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What kind of strings do you use?
- Thread starter bryan bailey
- Start date
D'Addario XL Chromes, Regular Light Gauge (45-100) flat wounds.
I only made the switch from rounds to flats a few months ago, but I can already say that I doubt I'll ever go back. I make no claims of tonal superiority, though I do like the way they sound. What I will say is that for me personally, flats are just massively more comfortable to play.
I only made the switch from rounds to flats a few months ago, but I can already say that I doubt I'll ever go back. I make no claims of tonal superiority, though I do like the way they sound. What I will say is that for me personally, flats are just massively more comfortable to play.
GHS Pressure Wounds. Brighter than flats but smoother than rounds. I went from rounds to flats. Did't cut through in the band mix. Went back to rounds. Next string change will be most likely will be GHS Pressure wounds. Don't get me wrong. The Chromes sounded great at home by them self but with the band just not working. Maybe my old ears are just not what they used to be. I am speaking of my Pbass. My Jazz will wear rounds where they belong.
Recently Fender flats on my P, and a slightly pre-used set of labella stainless steel rounds on my new P while I wait for another set of the Fenders from BSO.
I use ernie ball super slinky cobalts on my 4 string and currently have rotosound swingbass on the 5 string. however, if I had my way the 5 string would also sport ernie ball cobalts ( sadly the LMS only carries one 5 string set of bass strings and they are the roto sounds.
I love D'Addario Prosteels 45-100. Just awesome all around. In a pinch I will use Ernie Balls Super Slinky. To be honest, in a real pinch, I'll slap anything on the bass...whatever is in budget or on the shelf. Shoe strings and spaghetti are always a possible source.
shoes strings and spaghetti, that was funny. I personally try to stay with one brand and type for everything my les paul sports ernie ball super slinky cobalts as does my 4 string bass but sadly the 5 string cobalt set just isn't available without ordering online or making a 3 hour round trip drive
I used Rotosound round wounds for years then decided to try something different. After trying nickel strings, half wounds, various gauges and brands (GHS,Fender, D'Addario, Rotosound), I've finally settled on flat wound strings. I'm really diggin D'Addario Chromes. I'm using the D' Chromes 50 - 105 on my P bass and, although the sound and feel are very nice, I stepped down a gauge to 45 - 100 for my J bass and they sound and feel fantastic. To me, the 105 E string is too heavy. However, I'm going to step down one more gauge and order a 40 - 95 set for the J bass with the hopes that I can bend notes, and then install the 45 - 100 gauge on the P bass.
I've had the 50 - 105 on the P bass for months and realizing that I finally found MY string type, I bought a set of Rotosound flats - 45 - 105 for another bass that I had, and honestly, they didn't feel flat at all, and after playing the D' Chromes I can't go back to using another type or brand of strings. Seriously love the D'Addario Chromes.
Someone turned me onto DR strings in high school and I always go back to them. I use the high beams. I've used the low riders but can't tell the difference between them. High beams are my default.
Try the Rotosound Flatwounds. They have that Roto - Sound. Based on your comment you'll probably like those.
BassHouston
Supporting Member
- Jan 30, 2012
- 657
- 856
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Fodera Guitars,Michael Tobias Design, DR Strings
I'm pretty much stuck with DR strings (Marcus Miller and Lo Rider)for a long time, bought a lot of sets this past several weeks for a good price.
List of strings that really "stick" for me right now:
I almost completely eliminated nickel wound, hex core. Just not my thing.
On a related note, I should sell all basses not listed above
- Hi-Beams are my favorite for general use, on my maple neck Stingray and my AVRI Precision
- The SS/round-core Foderas are randomly tested for the same uses as the Hi-Beams
- Sunbeams on my JJ Corvette
- Chromes on the Bongo6H
I almost completely eliminated nickel wound, hex core. Just not my thing.
On a related note, I should sell all basses not listed above
I'm using the 7250M's that came with my VM Jaguar Special. I'm still more concerned about getting my fingers to go to the right frets at the right time to put a whole lot of thought into what strings I'm using beyond their physical condition.
As I progress beyond mere hand and finger conditioning drills, when should I start thinking about string choice?
As I progress beyond mere hand and finger conditioning drills, when should I start thinking about string choice?
I use wrapped strings on my Ibanez .it gives me a warmer sound when I need it , and with minor adjustments I can get the attack and growl . On the Gibson, or most other basses Ive had,I use flats.
You guys into Roto 66s should be warned, they do a number on your frets !
They always ate frets as far as I remember. I used to use them and after 6 months I needed a fret job ! Unless you have stainless frets on your bass stay away from them.
They always ate frets as far as I remember. I used to use them and after 6 months I needed a fret job ! Unless you have stainless frets on your bass stay away from them.
