6 string sets

[cheddatom]

I desperately want to compare a large range of strings for 6 string basses. I'm sure I've checked most of the main retailers, and none of them have a way to filter for just 4s or 5s or 6s (or more). Does anyone know of such a site?

I only play 6 string basses but I've never been 100% happy with my strings, other than a very high gauge set I once got from Newtone but I don't have the money to keep doing that

[roman_sub]

Interested in this too.... best 6 string set I've tried have been DR hi-beam.

ps this is a US site but may be of interest.... [url="http://www.bassstringsonline.com/6-String_c_12.html"]http://www.bassstringsonline.com/6-String_c_12.html[/url]

[cheddatom]

ahhh, that's what I need, great, thanks! If only it was in the UK

[CamdenRob]

I've been using D'addario pro steels on my sixers for the last couple of years... I'm still not 100% with them but they are the best I've tried.

I picked up a four string set of DR pure blue strings recently and they are the best rounds I have used but not available in a six string set sadly.

[ambient]

I get mine from Amazon. You can just type in whatever you're looking for on there and include 6 string set.

Bass direct have 6 string sets listed separately.

I tend to just make my own set using singles off amazon. Just start with whatever 4 string set and then add a single B and C string. That usually works out cheaper than buying an actual 6 string set. You can also then build your own custom set.

Edited March 22, 2016 by ambient

[cheddatom]

I have no idea which brand or type I'd like to try next, but I'd like to be able to compare lots of sets in terms of gauge and type. I'm generally looking at steel strings, but other than that I have no set opinions

I've looked on bass direct's site and I can't see a way to compare all of their 6 string sets?

[ambient]

What do you want to know exactly ?

I've tried possibly every conceivable string since starting to play 6 string about 8 years ago.

[cheddatom]

I want to know the options really

When I was gigging a lot (about 10 years ago) I was using Elites 5 string sets plus matching high Cs, and these were OK but died quite quickly. I also went through a phase of Elixers but I hated the way the plastic came off, although I gather they've solved this problem in the mean time?

The Newtone set I'm on about was very heavy, I think .145 on the B and .40 on the C, and they were great and lasted ages. They cost me about £65 though

In the last 12 months I've tried Pro Steels which were 0.32 to 0.130. The high C snapped on the first or second "pop" (I'm quite an aggressive player) but other than this they're OK. The low B is nowhere near as good as the Newtone though I don't know if this is down to the gauge or the construction.

I also had some Warwick Red Label and snapped the high C within a minute and the low B within a day

Basically I'm on a very tight budget so it'd be good to be able to compare lots of different 6 string sets by price and figure out what I can afford

[Dood]

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1458662252' post='3009586']
I want to know the options really

When I was gigging a lot (about 10 years ago) I was using Elites 5 string sets plus matching high Cs, and these were OK but died quite quickly. I also went through a phase of Elixers but I hated the way the plastic came off, although I gather they've solved this problem in the mean time?

The Newtone set I'm on about was very heavy, I think .145 on the B and .40 on the C, and they were great and lasted ages. They cost me about £65 though

In the last 12 months I've tried Pro Steels which were 0.32 to 0.130. The high C snapped on the first or second "pop" (I'm quite an aggressive player) but other than this they're OK. The low B is nowhere near as good as the Newtone though I don't know if this is down to the gauge or the construction.

I also had some Warwick Red Label and snapped the high C within a minute and the low B within a day

Basically I'm on a very tight budget so it'd be good to be able to compare lots of different 6 string sets by price and figure out what I can afford
[/quote]

On a side note, if you keep snapping high strings, it may not be the string at fault. Genuinely, no word of a lie, I haven't snapped a string in 20 years. Common causes include a sharp rasp or mishapen bridge saddle slot. You may need to file it smooth if it has 'teeth' in it; grooves made string wear. Or, of course, a look at the way you are pulling strings? I mean that to help and not to be critical of the way you play, I hope it helps

Edited March 22, 2016 by dood

[cheddatom]

I appreciate that. I find the same thing happens on all 3 of my 6 strings on the high C. I've checked for sharp bits on the saddles and can't find any. I think I probably play too hard, or at least pop the high C too hard, but that's because I get carried away and there's not a lot I can do about it (other than getting better, and that's not going to happen! )

The high C from that Newtone set is still intact after 3 years, if a little dead

Edited March 22, 2016 by cheddatom

[Dazed]

How on earth did you snap the low B??

I think in 30+ years of playing I've snapped maybe 3 strings.

[chrismuzz]

I tend to break an E string on average once a year

[BigRedX]

I've managed to snap a low B. It can be done. Although IIRC the one that gave up on me was quite old.

[cheddatom]

I don't want to explain my technique, it's very unorthodox and I'm sure I'd be banned from basschat. I can play "normal" bass too, but I play a lot of weird heavy music which involves abusing my basses