Topic: What strings do you guys use...? (Read 16022 times)

SavnBass · « **on:** February 07, 2014, 08:41:46 PM »

I just put a set of TI Flats on one of my basses.. I like them.. I forgot how good flats felt.. I had been using DRs for the past few years and Elixers before that .. D'Addarios before that .. but all rounds.. I like these strings.. they are pricey though.. I am going to try a set of their rounds when it is time to restring my MTD.

Mysteryman · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2014, 10:39:43 PM »

I used to by the cheap Ernie Ball strings.

I bought some DR High beams per a suggestion here and I have also tried the D'Addarios per a suggestion here. The D'Addarios sounded more jazz like and mellow on my Ibanez 305m. I believe the last set I bought were ghs bass boomers. I like the feel of round wound vs flats. I tried flats a long time ago and did not like them. I think I plan on sticking with $20 strings since I only play at home. If I got a good bass amp I probably would have more of a preference. I like the ghs for the price and sound. I need new strings on all of my basses now so I may try a few more brands.

stix_clgi · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2014, 03:53:09 PM »

I've been using the DR Fat Beams for the last 2 years. I love them! Nice broken in feelings, perfect tension on all of my basses, and a nice boost in the low mids that I like. They may not be as bright as some other's but they're perfect for me.

SketchMan3 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2014, 05:38:28 PM »

I haven't changed the strings on my bass since I got it used. I have no idea what strings they are but I assume they are the stock strings that come with the P-Bass style Silvertone Revolver

That's information is not really worth anything but I figured I'd share it anyway. I'm due for a new set. Something that isn't steel and won't wear down my frets.

floaded27 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2014, 10:46:41 PM »

I have absolutely no idea. I think Tim from Callowhill put a new set on when he upgraded my bass 2 years ago, but I dont know what brand and I havent changed them since. My other basses have some el' cheapo strings on them. I used to use Ken Smith strings on my basses, but I dont remember which particular series, so I always get ready to buy and when I cant remember, I hold off on the purchase. uggh.

Had the coated DR strings on one of my 5's but they were waaaaay too stiff and just didnt sound right. I'm looking for a set of half-rounds to see what different sound i get from that single MM pickup on my MTD 5 string. Not sure what brands have those.

Mysteryman · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2014, 08:54:55 PM »

Just got some ghs bass boomers on my four string since they were cheap at best buy. I thought I was getting a lower gauge but it looks like I bought the same strings I put on it previously. The 105 gauge. I checked the intonation and it doesn't appear I need to do anything to it.

DWBass · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2014, 01:50:48 PM »

D'Adds. XL's. It's the only strings that work for me. Gives me just the amount of brightness I like and they last long. Lastly, affordable at $16 a set for my 4 strings. $24 a set for my 5 strings.

Mysteryman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2014, 03:56:32 PM »

I just bought a set of dunlop nickel wounds for my other ibanez ergodyne bass. Going to put them on when I get home. 45-125. I can't remember the bridge type but the 130 is always gets stuck in the groove.

Steelpulz · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2014, 10:50:17 PM »

I use Circle K Strings http://kaliumstrings.com/home.html .190 gauge .

fancyron · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2014, 08:42:42 AM »

I use Ernie Ball super slinkys on my music man. DR hi-beams on my Fender jazz

PianoClubhouse · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2014, 09:30:41 AM »

whatever the cheapest ones are at GC whenever i happen to go...lol.

Robear22 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2014, 02:14:36 PM »

I use D'Addario, Dunlop, and Hartke. The Hartke set can be had for $9.95for a 4 string set and I believe $12.95 for 5 string.

sixstringpoet · « **Reply #12 on:** April 19, 2014, 01:03:10 PM »

Just about any strings that are stainless steel. I love Dean Markley SR 2000 and DR's, but will use Carvin strings to save money.

kingjames59 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2014, 04:52:19 PM »

Anyone like rcocco strings?

malthumb · « **Reply #14 on:** June 22, 2014, 08:38:04 AM »

Quote from: floaded27 on February 14, 2014, 10:46:41 PM

I have absolutely no idea. I think Tim from Callowhill put a new set on when he upgraded my bass 2 years ago, but I dont know what brand and I havent changed them since. My other basses have some el' cheapo strings on them. I used to use Ken Smith strings on my basses, but I dont remember which particular series, so I always get ready to buy and when I cant remember, I hold off on the purchase. uggh.

Had the coated DR strings on one of my 5's but they were waaaaay too stiff and just didnt sound right. I'm looking for a set of half-rounds to see what different sound i get from that single MM pickup on my MTD 5 string. Not sure what brands have those.

The part I highlighted in bold red reminds me of a story from an interview witht he late, great Bernard Edwards, bassist for super-group Chic, and bassist / producer for Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, and a number of groups in the '80s and '90s. He was asked what type of strings he used on his Music Man Sting Ray. He yelled over to his equipment guy..."what kinda strings do Music Man basses come with?" He had never changed them.

To answer the original question....

I have one 5-string and two 4-string basses using DR Black Beauties
I have one 5-string with DR Fat Beams
I have one 4-string with Ken Smith Compressors
I have one 5-string that I recently acquired that I have no clue what is on them, but they will soon be replaced by either Black Beauties or Fat Beams.

fluteminstrel · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2014, 06:19:13 PM »

please someone school me on flat or wound please explain the different in these strings and how they would sound thanks a lot I keep hearing these terms but did not understand what they were thanks again

Mysteryman · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2014, 08:01:08 AM »

I bought flat strings once before and did not like them. They don't have grooves in them like round. When you rub your fingers on them they are smooth. If you ever played the bottom two strings on a guitar flats are smooth like that.

funkStrat_97 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 29, 2014, 08:18:37 PM »

Quote from: fluteminstrel on June 25, 2014, 06:19:13 PM

please someone school me on flat or wound please explain the different in these strings and how they would sound thanks a lot I keep hearing these terms but did not understand what they were thanks again

Here you go.

yumuledu · « **Reply #18 on:** April 27, 2015, 04:51:54 PM »

Try Black Nylons. They feel like flats, have a beautiful black nylon (unless it's a different color, like the Labellas), and sound great for modern playing or a fretless! I seriously don't know why a lot of people don't use these strings. The sound is hard to explain. Jut be wary that it can get a bit slippery so get a microfiber cloth

txh003 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2017, 06:23:25 PM »

Note: Decided to bump an old thread as oppose to reposting the same question in another thread.

Since 2004, when the D'Addario Slowounds were discontinued, Ken Smith Burners (ML .45-.125T) have been my string of choice. However, this year I started using DR Fat Beams (M .45-.125) to try something different. Overall, I like DR Fat Beams a lot and might continue to use them going forward, due to their local availability and lower cost.

I am also intrigued by the DR Pure Blues and Dean Markley Blue Steels (NPS). More than likely, I will give both of them a go later year.

What is everyone using in 2017?

Author Topic: What strings do you guys use...? (Read 16022 times)