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What kind of strings do you use?

Preferred String Type

  • Roundwounds

    Votes: 5,505 69.2%

  • Flatwounds

    Votes: 1,868 23.5%

  • Nylons

    Votes: 142 1.8%

  • Compression, 1/2, groundwound (either or)

    Votes: 258 3.2%

  • Other

    Votes: 178 2.2%
  • Total voters
    7,951
#61
Wulf,
No tuning problems, I stretch the strings a bit, a few plucks and re-tune and everything is sweet. I like to get something as close to a piano sound as I can. And new strings are the key for me. I can adjust my EQ for any excess brightness (if thats a problem). The old strings are tossed as they are done after about two nights shows. Like I said I've used all the brands and they all loose something after about 8 to 10 hours of gigging.

I wonder who could pick out GHS, D'Addario, Elixers, etc. in a blind test of new strings strung on the same bass?

Now if someone was to endorse me than I might be brand loyal!
Peace
 
#63
Originally posted by mcbassdude
I've heard rumors that all the strings come from the same 2 or 3 manufacturers anyway. They just slap a different label on 'em.
Click to expand...

Yep, I think we've all heard that one, but it's a bit of an exaggeration. Off the top of my head, the following make their own strings:

DR
Thomastik-Infeld
S.I.T.
Rotosound
LaBella
Dean Markley
Fender
Ernie Ball
D'Addario
GHS
Black Diamond

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One post and counting....
Tom
 
#67
Warwick Streamer Stage One: D'Addario XL, 45-100.

JV Squier Precision: TI Jazz Flats

The XL:s been on my Warwick for two or three years now, and still sound great. They do a good job in taming the inherent brightness of the Streamer. But even though the XL:s are good, I'm thinking of getting a set of TI Power Bass strings for that bass. I've also considered stringing it with TI Jazz Flats, since I love them on my P-bass, but I'm not sure that it would be a very good match.
 
#68
Originally posted by lousybassist

The XL:s been on my Warwick for two or three years now, and still sound great.
Click to expand...

I can't get a set to sound good after about 10 hours of play how on earth do you guy's keep strings on a bass for years? YEARS!
Now your gonna tell me you boil 'em right?

Do you record with those dinosaurs?

I know strings aint cheap but c'mon fellas!
Peace
 
#69
Originally posted by mcbassdude


I can't get a set to sound good after about 10 hours of play how on earth do you guy's keep strings on a bass for years? YEARS!
Now your gonna tell me you boil 'em right?

Do you record with those dinosaurs?

I know strings aint cheap but c'mon fellas!
Peace
Click to expand...
No, I don't boil my strings. My bass is bright enough as it is, so there's no need to emphasize that with fresh strings.
Nor am I recording, even though I would with old strings on, had I only been in a band. The thing is that don't dig that Victor Wooten type tone, that I get with fresh stainless steels on (this is the only time Victor and I will be mentioned in the same sentence, BTW. I'm nowhere near him when it comes to bass playing skills). Old nickel strings suits me, and my bass, the best. YMOV.
In any case, I dare you to keep a set of strings on for a week! You might even find that you'll like what you hear when the strings settle down a bit. ;)
 
#70
No no no, When I was wee lad with no scratch I'd leave 'em on until they broke. (I even boiled a set once.How this wife's tale ever got started..)
Id rather roll off the excess highs than not have the crispness of a new set.
I've heard rumours that Adam of U2 has his strings changed every two tunes live, now that seems a bit much to even I.
Maybe you've forgotten what a new set sounds like? If you like the duller tone, try flatwounds or nylon wrapped.
If I left my strings on for more than 20 or so hours they'd just break on me anyway. Acidic sweat I guess.
Peace
 
#71
Originally posted by mcbassdude
No no no, When I was wee lad with no scratch I'd leave 'em on until they broke. (I even boiled a set once.How this wife's tale ever got started..) Id rather roll off the excess highs than not have the crispness of a new set.
I've heard rumours that Adam of U2 has his strings changed every two tunes live, now that seems a bit much to even I.
Click to expand...
That seems very odd, considering the fact that it's Adam Clayton we're talking about. He's not the first person I think of when the words "piano like tone" are uttered. Still, I can see the benefits of changing strings often, even if your tone consists only of bass and midrange.

Maybe you've forgotten what a new set sounds like? If you like the duller tone, try flatwounds or nylon wrapped.
Click to expand...
Actually, I haven't. The thing is that my old strings still sound rather new. I'm surprised myself, but that's the way it is. I must admit that I'm about to buy a new set soon though, since the one that's on now is beginning to loose some of its' string to string balance.
Oh, about flatwounds; I've got a set of those on my P-bass and love them. But since I slap and tap (or rather try to) a bit on my Warwick, I need that edgy sound only roundwounds produce. Rounds are easier to tap, as well.

If I left my strings on for more than 20 or so hours they'd just break on me anyway. Acidic sweat I guess.
Peace
Click to expand...
When I was a wee lad, I broke a string a week or something like that. But since that was an annoying, and dear, habit, I started plucking with a lighter touch. I haven't broken a string since. Guess I'm blessed with non toxic hand sweat. ;)
I hope I don't come across as defensive-offensive BTW. Different strokes, and all that.
 
#72
Ken Smith .028.044.063.084.106.130 on the Smith BSR6
D'addario XL5 (.045-.130) on both Stingray5s (fretted&fretless)
An old set of Picato Flatwounds (.040-.052-.074-.090) on a japanese P-type bass. The strings box looks like it is a hundred years old :)

I've tried Slowounds, DR's, Rotosound, ErnieBall,... and different gauges for the 'Rays, but XL sounded best to me (rock/jazz/fusion/salsa style)

I have had a Mexican Jazz 5 (active) at a time which had DR's or Slowounds, both sounded Marcus Miller-like (which I liked)

Changing strings: since the 'rays aren't used that much: once every few (3-4) months I change them on the fretted and the fretless gets those strings - economy ;)
The smith is played daily, and a reasonable balance between economics and sound is changing them every 5-6 weeks ($43 a set ... :eek:)

...damn.. I wanted to post a pic of the Picato strings but the damn digicam won't link again... :mad:


Herwig
 
#73
After years of searching and not knowing any better, I finally tried some Thomastik-Infeld Jazz flatwounds on my 5 string. They are kind of pricey but I think I will stick with them. They give me the sound I want and need and are easy on the fingers. They have a very soft core and are very responsive. Thumbs up.
 
#79
Originally posted by bassic1959
After years of searching and not knowing any better, I finally tried some Thomastik-Infeld Jazz flatwounds on my 5 string. They are kind of pricey but I think I will stick with them. They give me the sound I want and need and are easy on the fingers. They have a very soft core and are very responsive. Thumbs up.
Click to expand...
me too
i use others for comparison rounds mainly
the TI rounds are very smooth and silky..just need a bit more tension..maybe
got the flats by mistake and find they are just as flexible with that slightly woody tone which is just right...both suit me fine..using elixir now just for the ride and will try DR sunbeams for the same reason..otherwise how can we comment in future..
big no to stainless and heavy rock gauges..
 
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