MaggaraMarine

Hi!

Today the D string of my Tokai Thunderbird bass snapped so I need new strings. I have never changed strings on bass because I bought my bass pretty recently. So I need some string suggestions. Which strings are good, which should I avoid? Which gauge should I buy? I play in standard tuning, my scale length is 34 inch.

The brands we have at the nearest music stores are D'Addario, Dunlop, DR, Warwick, Ernie Ball, Fender, Hartke and Marshall.

Thanks in advance.

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My motto: Play what the song needs you to play!

Gear:

Charvel So Cal (MIJ)
Digitech RP355
MXR Micro Chorus
Laney VC30
Tokai TB48

FatalGear41

The standard gauge for a 4-string bass is .45 to .105. I have never been fond of Fender strings. I think the best strings for the money are GHS Boomers. They tend to be less expensive than most. DR makes fine strings, but they are a bit pricey. Do you prefer nickel-plated or stainless steel? The string by which all others are judged is Rotosound. Frankly, until you settle on certain characteristics that you absolutely must have, almost any string will do just fine.

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MaggaraMarine

What's the difference between stainless steel and nickel plated-steel strings (sound/feel wise)? I don't really know which strings I have used. I'm pretty sure the strings on my bass are some crappy factory strings because I have heard that bass strings don't usually snap and my D string just snapped and I didn't even play it hard, I've had my bass for about six months.

Oh yeah, there's also Rotosounds in one music store. They seem to cost about the same as other bass strings I have seen (€25). They are stainless steel strings. So maybe I'll just buy them?

__________________
My motto: Play what the song needs you to play!

Gear:

Charvel So Cal (MIJ)
Digitech RP355
MXR Micro Chorus
Laney VC30
Tokai TB48

Ziphoblat

Nickel-plated strings tend to feel a little nicer and more natural against the fingers. They're not quite as zingy as pure steel strings when they're completely fresh but there isn't much difference.

Rotosounds are (in my opinion) the best out there... I love the durability, sound and feel. Definitely worth a go... the only way you'll really know which are best for you is by trying them all out.

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ihartfood

I have DR black beauties on both my basses now, they feel great, sound a little darker but still like normal strings and the coating is nice to the fingers.
I recommend those but they run around $30 here.

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Alucard817

I use Rotosound jazz strings. Damn nice, but a bit pricey at just over 30 bucks USD.

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FatalGear41

Nickel plated strings are just a bit mellower sounding. They're also easier on your fingers and your frets. Rotosound are best known for stainless steel strings. Try them. You'll probably love them.

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MaggaraMarine

OK, I think I'll buy the Rotosounds then. Thanks everybody.

__________________
My motto: Play what the song needs you to play!

Gear:

Charvel So Cal (MIJ)
Digitech RP355
MXR Micro Chorus
Laney VC30
Tokai TB48

MaggaraMarine

I bought the Rotosounds. Yeah, these sound funky and feel much better than the old strings.

__________________
My motto: Play what the song needs you to play!

Gear:

Charvel So Cal (MIJ)
Digitech RP355
MXR Micro Chorus
Laney VC30
Tokai TB48

Hail

surprised there wasn't any love for DR hi-beams in here, they have a bucketload of attack.

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BassFreak98

A word of caution here. I see a lot of people recommending Ernie Ball strings. And in my experience, these lose their tone within a month; usually less. I use D'Addario Medium Gauge strings and they sound great. They might not be a big name in Rock, but they sound amazing and keep sounding that way for around 3 months, and you could probably get by with them for a year.

John Swift

Most people seem to miss a very important point.
If your bass is set up well make sure by using a an imperial measurement Micrometre which measures in thousands of an inch for example a 45 G string is 45 thousands of an inch that you get an identical gague.
Using different gauges of strings will alter your intonation as lighter gauge will not pull the neck in as far. Whereas heavier gauge will do the opposite.

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Ashdown RPM pre-amp
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300 watt 15" powered cab
450 watt 15" powered sub bass cab
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1x15x10 + horn

FatalGear41

Has anyone tried those EB Cobalt strings? I've heard good things about the guitar string version, but no one around here carries the Cobalt bass strings.

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Alucard817

Did you get the steel or nickel strings? Round or flat?

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Gessu

I recommend DR's, very clean sound especially DR Hi Beams. I'm loving em

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SONGS:
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Doom metal http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/foru...d.php?t=1513631

willop

I got a set of rotosound swing bass replacing d'addarios and it's night and day different. 5 string set locally was $25

I have fender flats on my ibanez (also $25) and I like them a lot, great to play, but the sound isnt' (of course) the same as the rotosounds.

What others have said about the ernie ball strings was what the guy at the store told me as well.
I was going to get hibeams but they were sold out.

Zaqq

Hey, guys, what strings are good for metal? With bright and definite tone, and which last for long (don't really care about lows or feel). I see you recommend DR Hi Beams, but they are a bit pricey for me. Tried D'Addario Pro Steels and they are awful. Maybe Ernie Ball?

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Lead_Guitar89

D'Addario 0.45 Nickel are very good strings! I use them on my bass!!!

moody git

if you want bright, go for rotosound swing 66's.
rather excellent imo. i've had varying lengths of time before they deaden though, so i don't have definitive time frame for you. i think warwick and elixer (almost certainly others as well) do coated strings which apparently last longer but i wouldn't know.

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