Author Topic: What strings are you using? (Read 402 times)

811952 · « **on:** December 01, 2003, 07:10:00 AM »

I've always been a Rotosound kind of guy. I imagine string manufacturing technology has come a long way in the past 20 years, so I'm open to new ideas. What strings are you folks using? How would they compare to Rotosound Swing Bass?
John

shakeyeraz · « **Reply #1 on:** December 01, 2003, 12:48:55 PM »

DR Sunbeams for my Europa 5. These are the nickel-plated strings - less wear-and-tear and sound good for my style (blues/classic rock).

dean_m · « **Reply #2 on:** December 01, 2003, 01:02:45 PM »

Dean Markley SR2000 and Superwounds.

The Superwounds are the same thing as the SR2000 only they don't have the exposed core like the SR2000. Really bright sound with a solid bottom end. They last quite a while too.
I used to use Rotosounds exclusively. I just got tired of spending money on sets that had at least 1-2 dead strings per pack.

D

jet_powers · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2003, 02:49:57 PM »

I've always been a Roto's man. However, I recently put a set of DR Tapereds on my Rogue 5 and they sound pretty cool. Still like Roto's though......

John

rami · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2003, 05:34:24 PM »

My standard strings are Dean Markley Blue Steels (nickel plated). I put Alembic strings on my Alembics, but if I can't find a set, it's Dean Markley Blue steels.
On The Evil Twin it's Labella Deep talkin' bass nylon tapewounds. The Dark Prince wears Smith Rock Masters. I've recently been trying GHS Boomers, and I like them alot - they're similar to the Blue Steels.

I used Rotosounds for most of my life until I finally got sick of them. Gritty sounding, occasional dead string etc...

Try 'em all and find what works best for your sound. There's no right or wrong.

Rami

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2003, 08:22:02 AM »

I still use Rotos at this time as I live across the street from Sam Ash. The dollar/pound conversion must be cheap right now ( or Richard made one hell of a deal) as I'm buying 5string sets for $21.

Is it just me or do most of you find LOTS of 4string sets and few 5string sets at your retailers? I'd love to try the nickel (blue label) Roto5s, but they never have them. Ash sells lots of KSmiths and Fodera strings, but not in 5 or 6string sets, ironic as these builders are hardly known for 4string basses.

I've used GHS, DR, T-I, but Dino I still need to get around to the DMs. I promise.

I've come to prefer nickel to stainless. Not too fond of the exposed core. The 'low tension' type strings are Ok for me (DR, etc.). Ironically, the best B in a set were the Thomastik-Infelds, who looking at the seemingly bizarre guages they pick out were a real surprise. I seem to remember it was a .118 which I thought SHOULD have been strange, yet the set felt VERY even under my hands across all five.

Has anyone had any luck with these coated/impregnated strings, like the EXP D'Addarios? I'm wondering if for big jump in price this process does extend the useful life as they claim.

I would NEVER get used to Elixirs.

J o e y

thebass · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2003, 08:31:17 AM »

After a long time with DR HiBeams and LoRiders at last I returned to the Rotos finally. Dejavu. Back in the stone age when I started bass playing they where the 1st strings I I bought. They sound great on my MK STD.

palembic · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2003, 08:57:56 AM »

Brother Joey,

I used 1 set of Elixirs light gauge on my former Fender JB. They kept their crisp sound very long. The feel I got in my fingers was about the same as with normal roundwounds.
I changed to D'Addario flatwounds on request of the members in the bigband I played that time.

Paul the bad one

BTW: you're right about 5 and six strings. In the shop here in Leuven you NEVER have choice in 5 strings, they don't have 1 set of 6 strings. Even worse: I heard a salesman disencourage a young man buying a 5 string. Arguments: 1. a good 5 string is far too expensive in comparison with good 4 strings. 2. to amplify a 5 string you need more expensive amplifiers and speakers because of the difficult handling of low frequencies.
What could I say: I would strangle him with my nylon stockings but that's so rude and definitive! LOL

hammondd · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2003, 09:20:31 PM »

I used to use Dean Markley Blue Steels on my Epic, but after trying Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats I'll never go back. Love the way they feel, sound, and I don't miss the complete lack of string buzz with these babies.

Mike

gbarchus · « **Reply #9 on:** December 06, 2003, 02:24:41 PM »

Try some flatwounds - Thomastic-Infield Jazz

Gale

811952 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 08, 2003, 07:59:33 AM »

Where can I find them?

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** December 08, 2003, 02:16:57 PM »

http://www.juststrings.com/thomastikinfeldelectricbassguitar.html

yggdrasil · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2003, 03:45:43 PM »

Here's a forum dedicated to TI strings, as well as some of the lowest prices I've seen:

http://pub206.ezboard.com/fthedudepitfrm18

blazer · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2003, 05:29:34 PM »

D'Addario slowwounds, nothing else comes close

wally_malone · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2003, 04:06:47 PM »

I've used Dean Markely Blue Steels on my Kubick Ex-Factor for over fifteen years and they sound great. Since they don't make those in six-string sets I tried the SR-2000's on my Orion six but didn't like them and went back to the Alembic strings on my six.

Wally