What strings should I use?

[ChaosAD]

Hi guys just looking for some advice on bass strings.
I tend to play mostly metal but I also like to play a lot of Primus tunes (Les Claypool tends to use Dunlop super brights). I also play a lot of soother and melodic stuff (Such as John Myung's Solar Groove).
Most important of which is slap bass. I play a lot of slap bass so they should have a nice, bright punchy tone to them.

What strings would people recommend? Steel, nickel or hybrid?
Also, what gauge would you go for?

I usually tend to go with Kalium but that's mostly because they came highly recommended for drop tuned metal (Last band I was in played in A) but I don't really play much in that tuning anymore.

Are there any other brands people would recommend?

Also worth noting that I play a 6 string bass.

Thanks!

 

[BigBenH18]

I'd recommend stainless steel strings for metal and a punchy slap sound. But now comes the conflict. For slap you'd want flexible strings so light gauge and/or round core would be the way to go for. For metal you'd want a tight bottom end so heavier strings and hex core would do a good job. Do you have any preferences regarding string gauge and stiffness? Do you play with fingers or pick?

 

[ChaosAD]

Thanks Big Ben.

Good question. This is where I really need more than one bass lol. Sometimes I use a pick, sometimes I use my fingers. It depends what I am playing to be honest and what sort of sound I need. I've got one song where I use fingers, pick and slap all in one song so I do understand I'm never going to find any strings that are perfect for all of them.
As for preference of gauge and tension, I do prefer the sound and feel of lighter strings but if I end up dropping to A again then light strings aren't generally much use for that (I really do think I need at least another 15-20 bass guitars. You know, just because)
I actually have 3 bass' but 2 of them are in bits lol.

 

[BigBenH18]

Another question: What didn't you like about Kalium? Which ones did you play?