Quest_bikerider Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Probably a question that has been asked a million times before on here, but I just wanted some opinions on the best strings to arm my Fender US jazz bass with, its the active deluxe version with 24 frets, & I think its about time i changed them (cant remember the last time!) . I havnt been playing very long & there are so many different types/size out there it seems confusing. DR strings have been reccomended but I dont know what there like. Im looking for that nice gravely sound. Cheers Marc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregHughes Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I've been playing around with a few on my jazz basses recently and I guess is depends on the style/sound are you looking for. At the moment overral I like D'addario nickelwound strings with a quite light G but fairly heavy E. They have a nice bright sound to them are don't break the bank. I also tried some flats which were interesting, especially for finger style but they do feel really different as they are smooth rather than ridged. I do like to play a bit of slap at home so they are no good for that and therefore would only recommend if you have a couple of basses and have those on one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quest_bikerider Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 Thanks for the info. Im very much in the learning stage at the moment at the bottom end of intermediate I would say, so a long way to go. Not really thought about slap style yet bit advanced for me, as for music I pretty much like anything but lean towards rock/pop. Strings I have at the moment I think are Rotosound & the G seems a little harsh compared tou the others so Im trying to get a more ballenced sound here as well as (as Iv said) a gravely sound, Im not sure weather just a new set of strings will acheive this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KennysFord Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 (edited) Unfortunately (for your pocket) it's a trial and error thing finding the right strings for yourself. I use DR Sunbeams on my jazz and now that I do I wouldn't use anything esle. I tried quite a few different manufacturers strings including other DR ones till I found the ones I liked. You can usually find fairly decent youtube videos for each string, here's one for sunbeams http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY7qmW2FYsI Everyone has their own preference and can can only really tell you what they like. Maybe the thing to do would be to decide what type of sound you want and then look at the different string types/compositions to help you narrow the search. Good luck. Edited February 26, 2012 by kennyrodg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 d'Addario nickels are a nice, bright string with a soft feel and decent compliance (especially, the lighter gauges) - they're probably not as growly as stainless steel. D'Addario are also reasonably priced for a high-quality string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 Not sure what you mean by gravelly? Perhaps your mean 'burpy'? If it is, that's a tone I would try to get by playing fairly hard fingerstyle close to the bridge. As for strings, I use DR Marcus Millers and DR Sunbeams. Whichever I feel like when I'm buying a new set! Both have a nice clear tone but not too much zing which I feel Rotosounds and d'adarios have. To echo other sentiments, just buy and try until you find a sound you're after. But it's always worth playing around with the tone controls and experimenting with your playing style too! Cheers Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73Jazz Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 I love sunbeams on a jazzbass. Other strings i recommend thomastik powerbass (expensive) or elixirs. And of course galli rockstar nickel as the second choice after sunbeams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregHughes Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 (edited) I've not tried sunbeams so I'll have to check them out next time. Edit - just checked the price, they are quite expensive. Do they last well? Edited February 26, 2012 by GregHughes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KennysFord Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 I'm into my third year on the jazz and second year on my Ibanez Blazer. To me they've got better with age .....or maybe I'm just telling myself that because i'm skint hehe. You should get a good 12 months out of 'em tho' I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quest_bikerider Posted March 1, 2012 Author Share Posted March 1, 2012 Thanks for all your comments. Without really knowing what I was doing with respect to replacing my strings (newbie syndrome) I eventually went for DR Fatbeams .45 - 1.05 on reccomendation. All I can say is 'WOW' maybe its because I havnt replaced them for i cant remember when but my bass now sounds fantastic & without too much of a comparison i think the sound is what I was after, its got me on the 'which strings learning curve' anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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