What kind of strings do you use?

[michael_t]

Ernie Ball didn't even follow those instructions. Below is a pic of the headstock with the original strings.

For what it's worth I've put four to five hours on these strings already and they're great. Keeping tune like nobody's business.

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The special instructions only apply to the Cobalt Flats (aka Slinky Flatwound).

My comment above was tongue-in-cheek as there have been a number of posts about people having issues with slippage and breakage with Cobalt Flats where they're always asked the question, "did you follow the instructions?"

 

[humbuckaroo]

The special instructions only apply to the Cobalt Flats (aka Slinky Flatwound).

My comment above was tongue-in-cheek as there have been a number of posts about people having issues with slippage and breakage with Cobalt Flats where they're always asked the question, "did you follow the instructions?"

No problems so far!

 

[John D Harris]

I thought the special instructions were to loop them through the middle. People put strings on without cutting them to size? I've never heard of this before.

I read the hoopla and decided to bend the strings at a 90 degree angle and then cut them to leave like 1/16" to 1/8" from the bend, then shove the end down into the center hole.

This approach has worked fine for me thus far (granted only two sets, one of which was a Rotosound flatwound set that allegedly had the same type of problem).

 

[humbuckaroo]

I read the hoopla and decided to bend the strings at a 90 degree angle and then cut them to leave like 1/16" to 1/8" from the bend, then shove the end down into the center hole.

This approach has worked fine for me thus far (granted only two sets, one of which was a Rotosound flatwound set that allegedly had the same type of problem).

Oh it's about the bend? Yeah I stick the string into the peg and bend where it comes out, then wind. Always done that with these types of tuners. Never failed me.

 

[FirewalZ]

I used to use DR strings, sunbeams, Fatbeams or PB, but they are now $25 per set so, I’ve moved on. I mostly use Slinky’s or Daddario xl’s as I can usually get them around $20 or less per set. I’ve become less picky about the brand, and focus more on the type of string, nickel wound, round or hex core and gauge.

 

[michael_t]

I used to use DR strings, sunbeams, Fatbeams or PB, but they are now $25 per set so, I’ve moved on. I mostly use Slinky’s or Daddario xl’s as I can usually get them around $20 or less per set. I’ve become less picky about the brand, and focus more on the type of string, nickel wound, round or hex core and gauge.

I love the SIT Power Wound Nickels, which can be had for $18. I'd take SIT over D'A or EB any day.

 

[humbuckaroo]

The Super Slinky rounds that came with my bass were great. If I ever go rounds I’ll just get those.

 

[humbuckaroo]

I'm happy to report that after several days of banging on these cobalt flats, they still sound like new and stay in tune like nobody's business.

I already ordered another set in case they stop making them.

 

[John D Harris]

I'm happy to report that after several days of banging on these cobalt flats, they still sound like new and stay in tune like nobody's business.

I already ordered another set in case they stop making them.

I bought a set of Dunlop SS Flatwounds, but I'm having trouble convincing myself to replace the CF, because they keep sounding so good - been playing them everyday for 7 1/2 months.
I wish the G string was a .050 instead of .045 - it just sounds a lot thinner and zingier than the rest of the strings.

 

[humbuckaroo]

I bought a set of Dunlop SS Flatwounds, but I'm having trouble convincing myself to replace the CF, because they keep sounding so good - been playing them everyday for 7 1/2 months.
I wish the G string was a .050 instead of .045 - it just sounds a lot thinner and zingier than the rest of the strings.

It would probably dull a bit if played more often. I suspect mine will stay zingy for longer as well.

 

[FirewalZ]

I love the SIT Power Wound Nickels, which can be had for $18. I'd take SIT over D'A or EB any day.

How are they tension and flexability wise? I normally prefer a round core due to them being more flexable and easier on the hands.

 

[michael_t]

How are they tension and flexability wise? I normally prefer a round core due to them being more flexable and easier on the hands.

I would say they're middle-of-the-road for hex core, meaning not as stiff as GHS Boomers and not as flexible as Dunlop Super Brights.

I use the 40-100 set of SIT Power Wound Nickels, which I find very comfortable without being too loose or floppy.

 

[Dan_reeves]

I am currently using: Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies (P, J and '51 P - also my guitars).

I came from D'Addario XL's 45-100, as well as SIT Power Wound Nickel 45-105. No real reason other than I like to switch it up every so often. I used to use flatwounds quite a bit but have been using rounds for a while now and prefer them.

 

[Bass1447]

D'Addario. Nickle round on the G&Ls. Half rounds on everything else.

 

[jmlee]

New rounds are D’Addario NYXLs. Variously on my basses: D’Addario black tapewounds, TI jazz flats, Labella DTFs (105-45 gauge).

 

[thrill74]

I love the SIT Power Wound Nickels, which can be had for $18. I'd take SIT over D'A or EB any day.

Love my SIT's. I was a GHS user for a long time and their customer service is outstanding. I feel the SIT's have a better feel and consistent tone though.

 

[Aussie Player]

I like the strings Gibson puts on their new basses. Seems like a RW SS but clear and punchy, good note definition and don't seem to wear out fast.
Oldest set is 13 years, youngest set about 7 yrs. Not my full time basses obviously but we get together for a few months a year.

Like SIT .050"-.105" nickels for most basses Fender, Warwick, Alembic.

Like Fender .045"-.105" nickels on my MIA Precision but have a Jazz that never seems to bond with any string I've tried and another that thrives on GHS Balanced Nickels.

 

[humbuckaroo]

I like Gibson strings. Rumor has it that they're re-branded D'Addario.

 

[Jopelo]

95%:ly roundwound guy. I almost exclusively use cheapest harley-bentons from Thomann which cost 5,60€ per pack. They sound just as good as high-end brand strings. Sometimes I go crazy and buy 9,90€ harley-bentons.

 

[Michedelic]

The “On Sale” or “Clearance” brand. As long as they’re rounds and not made from recycled barbed wire, I don’t care about anything else. 50-105 will do.