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Why do you use Fender strings?
- Thread starter mmbongo
- Start date
Thanks for the warning, and thanks guys for the help! These strings do have the red tops, so I'll proceed with caution...by the way, would these strings be regular legnth, or for this bass are they the long scale? Forgive the newbie questions, as like I said, this is my first bass, and therefore my first strings! As far as guitar is concerned, I have probably tried all of the more popular ones, and some of the not so popular ones, and I've come away with liking and using D'addario's. I'm sure at some point I'll give them a whack on the 5 stringer.
Jazzola
"Long Scale" strings are what you want.
Closest in feel to those stock red-silk strings are probably the Rotosound 5 string stainless set. RS665LD
D'Addario 5 string sets are also excellent. IMO, their B string is as good as it gets. The 45-130 nickel set would be a good choice for that bass. EXL170-5
I'm a bit late to this thread bit I have to say that the 9120 tapes really give my fretless jazz a sound that is unbelievable. It just kills and they sit well in the mix of everything that I've used them for. They also last for years.
Other than the 9120's I've never been attached to one particular string and I have found that different strings work well with different basses. For roundwound strings, the way they feel is a great deal more important to me than their tonal characteristics. As a matter of fact the only strings I've ever used that I hated both the sound and the feel of was a set of Rotosound's and even then I think I may have just gotten some from a bad lot.
Other than the 9120's I've never been attached to one particular string and I have found that different strings work well with different basses. For roundwound strings, the way they feel is a great deal more important to me than their tonal characteristics. As a matter of fact the only strings I've ever used that I hated both the sound and the feel of was a set of Rotosound's and even then I think I may have just gotten some from a bad lot.
The first and only set of flats ive ever purchased were bought back on '07. 9050ML's, .45-.95 I think? those things are magical. They rode around on a VMJ and a '94 MIM P. Took them off of both basses before I sold them. Once I find myself another P, it'll wear these strings until one breaks.
That reminds me, I need to get looking for a spare set of old 9050's!
That reminds me, I need to get looking for a spare set of old 9050's!
I have to disagree with your take on string brands. It sounds like you are saying that all flats or rounds pretty much sound the same. I think most players would disagree. As for the "tone is in your fingers" thing, well thats a whole other topic.
However, that has nothing to do with the "Fender" question. Personally I don't like them but I'm one bass player. It seems like quite a few other player like them very much.
Fusion Matched process involves combining materials and workmanship to create matched harmonizing attributes.
I was informed that the red silked strings that come on squiers are not 7250's but are 7350s(stainless steel).
I bought a Marcus Miller V about 2 years ago and the bass sounded amazing. I swapped the original strings to DR fat beams of the same gauge and the DR sound thinner. Same treble, same mids, but less lower mids and bass.
I tried Curt Mangan strings once, and they were fine strings. That being said, I find the whole "Fusion Matched" thing a bit embarrasing, I believe the package read something like matching the right material with the right people operating the winding machines. Is´nt that what most string companies do?
never have. Likely never will.
Well, maybe not never - My '77 J bass came with stock flats when I bought it new. They lasted about a week before the G string broke. Haven't bought Fender strings since.
Well, maybe not never - My '77 J bass came with stock flats when I bought it new. They lasted about a week before the G string broke. Haven't bought Fender strings since.
I used to feel like BigOldHarry about Fender strings. But the new 9050CL flats set, 45-60-80-105, has converted me from 35+ years as a roundwound guy to these new flats. They have it all: clarity, growl, consistency (both up the neck and string to string), feel, everything. Even if you have another personal preference, everyone should at least try these once for a reference.
They were developed last fall; I got an advance set; they premiered at NAMM in January, and just came on line at JustStrings.com :
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They were developed last fall; I got an advance set; they premiered at NAMM in January, and just came on line at JustStrings.com :
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I bought some Precision Flats (purple ends) as my first ever set of flatwound strings, last summer. They were for a P-Bass so I figured why not. And the price was right.
I'm liking the sound and feel, but in 2 or 3 years when it's time to replace them
that doesn't mean I might not try another brand.
I'm liking the sound and feel, but in 2 or 3 years when it's time to replace them
that doesn't mean I might not try another brand.
Sure sounds like Marketing BS to me. And I work in marketing so I know it when I see it.
I have tried a number of different string brands, but every Fender/Squier bass I have ever owned has ended up with Fender 9050ML flats on it. I love the way they feel (smooth with good tension), their tone with a P pickup is absolutely perfect (thump to thunder and whatever in between), they are relatively inexpensive for flats, and they last only slightly less than forever. Simply put, they are the perfect strings, at least to me.
There is a lot of BS on the Curt Mangan packages. I like this bit, especially: "Our strings are not for everyone, but they are perfect for those tired of mass-marketed products and manufacturing mediocrity."
Which is more or less accusing you of preferring mass-market mediocrity should you buy anybody else's strings. They also toot the "Made in USA" horn pretty hard. All other things equal, I like to buy American-made stuff, but waving the flag is itself no guarantee of quality.
The really funny part is that despite all the chest-beating, they really are nice strings. I've got them on my instrument right now.
