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What are your top choice strings for Ibanez SR Basses
- Thread starter NikosP75
- Start date
I'm partial to flats on my Fender basses, so I like a stiffer string when it come to rounds. My go-to for my Ibanez SRX3EX is .045-.100 DR SS Lo-Riders, they are pretty firm and have great aggression and grind that lasts for a good while compared to other rounds. DR also makes Lo-Riders in nickel-plated steel too. DR Sunbeams get a lot of love on here as well.
Tonally, I also like D'Addario Prosteels, they just tend to die quicker than the DRs do. Ernie Ball SS also have a good tone, but die even faster IME. My personal recommendation is the SS Lo-Riders from DR.
Tonally, I also like D'Addario Prosteels, they just tend to die quicker than the DRs do. Ernie Ball SS also have a good tone, but die even faster IME. My personal recommendation is the SS Lo-Riders from DR.
Currently, I'm just running some regular nickel Ernie Ball Slinkies on my SR755. I play in church groups and also do some rock covers, so I think I'm playing similar stuff as you.
I've tried some DR High Beams (stainless) and they sounded a bit harsh and were kinda rough on the fingers in comparison. I've considered trying a set of cobalt strings, but I ultimately don't really think the Ernie's are lacking much of anything, so I just haven't bothered yet.
I've tried some DR High Beams (stainless) and they sounded a bit harsh and were kinda rough on the fingers in comparison. I've considered trying a set of cobalt strings, but I ultimately don't really think the Ernie's are lacking much of anything, so I just haven't bothered yet.
Heavy Metal is just Rock & Roll.
If you want brightness that lasts a long time get the stainless Elixirs:
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If you're not interested in brightness, these are a great set:
What I love about these is that you can down-tune to your heart's desire, when needed. The 0.107" doesn't get floppy like other sets.
If you want brightness that lasts a long time get the stainless Elixirs:
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If you're not interested in brightness, these are a great set:
What I love about these is that you can down-tune to your heart's desire, when needed. The 0.107" doesn't get floppy like other sets.
I’m the oddball - I like Chromes and play metal. I like the stiffness and the fact that it emphasizes more of the fundamentals of the bass. Seems to keep me focused in the mix and not getting lost in upper harmonics and distortion with guitarists. I play an SR505 with stock pups and a Bartolini NTMB pre. Great, versatile tone that simply works.
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One thing to keep in mind is the Hi Beams are similar to the Black Beauties in terms of overall stiffness/flexibility, both of which are round core and more flexible than the Elixir (hex core).
If you like the firmness of the hex core, the DR Stainless Steel Lo-Riders are the hex core version of the Hi Beams.
Im going Fender 9050 flats on my SR800...they are relatively stiff and bright enough compared to LaBella flats on my Fender J bass...i hope the 9050s work out, they arent too thumpy....having finger issues and the finger noise with the GHS rounds is a bit much, though they sound great, piano like especially on the E (which i hope i dont lose a lot of it with the 9050 flats) ...we'll see next week when they arrive!
JeezyMcNuggles
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Elixir nanowebs. I prefer the nickels, but the stainless will do you wonders for heavy rock/metal. Medium gauge for downtunings.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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These are, by far, my favorite strings. Just comes with a hundred dollar price tag.
The chrome rounds are even brighter, but dull out a lot faster.
I was already spending 30 to 40 for a set on DR or Roto coated strings (now at at $35 without shipping), so the added cost was minimal when compared to the longevity.
So while I waited a few years to try them, I think I did my enjoyment and playing as disservice.
I use Medium/Heavy DR Lo-Riders on my SR1306. I have also had good experiences with Cobalts, especially with a pick.
The top choice strings for Ibanez SR Basses? The ones you like.
DR Pure Blues on my SR2400, D'Addario Chromes on my SRH500F, and the stock D'Addarios on my BTB 20th anniversary 5. That's what I like, but you should definitely experiment until you find the strings that sing for you.
I've liked LaBella Deep Talking Flats and Rotosound Steve Harris flats and Chromes. I just got a new bass with unknown flats (think they might be GHS Precision Flats) and they are really nice. My favorites short scale string at GHS Groundwound.
When it comes to strings, finding "the one" is as much a quest as finding the bass that is "the one." Over the years, I've probably spent more money on strings than any other bass gear. I've tried out tons of strings from cheapies to premiums, am still on the quest to find "my" string, all that good stuff.
For rock/metal, I usually recommend stainless steel roundwounds.
