• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which bass strings? I have no idea

N

NordLead

Sep 17, 2009
53
0
#1
I'm a guitarist looking for some bass strings, so I have no idea what gauge and what brand. I'm going to be using a 4-stringer tuned to E standard. This isn't going to be used for any popping or slapping whatsoever, and I'm going for more of a clean sound that fills out the mix :). Think power metal bands, just a standard clean bass sound, so definitely none of that PLOPPLUNKPOPTWACK string noise. I think I'd have to get a slightly higher gauge for something like that? Take a look at my other thread to see what I mean http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=581853

Anyway, what's a good brand, and most importantly what's a good gauge to get?
 
#4
Man, you'll get so many different opinions on strings that it really gets confusing. I use Labella 'Deep Talkin" flats, but they have a very heavy, deep sound. Go to Lakeland.com. They have an page there that gives some good sound clips of all different types of strings doing all kinds of music. They even have the strings played with both finger style and pick.
 
#5
.45-105 roundwounds is where to start for sure. That's "standard" bass gauge.

Specific brand ... quite honestly, whatever your local store has should suffice, but D'Addario ProSteels, the RotoSounds mentioned above or Fender 7250's will give you what you need until you develop your own preference.

Do a search in here on each of those brands for specific feedback on each brand.

Talk to 10 bass players though, and you likely come up with 10 different types/ brand / gauges ... the reco above is a starting point only.
 
#8
DR Hi-beams are what I usually buy. I like them for their flexibility and their suprisingly long lifetime. Theyre killer for slap, but work great for fingerstyle too. They are a bit trebly to start with though, but you can dial it out and still have a rich high mid :)
 
#11
Not to be argumentative, but I don't think there is a "Standard" E string. 105 is used alot, but I've had basses that used as light as a 90, and one set I have uses a 119. My current 'go to' bass has a 109 E string. Unfortunatly, bass strings are pretty expensive (compared to guitar), so trying out different sets can put a bit of a strain on the wallet.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back