being thrown at DR strings. Those ahi Beams are great; I’ve also enjoy Pure Blues too, which has a smoother, balanced tone.

if you want strings that last the longest, there’s nothing that touches TI Jazz Flats. Jazz Flats can easily be counted on for at least 5 years with no degradation in sound. They cost a lot, but if you consider how long they last, they’re actually the lowest cost strings you can buy. They sound awesome too

 

[KJMO]

TIs are great strings and all, but they don't slap too well, to put it mildly. Stainless or Elixir. Nothing lasts longer than elixir, but they don't sound quite as good.

 

[Lenny JG]

Newtone has been the longest lasting round wounds for me so far. Using Ernie balls and anything near it's quality is your mistake imo.

 

[Lenny JG]

I like zing and articulation, as well as strings with longer life even if you're gigging regularly. I've been really happy with the Ken Smith taper core strings (stainless rounds).

Smith strings seem to last pretty damn well

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I am in the camp that feels like I have a new bass every time I change strings. I use round wounds and play fingerstyle, slap, and use a pick. I like edgy bass that has some zing to it.

I'm using super slinky's now and like them but they seem to lose the zing after a couple weeks and sound pretty dead (to my ears) after a few months. Is there a longer lasting string or should I just be factoring in $20 any time I'd like to hear new strings?

I consider Leo Fender's greatest hits (MM, J, P) my go to basses btw. I tend to play the later two in passive original form.

Coming to TB for advice on round wound string is like asking an Eskimo for advice on ice makers..LOL!! (Apologies if I offended any eskimos, or anyone who is offended at me potentially offending eskimos)

But there are a few if us roundwounders here. I’d give GHS Bass Boomers or DR Lo Riders a shot. I would definitely avoid Roto Sound Swing Bass strings if you are looking for long life.

 

[sonojono]

DR SS LoRiders have my vote!