Time for New Strings

[Ravindave_3600]

What should I get, rounds or flats? this brand or that? Why?

I play just about everything - rock, blues, soul, country, mexican polkas - but don't know that much about subtleties of bass strings. Guys at TGP and Dudepit seem to have lots of opinions but since some of you (Brian, Steve and others) know strings, I'd appreciate your input. So, let me hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[Barry]

Mexican polkas? :shock:

I've played bass on nearly every style of music, including orchestrated, folk, rock, oldies, etc, etc... since about 1970. Many have told me it's my forte', my best instrument, although I still want to be (insert name of well-known guitar hero here) when I grow up. :mrgreen:

I've had only one bass most of the time. In trying out various brands of strings over the years, I've settled on GHS Bass Boomers (40-95). I couldn't really say precisely why. I guess they just seem to be the best to my fingers and my ears while staying within my budget. You learn to use the controls on the bass and your fingering techniques to get tonal variations for different songs. I've found it to be easy to do with the GHS strings and a decent (say, a J) bass. I just change them maybe once a year, every few months when I've been active in bands. These are nickel-plated roundwound strings. That makes them easier on the frets than plain steel, too.

When I've had more than one bass, I'll string one with Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. They're a little more expensive but it's easier to get that oldies kind of Motown sound with them. They're easier on the fingers, too, and really can last for years without going "dead". If I ever get a Hofner, I'll put a set of those on it. Right now I just have a Fender J with a set of GHS's strung onto it. It serves me well enough and is very flexible.

As with anything else, YMMV. Hope this helps you in your quest, brother Dave.

[Ravindave_3600]

Thanks much, Bro D. I appreciate your insights.

[Diana J.]

I use flatwound strings on my fretless bass because they
seem easier on the fretboard (don't chew up the fretboard
as much) but they also seem a bit quieter which I don't
like.

[John316]

I used to use flatwounds and liked them for their brightness and sustain (new set). Curiuos (sp) about flatwounds, I thought I'd give them a try. Wow, what a radical difference. Not as bright as RWs but they have a certain "thud" to 'em that appeals to me. Regarding notes ringing, there's no comparison between the RWs. Can't really slap with FWs either.

I also tried a set of tapewounds on my other bass and absolutely love 'em. The tapewounds are moderately birght and have a nice, mellow tone that appeals to me too. An additional benefit I've found with using FWs and TWs is they don't tear up the flesh of my fingers as much. Whereas the RWs were brutal on them.

Since then, I've been using FWs on my Carvin BB75P and tapewounds on my Carvin LB75. Of course, YMMV. ;)

[UncleMarker]

There's a lot of room for taste and personal preference with bass strings, just as there is for guitar. Since I play in different styles (although no Mexican polkas...), versatility is pretty important to me, even though I now have the luxury of multiple instruments.

For the most versatility, roundwounds are probably a better chioce than flats - it's easier to roll off the highs and get that 'thunk' sound than to try to brighten up flats. Right now, I have D'Addario roundwounds on the Fender Jazz - good all-around sound, Thomastik Jazz Flats on the Warwick fretless - great sound, but you can't change it much, and Musician's Friend "Premium" (that's the 7.99 special) on the Electra. I don't recomend the MF strings - but my son likes how they feel better than the D'Addarios. He's playing with Elixir roundwounds on his Schecter and really likes how they play - he does a lot of slapping, tapping, and all those other new-fangled things kids do now-a-days.

I would also second Bardani's vote for the GHS Boomers - that's probably what I'll put on the Jazz when I change strings (within the next few years, I expect...). Don't know if all that helps or not, but figgured I would put in my $.02 worth!