Strings...oh god not again!

[Moos3h]

Hi all

 

I realise this may have been done to death but given my requirements might be different to others' I figured it was worth an ask.

I ... Like... New Strings (and I cannot lie)!

I really like the sound of new strings (Nickel rounds being my standard) but after one gig or rehearsal mine go totally dead and lifeless. 

 

Are there a particular brand that retain that 'just stepped out of the salon' sound of fresh strings? Or do I have to resign myself to taking out shares in Rotosound and just replacing them when the thrill is gone?

 

Cheers,

James 

[dannybuoy]

My D'Addario nickels stay bright for quite a long time, compared to say a set of Fender nickels that sounded dead out of the pack. I take it you're using Rotosound nickels? Coated strings are probably the way forward, e.g. Elixir.

[Moos3h]

I wonder if I need to try Elixir again...my last experience was pretty poor with the 'E' dead right out of the packet

[JapanAxe]

I use Elixirs on my acoustic guitar, and they do retain their brightness for ages. Never tried Elixirs on bass though.

[Moos3h]

Funnily enough, I'm the same. Swear by them on acoustic but for bass I was left very disappointed and at nearly £45 a packet they should be frigging amazing!

[Guest oZZma]

26 minutes ago, Moos3h said:

I really like the sound of new strings but after one gig or rehearsal mine go totally dead and lifeless. 

Have you tried washing your hands? 

[Moos3h]

2 minutes ago, oZZma said:

Have you tried washing your hands? 

I did once...didn't make any difference

[Mudpup]

I've had good results with Dunlop Super Brights at the cheaper end and then D'Addario NYXL's at the pricier end.

[Moos3h]

What's the theory behind the NYXLs? How do they differ from the normal D'ads? Hard to tell from the marketing speak!

[Mudpup]

1 minute ago, Moos3h said:

What's the theory behind the NYXLs? How do they differ from the normal D'ads? Hard to tell from the marketing speak!

I don't really know the tech blurb but i was given a set to try a few years back and they lasted about 8 gigs for me and still sounded ok when i eventually took them off. I usually struggle to get 4 gigs out of strings - as soon as the zing is gone i change them......

[Moos3h]

Hmmm that's me convinced enough to try a set...I'd settle for 4 gigs! Thanks Muddy

[SpondonBassed]

You'd think that, by now, there'd be a pedal to give the effect of new strings.

[Lozz196]

I don’t know re their nickel strings but Warwick Red Label Steels are very similar to Rotosound Steels but last me about 3 times as long.

[dannybuoy]

7 minutes ago, SpondonBassed said:

You'd think that, by now, there'd be a pedal to give the effect of new strings.

Darkglass B7K / X7! 😁

[Geek99]

Just now, Lozz196 said:

I don’t know re their nickel strings but Warwick Red Label Steels are very similar to Rotosound Steels but last me about 3 times as long.

Plus one 

totally awesome strings for peanuts 

[Moos3h]

2 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

I don’t know re their nickel strings but Warwick Red Label Steels are very similar to Rotosound Steels but last me about 3 times as long.

What's the feel like? I tend to find playing Steelies is like having strings covered in sandpaper, or have I chosen badly in the past?

[Lozz196]

Pretty much like Roto Steels in that respect as well- pretty rough and quite high tension but like anything you get used to them pretty quickly.

[Mudpup]

1 hour ago, Moos3h said:

Hmmm that's me convinced enough to try a set...I'd settle for 4 gigs! Thanks Muddy

Heres the thread for the freebies with a load of user responses on there....

 

[NJE]

I use Elixirs currently, never had anything but hugely positive things to say about them. They outlast everything else and make the hefty initial outlay well worth it over the course of a year.

D’Addario NYXL strings are also incredibly long lasting, especially as they do not market them as a ‘long life string’. They don’t stay super bright, but they have kept a good level of brightness the months I have had them on, which is amazing considering a set of Ernie Ball Slinkys (which I do love) last me a couple of practices and gigs and then need replacing.

I hate to be controversial and potentially antagonise any fans, but I personally find Rotosounds strings dreadful. 

[Cuzzie]

Tech21 DP3X pedal is string CPR

DR strings are the nuts

[skidder652003]

or you could just buy 10 packs of Thommans Harley benton Brand at £4.18 each and use them a couple of times each?

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_valuestrings_ebass_light.htm

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_valuestrings_ebass_light_reviews.htm

Edited March 20, 2019 by skidder652003

[ubit]

The trouble is, a lot of people say their strings retain brightness for ages but to me they sound dead. I like brand new brightness and only brand new brightness. Cleaning your hands helps. Boiling gives you another extension of life but the only real answer is to find a supply of cheap enough new strings. I like Stainless for their brightness. 

[ubit]

13 hours ago, Moos3h said:

Funnily enough, I'm the same. Swear by them on acoustic but for bass I was left very disappointed and at nearly £45 a packet they should be frigging amazing!

I tried them on my bass too. Rubbish and dull sounding. As you say, on acoustic they are incredible but they just sound pants on a bass. 

[ubit]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coban-Guitars-Bass-Strings-DCG3/dp/B01LMIDJHE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1553075746&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cheap%2Bstainless%2Bbass%2Bstrings&dpPl=1&dpID=41CHORBhItL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

[Monkey Steve]

D'Addarrio Pro Steels for me - seem to retain that brand new zinginess for longer (and in my experience D'Addarios have always stayed brighter for longer than other brands)