The Saint Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 I'm just starting out on bass, having played electric and acoustic guitar for a while and I need some help on choice of strings. When starting out on an acoustic guitar I would advise a beginner to use a light gauge string, purely because it's easier to play. They can change their sound later by moving to heavier strings/using phosphor bronze or any of the huge range available. By the same token, as a beginner on bass, would there be any advantage for me in choosing flat wound or round wound? At the moment I'm more interested in ease of playing rather than how they sound. That'll come later... Are there any other types that I should consider? At the moment I'm more interested in the gauge and type of string I should consider rather than the manufacturer, although specific recommendations would be welcome. Sorry if this sounds a bit basic, but I have to start somewhere...! Thanks Graham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 roundwound. medium gauge. Go into a shop and ask what their best seller is, that will probably do you. or string busters do some £7 legend strings that are quite nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Agree, start off with what is virtually the industry standard, medium gauge rounds, then progress to your own requirements as you establish them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 +1 to both of the above. If you're just starting out then keep it simple - there's plenty of time to start honing your sound once you've got to grips with the basics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 'Medium guage' covers a bit of ground as far as strings go - different manufacturers seem to have their own idea of what is 'medium'. For the sake of argument, are we all talking about .45 - .105 here (a la Rotosound's Standard Guage)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 That would be my opinion of medium - especially seeing as I base my opinion on Rotosound Strings anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1337809021' post='1665947'] That would be my opinion of medium - especially seeing as I base my opinion on Rotosound Strings anyway. [/quote] Yeah, I just mentioned it because Rotosound mediums are .40 - .95. A bit less tension in them than the Standard Guage ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I'd echo everyone else's sentiments. You would probably be best sticking to 100's or 105's before making an informed choice down the line to play lighter (or even heavier!) strings. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 If you're going to be a bass player you've got to make the break from those bendy guitar strings, so I’d suggest the heaviest strings you can find. They are just as easy to play as light weight strings and you've got to leave the twang behind you. Flats are an acquired taste so I wouldn't suggest starting on those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Depends on your hands and the strenght in your fingers and fingering technique. I'd say no bigger than 100-40's myself.... depends if you intend to clamp the strings with a grip or use more finesse. You will need strongs fingers and muscle strenght to fight a 45 string with your little finger after going off a gtr... and you need to take action into account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saint Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) Thanks for your advice guys, seems pretty unanimous on medium gauge roundwound. Chris B, interesting thought about the heavier strings. I've been blessed with girls hands so I think I'll woose out on those... Don't go away, plenty more questions coming....... Graham Edited May 24, 2012 by The Saint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 [quote name='The Saint' timestamp='1337871836' post='1666787'] Don't go away, plenty more questions coming....... [/quote] Don't go away! Keep those questions coming. I'm learning here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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