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What strings?

#4
D'Addarios will die even quicker than Rotos. You may just be a high intensity, high maintenance bass player needing to change strings more often. When I was gigging every weekend, I routinely had to change at least my E string for every gig, and the rest of the set about every other gig to every third gig.
 
#8
I've never had that kind of an issue with 66s, I've played them and brought them back to life many times. You can try reinstalling the strings, you might want to try soaking them in denatured alcohol while you're at it. By loose, do you mean they go out of tune easily, or are they in tune but not as stiff?

If you're playing hard enough to damage 66s, I'd be concerned about your right hand technique - I'd think you'd run into muscle or tendon problems playing that hard.

It's hard to say what the best way to address the problem is without comparing a string that you've used with a fresh string, but here's a couple of thoughts on alternatives:

Maybe try some half wounds or ground wounds? I had a set of Ken Smiths on a bass that sounded really nice, and they last a lot longer than rounds.

I've also used Roto 99s and liked them. They aren't as stiff but if your playing style is screwing up the windings somehow a contact core might help. They look fragile but I've only ever broken one screwing up an install, they stand up to very aggressive playing (and Roto will replace a string broken during an install).
 
#9
Bozendoka said:
I've never had that kind of an issue with 66s, I've played them and brought them back to life many times. You can try reinstalling the strings, you might want to try soaking them in denatured alcohol while you're at it. By loose, do you mean they go out of tune easily, or are they in tune but not as stiff?

If you're playing hard enough to damage 66s, I'd be concerned about your right hand technique - I'd think you'd run into muscle or tendon problems playing that hard.

It's hard to say what the best way to address the problem is without comparing a string that you've used with a fresh string, but here's a couple of thoughts on alternatives:

Maybe try some half wounds or ground wounds? I had a set of Ken Smiths on a bass that sounded really nice, and they last a lot longer than rounds.

I've also used Roto 99s and liked them. They aren't as stiff but if your playing style is screwing up the windings somehow a contact core might help. They look fragile but I've only ever broken one screwing up an install, they stand up to very aggressive playing (and Roto will replace a string broken during an install).
Click to expand...

In tune, but nowhere near as stiff. I think I need a higher gauge. O only have 35-90s.
Considering Dunlops...
 
#11
35-90's? No wonder... those are incredibly light gauge strings, and this is coming from somebody who prefers the lightest gauge I can find. Look for just about any set with a "medium" gauge and see if you like them.

For the record, most of the strings you can buy in the US are made by either D'Addario or GHS, so keep that in mind when you look at off-brands.
 
#14
thlayli said:
35-90's? No wonder... those are incredibly light gauge strings, and this is coming from somebody who prefers the lightest gauge I can find. Look for just about any set with a "medium" gauge and see if you like them.

For the record, most of the strings you can buy in the US are made by either D'Addario or GHS, so keep that in mind when you look at off-brands.
Click to expand...

Most if you don't consider:

DR
Circle K
Roto Sound
Dean Markley
Dunlop
Elixer
Ernie Ball
 

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