Ive never used stainless strings but have been thinking about trying a set in a certain bass I have. What is your favorite Stainless string and what do you like about them? So they last longer than normal nickel wounds?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
What’s your favorite Stainless string????
- Thread starter Bassworship1
- Start date
If you are thinking Stainless roundwounds, mine would be Marcus Miller signature Dunlop Super Brights followed by DR Lo-Riders. I'm embarrassed to say I had a set of Nickel Lo-Riders that I must have loved and did not notice a difference from the regular Stainless Lo-Riders.
I don't have a lot of experience with different stainless rounds, but I am happy with DR Lo-riders stainless for my basses that wear rounds. G&L L2500, Musicman S.U.B. 5, Line 6 Variax 705. A little EQ tames them nicely and they keep their sound/tone for a long time, which I like. I hate having to keep replacing strings on a stable of basses. Most of my basses wear flats, mostly TI and Chromes.
@campbems
I've almost always kept at least one bass with stainless steel round wound strings. Not only that they are distinctively bright and arguably possess rougher texture, but most important is that they are very versatile sounding which makes them a staple to my all-around gigging bass.
If you have never used stainless steel strings before (not once? ever..?), then I suggest you start with Rotosound Swing 66 Stainless Steels. They might or might not be the ultimate stainless steel strings for you, but by trying them at least once, you've experienced that Rotosound famous growl/zing which is irreplaceable by other strings. I had my first encounter with the Swing 66 SS in the late 80s but stopped using them in the 90s. I revisited them again in 2015 only to be reminded why I had stopped using them (that is due to their texture is arguably the roughest of stainless steel strings) and then it led me to venture around to other stainless steel strings from various brands.
The Rotosound RS66LD might be the set to begin with, which is kinda standard to them despite 45 65 80 105 (instead of 45 65 85 105 which they also have), or the RS665LD for the 5 string set that comes with an additional 130 low-B. But I should warn you that these are quite high tension strings, which might or might not work for you. If slapping is your stuff, then try their Funkmaster set (30 50 70 90) which is the staple gauge to slap master Mark King of Level 42.
D'Addario Pro Steels are also nice stainless steel strings to try, especially for those who prefer bright piano tone from a bass string. Some would refer them to have mid scooped sound. Good things about them that they are just like most other D'Addario strings out there, which are widely available and quite affordable. In my case, turned out I liked their FlexSteels more although sadly D'Addario has decided to discontinue these a few years ago. The FlexSteels filled different soundscape in which they were not scooped sounding, but it was their flexibility which had made me attracted to them. But then, they are now in the past.
I had Pro Steels EPS220-5 (40 60 75 95 125) set before I converted to the FlexSteels. They were nice strings, not so rough textured as the Swing 66, and I did get that bright piano tone. If I were to try them again, probably would buy the EPS300 set (43 63 85T 107T) or the EPS300-5 set (43 63 85T 107T 127T) which comes with tapered low strings.
Next, I'm guessing there are lots of folks who like to suggest DR Strings which has quite a lot of stainless steel string products. Some might say that their Lo-Riders are comparable to the Swing 66 and the Pro Steels. And of course, DR is also known for their round core stainless steel strings of which the Hi-Beam and the Fat-Beam are also preferred by some. I've always wanted to use them, but somehow I ended up buying other brands of stainless steel strings.
And my current ultimate favorite stainless steel strings are the Dunlop Super Brights. They are more or less built with the same recipe as the late D'Addario FlexSteels which I liked, that is using smaller diameter hex core to make them flexible but still able to retain that tuning stability of hex core strings. I've found their 45/105 set (and an additional 125 for 5 string set) able to give me the best sound and feel combination.
I've almost always kept at least one bass with stainless steel round wound strings. Not only that they are distinctively bright and arguably possess rougher texture, but most important is that they are very versatile sounding which makes them a staple to my all-around gigging bass.
If you have never used stainless steel strings before (not once? ever..?), then I suggest you start with Rotosound Swing 66 Stainless Steels. They might or might not be the ultimate stainless steel strings for you, but by trying them at least once, you've experienced that Rotosound famous growl/zing which is irreplaceable by other strings. I had my first encounter with the Swing 66 SS in the late 80s but stopped using them in the 90s. I revisited them again in 2015 only to be reminded why I had stopped using them (that is due to their texture is arguably the roughest of stainless steel strings) and then it led me to venture around to other stainless steel strings from various brands.
