Strings Used and Why?

[CMR Bass]

Hi BassChat Friends,

I tend to jump around from string gauge to string gauge depending on the bass used, style of music and how I feel. At the moment I'm using D'Addario EXL230s which are 55-110 so quite a heavy string. I use them on a GMR SoundBoard 5 and string it E-C with a 35 as the C.

I also like the 40-95 set with a 24 in the C and also a 45-100 set with a 28 in the C. For me the heavy set enables a lower action with less string rattle along with a louder and more punchy tone.

It'd be interesting to hear which strings you all use on which bass and why.

Look forward to some replies,
Craig

Edited November 2, 2013 by CMR Bass

[Lozz196]

Rotosound Swingbass Nickel Rounds (45 - 105). Used to use Rotosound Swingbass Steel Rounds (50 - 110) but Muzz on here sent me a set of the nickels and I far prefer them as they`re warmer sounding, and not quite so abrasive under the fingers. I also leave them on as long as possible, as really dislike the sound of new strings and these nickels seem to keep a nice worn in tone better than the steels which reach a point of no return.

[goblin]

DR HiBeam - They sound great, feel great and last for ages

[Thunderbird]

I nearly always used Ernie Ball super slinkys and think they are a great string but I am currently experimenting with cheaper brands (£10 or less) at the minute I am using Picato 735 standard gauge strings and they seem good and are in budget and they also have some very favourable reviews on here and other websites but I have not had them on my bass long enough for me to know if I like them or not. I also have a bass strung with Daddario pro steels and I really like those they seem to stay bright for ages and have a nice tension.

[icastle]

Rotosound Swingbass Nickel Rounds 45 - 105 and a 135 if used on a 5 string.

They're a music shop 'standard' and are easy to get hold of without having to keep a stock of spares that I can't afford to do.

That repeatability is key to me as I don't want to spend time adjusting things after a string change.

[clauster]

Elites stainless steel 45-105.

I've used them for 20+ years with occasional forays into other brands.

Almost as good availability as Rotos but not so harsh on the fingers and don't go dead so soon.

[KiOgon]

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1383464005' post='2264626']
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They're a music shop 'standard' and are easy to get hold of without having to keep a stock of spares that I can't afford to do.

That repeatability is key to me as I don't want to spend time adjusting things after a string change.
[/quote]
2 Excellent reasons & very valid If I change brand/guage/type of strings on any bass, to me it will need a full set up.

I don't like any roundwounds so for me the chances of ever buying a set of Flats in any shop near me are ZERO. All my strings I get online at the best price I can find at the time, which is only usually if I get a new bass 'cos flats last 'forever'

GHS Precision Flatwound 55-105 on P-bass, particularly the 1.75" nut width - I think they are the best sounding, best feeling & balanced right for a big old P neck.

I also use Status Hotwire Flats 45-105 on P-bass with 1.625" nut, they're best VFM flats I've tried.

TI Jazz Flats 43-100 on Jazz bass, fretted & fretless, for me the best feeling strings in the world! Smooth & soft with a tone that's perfect for a Jazz, IMO.

I usually have 1 bass at least fitted with GHS Black Nylon Tapewounds 50-106, soft & velvet tones, also frets & fretless.