Need new strings for my bass

[TwilightOdyssey]

As I have never owned a real bass guitar before, I have no clue where to start.
Any recommendations on a 45-100 set for a Sterling SUB4 bass?

I prefer round wound strings. For guitar I prefer pure nickel but I imagine on bass they would get torn up real quick?

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

As I have never owned a real bass guitar before, I have no clue where to start.
Any recommendations on a 45-100 set for a Sterling SUB4 bass?

I don't know the Sterling, so I can't make any recommendation specific to that bass.

I prefer round wound strings.

I use round wound on everything except my Gibson EB-1 and my Fender Mustang (I use black nylon tapewound on those).

For guitar I prefer pure nickel but I imagine on bass they would get torn up real quick?

I have been using GHS Bass Boomers for many years. Those are nickel-plated steel. Love them.

http://www.ghsstrings.com/products?categories=bass-boomers

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I'm using 45-125 flats on my bass, but I think I'm gonna switch them out soon for some 45-125 stainless steel rounds. If You find you want a more mellow tone, go with nickels. If you want a brighter sound go with steels.

 

[ginormous]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I don't know the Sterling, so I can't make any recommendation specific to that bass.

Sterling is the starter/student model, based on Ernie Ball Music Man designs.

I'm a D'addario fanboy, so grab some stainless XLs and have at it.

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I'm using 45-125 flats

Wow: 125 E? I prefer a heavier E and have at times used an individual 110 or 115. Who makes 45-125s?

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I'm a D'addario fanboy, so grab some stainless XLs and have at it.

I used XLs for a while, but I was always breaking strings, which was when and why I switched to Boomers.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

Wow: 125 E? I prefer a heavier E and have at times used an individual 110 or 115. Who makes 45-125s?

No i have a 5 string.

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

No i have a 5 string.

Whoops--wasn't thinking.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

Could always tune BEAD, toss the G...

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

Never considered that.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

While I haven't really been able to bond (so far) with my fiver, I'll likely put a build together for that purpose - likely a PJ.

 

[dg27]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

While I haven't really been able to bond (so far) with my fiver, I'll likely put a build together for that purpose - likely a PJ.

I'd be curious to know how it goes. I started on upright bass, so the idea of 5 strings and a B has always been alien to me.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

ive always liked rotosounds for flat wounds and dr marcus miller fat beams for round wounds

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I used to use DR strings (45-105) on my Music Man SUB (active bass) when I had it. Tighter feel but with a great, fat tone:

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

Disclaimer: I'm a D'Addario sales rep.

D'Addario has a new set called FlexSteels. I have them on a 4-string Warwick and I really like them. You can read more about them here.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

I'd be curious to know how it goes. I started on upright bass, so the idea of 5 strings and a B has always been alien to me.

As did I, but now I'm usually playing a 5 string EUB. Bowing a 42" B string is pretty damn cool.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

To the OP, if you have no idea where to start, I'd highly recommend reading/listening to this:

Bass Strings - A Primer

It'll give you the general knowledge of nearly everything that's out there, and what the tonal differences are. From there, hopefully many of the suggestions here will start to make a bit more sense, instead of the usual "These are my favorite and they're the best!" comments.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

Thanks! I am thirsting for knowledge!!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

If you (or any of your project collaborators) have issues with corrosive sweat, stainless steel wrapped or coated strings would be a good way to extend string life.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need new strings for my bass

If you (or any of your project collaborators) have issues with corrosive sweat, stainless steel wrapped or coated strings would be a good way to extend string life.

Thankfully, not an issue, since I don't like the sound of coated ...