For rock/metal, my first recommendation is always DR Hi-Beams. Heck, Hi-Beams are fantastic for pretty much any kind of music and play well with pretty much any bass. They're also some of the longest lasting non-coated strings out there. DR Hi-Beams are something you really can't go wrong with. If you're into playing metal with drop tunings, I recommend DR DDTs. Those strings are designed with drop tuning in mind.
I also recommend trying D'Addario Pro Steels for that aggressive, grindy metal tone. They were a bit too aggressive and grindy for my tastes, but they are good strings that will happily slice and dice through punk and metal mixes. Plus, they're not a big ouchie on your wallet.
Best of luck on your string hunt.
For rock/metal, I usually recommend stainless steel roundwounds.
For rock/metal, my first recommendation is always DR Hi-Beams. Heck, Hi-Beams are fantastic for pretty much any kind of music and play well with pretty much any bass. They're also some of the longest lasting non-coated strings out there. DR Hi-Beams are something you really can't go wrong with. If you're into playing metal with drop tunings, I recommend DR DDTs. Those strings are designed with drop tuning in mind.
I also recommend trying D'Addario Pro Steels for that aggressive, grindy metal tone. They were a bit too aggressive and grindy for my tastes, but they are good strings that will happily slice and dice through punk and metal mixes. Plus, they're not a big ouchie on your wallet.
Best of luck on your string hunt.
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Dunlop Super Brights in SS & nickel 'cuz I have a carton of each which was provided by the manufacturer in response to their QC debacle and I'd like to use them up before I die.
Riis
Riis
Rock and Metal, on an SR300EL. Really awesome workhorse bass, I like the tonal options on that.
I mostly use metal roundwound strings for rock and metal. I like the Rotosound 66, and currently have those on my most Fender-y P-bass. They are balls-out. Always got to have RS66 on one of the basses.
Also have the DR Neons on a green P/J bass. They were a little sticky at first, and now feel like an Elixir coated string. Sound better after playing in. A really nice all-around roundwound tone, not a lot of tension even though a gauge up from my usual, these are 45-105. They glow.
I have a very old set of flatwounds with purple silks, on a 30.5" hollowbody bass. They sound tremendously thick on that bass. Deep round chocolately thump. 45-100 or so. I have been blown away at the live tone that bass is capable of more than once. Sits in a mix with unparalleled balls.
I have GHS Boomers (hex core) which annoying do not say on the packaging but are indeed a nickel round string, on a fretless P-bass type. I'm not sure the low E is working out for me, but it is a 40-95 set. Love the singing tone and feel of them. I've always felt like Boomers, on guitar or bass, have a particular tonal slam to them, like a mid-bump.
Have D'addario XL's on an Ibanez SR506. Love the D'addario XL, what I would call a very sweet-toned nickel round, with a softer feel than any of the others. Similar to GHS nickel round but sweeter sounding.
I had Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on the P-bass, and they are awesome also. May end up back on that bass. If you want a tighter feel with a bright sound, they might be worth a try.
You really can use any string for rock and metal, I think if it were for an originals project , I would keep all options open in terms of what the music might sound best with, as well as what you are inspired to bring to the music. I like having the option of the ring that roundwounds are capable of, but it is a fundamental tradeoff for thump.
I mostly use metal roundwound strings for rock and metal. I like the Rotosound 66, and currently have those on my most Fender-y P-bass. They are balls-out. Always got to have RS66 on one of the basses.
Also have the DR Neons on a green P/J bass. They were a little sticky at first, and now feel like an Elixir coated string. Sound better after playing in. A really nice all-around roundwound tone, not a lot of tension even though a gauge up from my usual, these are 45-105. They glow.
I have a very old set of flatwounds with purple silks, on a 30.5" hollowbody bass. They sound tremendously thick on that bass. Deep round chocolately thump. 45-100 or so. I have been blown away at the live tone that bass is capable of more than once. Sits in a mix with unparalleled balls.
I have GHS Boomers (hex core) which annoying do not say on the packaging but are indeed a nickel round string, on a fretless P-bass type. I'm not sure the low E is working out for me, but it is a 40-95 set. Love the singing tone and feel of them. I've always felt like Boomers, on guitar or bass, have a particular tonal slam to them, like a mid-bump.
Have D'addario XL's on an Ibanez SR506. Love the D'addario XL, what I would call a very sweet-toned nickel round, with a softer feel than any of the others. Similar to GHS nickel round but sweeter sounding.
I had Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on the P-bass, and they are awesome also. May end up back on that bass. If you want a tighter feel with a bright sound, they might be worth a try.
You really can use any string for rock and metal, I think if it were for an originals project , I would keep all options open in terms of what the music might sound best with, as well as what you are inspired to bring to the music. I like having the option of the ring that roundwounds are capable of, but it is a fundamental tradeoff for thump.
