String recommendations

[ken_white]

Anyone got any good string suggestions to replace my elixr's on my Ibanez btb676?
I've not had to replace the strings yet and wondered what strings other people opt for on a 6 string?

Cheers

[AttitudeCastle]

Strings are strings, use what ever strings you like the sound of, what do you normally use on other basses?

Love my BTB676 as well btw!

[ken_white]

Well the last strings that i bought were bass center strings which didn't seem too bad,but that was a cheap 4 string i spent a lot of time learning on.
Now i got the BTB i like the sound of it but i wondered what other people used, but i guess most people stick to4 or 5 strings lol

What strings do you use?

Yeah i love BTB too :-)

[Smythe]

On my 5 String I use D'Addario EXL165SL Roundwounds from G through to E and a D'Addario XL Chromes flatwound on the B, cant really comment on the high C i dont own a 6 string.

[AttitudeCastle]

I use Rotosounds exclusively, but that's my preference. You kind of need to shop around to find what you like best as it's all individual.

If you liked the Elixers why not get another set?

[ken_white]

There ok i guess, but i was thinking of trying Rotosounds just because i've never tried them before.

I think that's the way to go, try a few different sets and see which one i get with and then make a decision!

So how often do you restring your bass? or is that down to personal preference too? lol

[funkypenguin]

For 6ers i recommend either Warwick Black Labels or DR Highbeams. They're a little pricey but you get what you pay for

[Conan]

[quote name='ken_white' timestamp='1344897875' post='1770955']So how often do you restring your bass? or is that down to personal preference too? lol
[/quote]

Pretty much! Some (like me) want a zingy, clangy sound that you can only really get from new strings. If that is your preference and you gig/rehearse regularly, sweat lots and use cheaper strings, that could mean changing them every week!!

Other people hate changing strings and only start to like the sound they make when they have been on a few months!

Totally down to personal preference.

Brand-wise, there are so many to try.... I like DRs at the moment. HiBeams for clang, Fatbeams for a bit more mid.... I haven't tried Sunbeams but they are reckoned to be more mellow and middy. Different strings sound different on different basses too... and don't even get me started on gauges!!

Edited August 14, 2012 by Conan

[deefer_dog]

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1344942109' post='1771339']
Pretty much! [b]Some (like me) want a zingy, clangy sound that you can only really get from new strings[/b]. If that is your preference and you gig/rehearse regularly, sweat lots and use cheaper strings, that could mean changing them every week!!

[/quote]

^^^^^ I can relate to that!! I love new string sound, especially on the D-1! But my DR Neons have been on for a few months and still sound pretty good, even if the coating is coming off in certain areas!

Try many strings, I do like Ernie Super Slinkies though!!

[ikay]

Loads of string reviews on talkbass here if that's of any help in deciding what to try next - [url="http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/showcat.php/cat/17"]http://www.talkbass....wcat.php/cat/17[/url]

Edited August 14, 2012 by ikay

[XylemBassGuitar]

[quote name='ken_white' timestamp='1344897875' post='1770955']
I think that's the way to go, try a few different sets and see which one i get with and then make a decision!

[/quote]

Sounds like a plan

Also keep in mind that each string gauge/brand will have its own feel. Flatwound Thomastiks tend to feel really floppy (IME) while Rotosounds generally have a more stiff feel. Watch out for cheap low B strings too...you'd be surprised how many defective ones can slip through QA and make it onto people's basses.

I get to try out a lot of strings on a lot of basses and (at the moment) I'd recommend checking out:

LaBellas

Rotosounds

DRs (I've been told that their quality is a little inconsistent, but all the sets I've used have been very good).

[Conan]

[quote name='XylemBassGuitar' timestamp='1345046703' post='1772839']DRs (I've been told that their quality is a little inconsistent, but all the sets I've used have been very good).
[/quote]

I've heard that too - but all my experiences have been positive!