thickening the soup (string discussion)

[bass-slinger]

In the past year I have gone from slinky 40's to 45's, and this week, 50's on my bongo HH...the increase in tone has certainly been worth it. I also have tried both nickel and stainless steel recently (makes me think I need another bongo...one with nickel 50's, another with stainless steel 45's) Thought it would be a good excuse for a discussion, what strings do you swear by and why (guage, winding and metal)?

 

[danny-79]

Ive been going through this with myself now since ??? forever
Regular Slinkys 50-105's were my preferred gage for a long time, then made a conscious decision to go lighter so went straight in with Super Slinkys 45-100's , as much as i like the idea of playing light i just cant get on with light strings, so no brainier Ive finally settled on Hybrids 45-105's Nickles.
I use the same Orange pack on everything i own (non EB basses included)

 

[strummer]

I lite the way my basses came strung
Ernie Ball | Products

I also like the coated strings, same brand and gauge.

 

[RaginRog]

I was always a fan of .105 E string...medium gauge, but the past 3 or 4 months I must say that I really like the clarity of having a .100 E string. I also notice I get much better action on my basses...both on my EBMM & $enders.

 

[syciprider]

I tried the Coated and liked them. Not as bright but just as warm.

 

[RaginRog]

I tried the Coated and liked them. Not as bright but just as warm.

I noticed they're not as bright...surprised because I remember the Elixer strings being quite bright.

 

[gjj]

For d'Bongo Stealth HH 4stringer

I use DR Black Beauties 50, 70, 85, 100. Have to mix sets but think it's worth it....
Evens out the tone bringing the G and D closer to the A and E in terms of volume and timbre.
I started with standard sets having 45, 65 but the G and D seemed a tad thinner sounding. The 50, 70 did the trick.
Black on black with black hw and black (ebony) fb looks cool too.

Thinking of trying out Aurora color coated's as they make buying custom guaged sets easy. Anyone used tem?

Just my 2 cents.

 

[keko]

I noticed they're not as bright...surprised because I remember the Elixer strings being quite bright.

That's correct, but Coated EB slinkies sounds like regular slinkies after few gigs and than last for a long, long time the same way!

That's why I stick with Coated EB strings in original factory gauge!

P.S. ...Elixir sucks 'cause they are overpriced! (almost double price than EB's)

 

[bass-slinger]

I have never tried coated strings, do they feel any different?

 

[danny-79]

I have never tried coated strings, do they feel any different?

A little different, not that much though, there not as bright initially from new (that might not be a bad thing though)
They sound part played in from new, settle down quickly then remain consistent.
The last set i changed was mainly down to the fret damage on them, so they do last !
Try a set !

 

[tp06413]

I have two stingray 5's and I'm considering a stingray 5 classic. Two reasons for considering the classic, 2-band EQ and string through body design. I have used Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings for many years (40-125 guage) and I've never been able to find anything else that sounds as good to my ear. I also have another 5 string with through body design & the Rotos in the 40-125 guage don't work. I've tried Roto extra long scale's but they don't come in 40-125 guage. As I'm very sensitive to the guage (anything bigger feels like I'm playing a tree trunk, especiially the B), this could be a deal breaker for me. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?