Wal Basses Ultimate String Poll

[DigitalMan]

Please don’t move to strings forum. This is about Wal basses.

I’m curious to know what flavor of strings people are using on their Wal basses. I know there are millions of possibilities. Please choose from the options the best fit you can.

If your choice is different for fretted versus fretless, please select what you prefer on your fretted Wal basses.

Finally, please vote specifically for the strings that you actually use on a Wal bass. Hypothetical voting for what you think might sound good on a Wal bass is discouraged.

 

[bronzet]

I use D'addario Flex steel strings (EFX220) on my Wal - string guages 40, 60, 75, 95 - bright sounding and are 'super light' gauge.

 

[mikeswals]

When I'm standard 440, I use 40-100 and a 125 B. In 1/2 step detuned I use 45-105 and a 130 B.
I like a lot of bounce and flexability to my strings on the Wal, hence the gauge choices. So I also only use round core strings, DR primarily, but have used R Cocco when they were available. And maximum brightness with stainless typically.

So I voted on string types (ss, nickel), but not on gauge type since it will depend on the gig.

 

[TrevorR]

I like stainless steel strings. For many years I used Elites Stadium Series 40s before moving up to 45s. From about 2009 to January 2016 I used Picato Stainless Steel 45s which were great.

Then in January 2016 I went over to flats. La Bella 760FLs and have been using those since. All had pluses but right now I’m loving the flats and their sound on the Wal.

 

[SteveCS]

I no longer have a Wal bass, but when I did (a fretless late 70's ProBass from 1986-1990) I used Rotosound SuperWound 707, 035 - 0.095 (IIRC). They were pressure-wound round with exposed core over the bridge and seemed to work very nicely. Those strings were great but unfortunately were discontinued in about 1989 at which point I bought up all the stock in my local store - now they're all gone. If I still had that bass today she would probably be dressed in Chromes.

 

[ercompa]

I'm using Nickel Lo-Riders 130|105|85|65|45|30

 

[djaxup]

either the regular slinkys or DRs. I really like the Fat Beams, but Hi-Beam are fine, too.

 

[tom5string]

Hi,

currently D'Addario ProSteels XL 220 - 40->95

Using the Wal more as a solo-instrument for home-entertainment this light set supports playing in the higher registers. Perfect match tonewise, bright zing and pronounced mid-range.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[frankzelf]

I like DR Sunbeams medium (45-105) and 45-130 on my fivestring basses. Rich and warm, constant quality and I like the feel of these strings!
Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats (43-100) on my passive JG, but nothing is forever..

 

[Janforth]

DR Sunbeams (Nickle 45-105) for me.

 

[kulit17]

Right now i favor Dean Markley Blue Steel. I have two (had 3) of them strung up with these strings and love em. i have other strings in queue that i've been meaning to try but when it comes to restringing my hands go for DM's lol..... i use the ML type 45-105, but tried the XL 40-95. The feel great, but a little to light for my fingers - so not really my cup of tea.

I know the poll stated for fretted and i voted that way, but for my fretless Wal i've been favoring Labella black tapes (actually, i have them on my fretted Pro which sound fantastic!!!). IME at least, comparing it to flats, i can get more mwah out of the black tapes. i've used other brands like Roto and D'addario, but Labella's won for feel and sound hands down.

 

[kulit17]

Hi,

currently D'Addario ProSteels XL 220 - 40->95

Using the Wal more as a solo-instrument for home-entertainment this light set supports playing in the higher registers. Perfect match tonewise, bright zing and pronounced mid-range.

Cheers,
Tom

is this the Wal you still own?

 

[bassplace]

DR Sunbeams 40-100 on my ProIIe (recently fretted)

 

[john_g]

I posted on the Wal club that I normally use DR HiBeams 40-100s on all my basses, but I decided to try Rotosound Funk Masters (30-90) on my Wal and they work great with it.

 

[tom5string]

is this the Wal you still own?

View attachment 2820732

Yepp, in all her beauty.

 

[duckman]

DR sunbeams 40-100 on my MK1 fretless. Tried Lo Riders before, DaDario rounds and Elixir before, sunbeams are the best for fretless Wal, IMHO

 

[2112]

Funkmasters 30-90 on my fretted, Black Tapes 50-105 on my fretless.

 

[Cyril_23]

What's your playing style and what music do you play?

 

[roller]

Carrot flats for me.

 

[Epitaph04]

Light gauge sunbeams on my 6er seem to be just right for it. I like to dig in when I play my wal.