The Rotosound RS66LD might be the set to begin with, which is kinda standard to them despite 45 65 80 105 (instead of 45 65 85 105 which they also have), or the RS665LD for the 5 string set that comes with an additional 130 low-B. But I should warn you that these are quite high tension strings, which might or might not work for you. If slapping is your stuff, then try their Funkmaster set (30 50 70 90) which is the staple gauge to slap master Mark King of Level 42.
D'Addario Pro Steels are also nice stainless steel strings to try, especially for those who prefer bright piano tone from a bass string. Some would refer them to have mid scooped sound. Good things about them that they are just like most other D'Addario strings out there, which are widely available and quite affordable. In my case, turned out I liked their FlexSteels more although sadly D'Addario has decided to discontinue these a few years ago. The FlexSteels filled different soundscape in which they were not scooped sounding, but it was their flexibility which had made me attracted to them. But then, they are now in the past.
I had Pro Steels EPS220-5 (40 60 75 95 125) set before I converted to the FlexSteels. They were nice strings, not so rough textured as the Swing 66, and I did get that bright piano tone. If I were to try them again, probably would buy the EPS300 set (43 63 85T 107T) or the EPS300-5 set (43 63 85T 107T 127T) which comes with tapered low strings.
Next, I'm guessing there are lots of folks who like to suggest DR Strings which has quite a lot of stainless steel string products. Some might say that their Lo-Riders are comparable to the Swing 66 and the Pro Steels. And of course, DR is also known for their round core stainless steel strings of which the Hi-Beam and the Fat-Beam are also preferred by some. I've always wanted to use them, but somehow I ended up buying other brands of stainless steel strings.
And my current ultimate favorite stainless steel strings are the Dunlop Super Brights. They are more or less built with the same recipe as the late D'Addario FlexSteels which I liked, that is using smaller diameter hex core to make them flexible but still able to retain that tuning stability of hex core strings. I've found their 45/105 set (and an additional 125 for 5 string set) able to give me the best sound and feel combination.
@Aidil
Wow... that is one of the most informative posts I’ve ever seen. I’ve orders a set of DR high beams because I didn’t know where to start and mainly because my preferred Elixir Stainless was so expensive. You’ve got me wanting to try Dunlop’s SB Stainless now. Thank you for the information.
Wow... that is one of the most informative posts I’ve ever seen. I’ve orders a set of DR high beams because I didn’t know where to start and mainly because my preferred Elixir Stainless was so expensive. You’ve got me wanting to try Dunlop’s SB Stainless now. Thank you for the information.
Ahh... I forgot the Elixir SS Nanoweb. They were on my GAS list cause I've always liked Elixir NPS Nanoweb (AAMOF, I currently have 3 basses with Elixir Nanoweb). But the SS winding length is what turned me off. They are only available in 36.5" winding length, which might not work for my main beater gigging bass (the BTB685SC) which I've always strung with SS strings. It requires at least 37" winding length of strings due to its MonoRail II bridges take quite amount of length prior passing the saddle.
I've tried a majority of the stainless steel strings made, always looking but at this point I've finally settled in on what I like. I'm older school, so I started out on Rotosound 66's, which was considered the classic SS sound. Bright, full of shimmering piano-like tones, with wonderful harmonics. They are a great string when they are new.
The problem is they go dead pretty fast, and sound like poo when they do die. Additionally, they are a little rough on the fingers. You build callouses, but when new and dry, they can hang a little on your fingers, slowing you down.
When I was touring, I needed strings evey now and then because I was getting some dead E strings fresh from the box. Somewhere along the way, I tried DiAddario Pro Steels, which I could find at any guitar center (nice when touring and knowing you can get something regardless of which state you are in) anyway, I really liked the tone. They had all the brilliance of the rotosounds, but they had a really nice growly tone in the midrange that stayed constant as the shimmer died a little. Where the rotos fell flat on their face after the shimmer wore off, the pro steels still had a great sound that seemed to last a lot longer before they died. So not only did they have all the brilliance, piano like tones and sensitive nuances the rotos had, they also had this killer midrange growl, were smoother on the fingers, lasted longer, and were cheaper.....
