What's the brightest strings out there?

[Clark W]

I know, matter of opinion, but what's some of the brightest strings you have ever used?

I'm looking at switching over to a set of Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass Stainless Steel Rounds.

 

[jeff62]

Anything Stainless. And if you need brighter, use the eq on your amp.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The Rotos are the traditional gold standard for the tone you seek.

 

[feterpatch]

In many years of playing, I've only tried a few different brands as I'm a dyed in the wool rotosound guy, but Dunlop (?) super brights were just that, very bright. However I found I didn't like their (to me) lighter feeling tension. I always go back to rotos. Just be prepared to buy them every couple of weeks if you play a lot and want that awesome "new roto" sound.

 

[ajkula66]

Rotos should be bright enough for most applications.

I believe that (now defunct) APEX SS Cryos were the brightest strings I've ever come across in the 45+ years of experience. Killer sound, very tense feeling under the fingers but definitely not for every bass/situation.

 

[tindrum]

D’Addario Pro Steel’s are definitely brighter than Rotos. They also stay brighter longer. Much, much better QC as well.

 

[Lammchop93]

Rotosounds are probably my first choice. Second choice would be DR hi beams.

 

[ctmullins]

DR HiBeams.

Rotos or ProSteels if you want more of a rough texture.

 

[bass.slinger]

Rotosounds are probably my first choice. Second choice would be DR hi beams.

This - the Roto’s will have more growl. I actually prefer the Lo-Riders to the Hi-Beams.

 

[Lammchop93]

This - the Roto’s will have more growl. I actually prefer the Lo-Riders to the Hi-Beams.

I like both. I feel like the low riders have more low mids and growl, whereas the high beams have more high mids and clank.

 

[MrAB4003]

I know, matter of opinion, but what's some of the brightest strings you have ever used?

I'm looking at switching over to a set of Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass Stainless Steel Rounds.

Switch to D'Addario NYXLs! They sound like Rotosound 66s, but they feel so much nicer on your hands. They're also of better quality than anything Rotosound makes.

I played Rotosound 66s and 55s as my main roundwound strings for 12 years before switching to D'Addario. I wish I had switched over sooner! I count the 55s as rounds because they feel and sound like rounds from other brands even though they are marketed as pressurewounds.

D'Addario NYXL Bass Strings

 

[kyral210]

Have you tried an EQ pedal? They change everything, literally.

 

[Clark W]

Switch to D'Addario NYXLs! They sound like Rotosound 66s, but they feel so much nicer on your hands. They're also of better quality than anything Rotosound makes.

I played Rotosound 66s and 55s as my main roundwound strings for 12 years before switching to D'Addario. I wish I had switched over sooner! I count the 55s as rounds because they feel and sound like rounds from other brands even though they are marketed as pressurewounds.

D'Addario NYXL Bass Strings

NYXL is on my list. I've used D'Addario exclusively for about 5 yrs now.

 

[MrAB4003]

NYXL is on my list. I've used D'Addario exclusively for about 5 yrs now.

I played regular XLs for about a year and half before upgrading to the NYXLs. The difference is real!

Regular XLs are the second best rounds I have ever played. Only the NYXLs are better IMHO.

 

[Iristone]

I've discovered a new stainless roundwound: Alice WR550. On my bass they sound pretty much like Roto 66, feel like less tension, and are coated so they should last longer.
One thing I like about Rotos is that the E strings are designed to sound like the higher ones (in practice they may still get "tubby" due to QC), This Alice model is even better in this regard!

 

[Fender_Bender]

I had the Ken Smith stainless rounds on for quite awhile 20 years ago and thought they were super bright. They lasted so long that I don’t think they ever died or anything. I only changed them out for a different sound and to be gentler on the Chinese made frets.

 

[Yahboy]

Anything Stainless. And if you need brighter, use the eq on your amp.

......and the first 24 hours sound ......

 

[Yahboy]

In many years of playing, I've only tried a few different brands as I'm a dyed in the wool rotosound guy, but Dunlop (?) super brights were just that, very bright. However I found I didn't like their (to me) lighter feeling tension. I always go back to rotos. Just be prepared to buy them every couple of weeks if you play a lot and want that awesome "new roto" sound.

Hmmm....... Dunlop Superbright Nickel never sound " That " bright as i expect , she still has bling zing top end but fade out after couple day playing...

 

[Yahboy]

D’Addario Pro Steel’s are definitely brighter than Rotos. They also stay brighter longer. Much, much better QC as well.

The mix of Pro steel BE string with NYXL ADG string are great hybrid combination for 34 scale 5 string bass guitar.

 

[LHbassist]

I first heard Rotosounds in 1969. I was literally stunned at the sound and ring they had. I have now been using stainless rounds for decades, although I currently use mostly flats. I've tried them all, you name the set, I've probably tried it. Other than some of the newest brands like String Joy and Magma, DR, Dunlop, LaBells, Smith, GHS, all of 'em. My favorite stainless set, is the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky- and if I need a set for a 5 string, I buy a separate .125. The D'Addario Pro Steels are similar but come with a .130. Those two, are the most 'zingy' sounding, and longest lasting rounds there are. Great price usually, as well. I also use S.I.T. stainless, but those are not as bright. I stopped using RS66's in the mid seventies, when this poor working cover-band bassist got some dead strings brand new in the package! And in one case, an entire set.