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What kind of strings do you use?

Preferred String Type

  • Roundwounds

    Votes: 5,504 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
    7,950
I recently switched from the stock set to a Bass Strings Online Single-String-supplied Progressive Tension set of D'Addario's ProSteels (.040/.055/.075/.100/.135T) with a Taperwound B-string as the bridge on my Spector Euro Bolt-Ons couldn't take the upward bend from the "ball end" up to the Saddle with a fully-wound B... as well as the fact that I prefer the Tone and Intonation of Tapered Bs. I use this basic set for the vast majority of my Basses: remove the B-string for most 4-strings and add a C for my Six-String, but use XL Nickel sets in the same gauges as above for my "P/DC" EMG-equipped Spector and custom Fretless Spector,the first 4-strings of D'Addario's EXL220-5 Super Light Gauge 5-String set on my '04 Music Man SUB Sterling tuned to C/C#, and their Coated Phosphor-Bronze acoustic strings for my Taylor AB-2 ABG.
 
After much thought, had to vote "Other". I'm fortunate to be able to have more than a couple of basses (15, last time I counted), so I use what ever strings I think will give me the sound I want from that particular instrument. So, I use just about every kind of string type/gauge, and about every brand - except D'Addario. Have tried them several times, but they just don't make it for me. On my favorite bass ('73 Rickenbacker 4001)? Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 50-105s.
 
I have grown hugely partial to DR low riders. I used hybrid slinkys for a long time and just recently in the last few months stated using the DR's. I like the note clarity and punch they give me on both my basses, a modded squier P and an ATK. I'm def a DR convert, they make a great string. I've tried some other DR's but the low riders are my thing now and probably will be for a long while.
 
I now have D'Addario half-rounds on the ebony-fingerboard fretless. I'll stay with something flat-ish on that.

There are rounds from the factory on the Synapse and there's probably no reason to use anything else - plus there aren't a lot of choices in DBE strings without going custom...
 
I got a set of D'Addario Chromes for my second bass which I also just got last week. I am now 100% flatwounds again.

There was something missing with the GHS precision flats on my other bass so I decided to go for the chromes. Awesome decision if I do say so myself. The E string actually has sustain and sounds good. I can't wait until a little bit of the zingyness goes away and they mellow out a bit. Otherwise I'm glad I have both GHS and D'Addario flats. Got the thumpy GHS and chromes with a nice character. :)


I'm gonna get an Elixir set (whatever it takes), I want them to try, how long will they last and how do they feel to play on them. Unfortunately, I don't have possibility to try them, there are not music shops I'm living around. But I'm fed up with traditional metal or nickel wound strings, the are dead in a month or two.

Does anyone know is there an Elixir topic in this forum? I didn't find it, my English is not the best (as you probably noticed). :hiding:

I used a set of elixirs for like 8 months. Overkill? maybe. I still liked the sound though. They never really completely died like uncoated roundwounds tend to do after a month or two

The coating frayed all around the pickup area but stayed solid over the fretboard for a good 5 months and slowly started peeling away. This was with ~2hrs a day average playing.
 
Tried many but DR Sunbeams is what my ears like best. Have tried others since settling on Sunbeams when I was in a pinch and used what was readily available like the ever popular GHS and Deen Markely's but I end up feeling like I can't wait to get them off of my bass for a fresh set of Sunbeams. I guess my search is over. MTD 535 with Sunbeams for me!