At this point I mostly use the Pro Steels for all my SS strung basses, as they just seem to my ears a better sounding string. The other stuff is just a perk. I will try a different set of strings every now and then, just in case there might be something better out there but so far nothing has been able to top the Pro Steels for my sonic needs.
I have started a tribute band as of late, and my pro steel strung P bass ran through an Ampeg SVT CL into an 810 cab sounds simply amazing. It's the rock sound I've always heard in my head.
I've never endorsed anything in my career, as I don't like to box myself in to a product, but DiAddario Pro Steels are something I would strongly think about endorsing if I ever decided to go that route. I am that sold on them.
The problem is they go dead pretty fast, and sound like poo when they do die. Additionally, they are a little rough on the fingers. You build callouses, but when new and dry, they can hang a little on your fingers, slowing you down.
When I was touring, I needed strings evey now and then because I was getting some dead E strings fresh from the box. Somewhere along the way, I tried DiAddario Pro Steels, which I could find at any guitar center (nice when touring and knowing you can get something regardless of which state you are in) anyway, I really liked the tone. They had all the brilliance of the rotosounds, but they had a really nice growly tone in the midrange that stayed constant as the shimmer died a little. Where the rotos fell flat on their face after the shimmer wore off, the pro steels still had a great sound that seemed to last a lot longer before they died. So not only did they have all the brilliance, piano like tones and sensitive nuances the rotos had, they also had this killer midrange growl, were smoother on the fingers, lasted longer, and were cheaper.....
At this point I mostly use the Pro Steels for all my SS strung basses, as they just seem to my ears a better sounding string. The other stuff is just a perk. I will try a different set of strings every now and then, just in case there might be something better out there but so far nothing has been able to top the Pro Steels for my sonic needs.
I have started a tribute band as of late, and my pro steel strung P bass ran through an Ampeg SVT CL into an 810 cab sounds simply amazing. It's the rock sound I've always heard in my head.
I've never endorsed anything in my career, as I don't like to box myself in to a product, but DiAddario Pro Steels are something I would strongly think about endorsing if I ever decided to go that route. I am that sold on them.
Personally, I don't use Stainless Steel strings. They absolutely tear my fingers to shreds! But, if I was forced to choose, I'd probably choose DR Hi-Beams...YMMV
Dunlop Super Brights and Dean Markleys. Ken Smith.
Kiesel uses Dunlop and I really like them on the JB5. I have never used them before. Otherwise for the longest time I have been using Rotosounds until I discovered TI and Ernie Bolt cobalts. Maybe because I have only used Rotosounds for like 30 years that it was news to me that stainless steel has issues.
Most of my family's (son, daughter and mine( basses are still using Rotosounds and only the 6 string and the Yamaha fretless are using TI and Ernie Ball. But since I am almost a monogamist on bass guitar strings, all I can tell you is that those Dunlops are making me switch from Rotosounds. BTW my TI strings are not flats. Because here if you say TI it almost always mean TI flats
Most of my family's (son, daughter and mine( basses are still using Rotosounds and only the 6 string and the Yamaha fretless are using TI and Ernie Ball. But since I am almost a monogamist on bass guitar strings, all I can tell you is that those Dunlops are making me switch from Rotosounds. BTW my TI strings are not flats. Because here if you say TI it almost always mean TI flats
DR SS lo riders here. I want a bright string, big lows but not too warm. I also really enjoy a higher tension string. Long lasting.
I use Rotosound Swing Bass RS66LD. I did put some DR Highbeams on my P-Bass last time they feel good and sound well. But will probably go back to Rotosound
Since you didn't specify rounds or flats, I'll chime in with La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats. I'm really enjoying the lighter gauges (like FX and FS, which have lower tension), for flexibility and ease on my old joints and tendons. Classic rich, full-range bass tone, regardless of gauge or bass.
I found Ken Smith taper core strings looking for a set for my Warwick FNA Jazzman 5-string. I really didn't like the Warwick strings and I didn't want to file the saddles to accommodate non-tapered B & E. The smith stainless do have more pronounced top end and articulation while still being growly and beefy. They were a great match to the Warwick which has full low-mids. They do seem to maintain their character longer than other strings. I put a set if GHS boomers on my G&L cause I got an cheap. After one gig I notice a dulling of the tone, after two it was bad enough to want to change em.
Last edited:
