Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 I wonder if I need to try Elixir again...my last experience was pretty poor with the 'E' dead right out of the packet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I use Elixirs on my acoustic guitar, and they do retain their brightness for ages. Never tried Elixirs on bass though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oZZma Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 2 minutes ago, oZZma said: Have you tried washing your hands? I did once...didn't make any difference 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I've had good results with Dunlop Super Brights at the cheaper end and then D'Addario NYXL's at the pricier end. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 What's the theory behind the NYXLs? How do they differ from the normal D'ads? Hard to tell from the marketing speak! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 Hmmm that's me convinced enough to try a set...I'd settle for 4 gigs! Thanks Muddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 You'd think that, by now, there'd be a pedal to give the effect of new strings. 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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! 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 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.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJE Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 Tech21 DP3X pedal is string CPR DR strings are the nuts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey Steve Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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