MM Basses and Stainless Steel Strings

[2rad]

Hey Guys,
Got a question, I know that stainless steel strings are hard on the frets but the sound is... well, we all know this one. I also understand that some bass manufacturers make their instruments with different fret material, by default, some brand's frets hold up better to stainless steel strings.

Here's the question, I know that Rotosound 66's are about as tough on the frets as you can get, but i love the sound they make, but on the other hand, I don't want to face a fret job every year... Are MM frets tougher than average, or not? Anybody use the Roto 66's? Knowing I love the 66's, if I were to choose another brand, which do you recomend and why?

I restrung my Sterling with EB Regulars, love that gauge size, nice and punchy and powerfull, works for me, but the finger noise is nuts compared to Roto 66's on my other bass, or am I just missing something or simply clueless?

 

[phatduckk]

hey man...


ive been using stainless strings forever! personally im LOVING the EB Stainless.

the way i see it is that using stainless stings might be tougher on the frets but its not like theyre gonna eat thur your frets in a year... it'll take quite a while. to me the getting the stainless tone is worth the extra wear on the frets.

my first sterling's been wearing stainless strings for like 4 or 5 years and he frets are doing just fine

 

[Caca de Kick]

I've always used stainless strings....and no you don't eat frets every year. I have never needed a refret, period, and thats with basses I've owned for 10+ years.

 

[Figjam]

Depends on your playing style. If you play with a relatively light touch or normal tough, you should be fine. If you beat the crap out of it, it may take a little wear. That being said, I dont tihnk any player could eat the frets so badly that it needs a refret after a year. Should take a few. I used to use stainless but use nickels now because I found nickels I like (hybrid slinkies).

 

[tplyons]

I used Roto 66's and LaBella Hard Rockin' Steels on my Stingrays for two years. Never a problem and nothing but great tone.

 

[Paul_C]

I use stainless on my Bongo without too much wear - they are 30-90s though

P.

 

[mrpackerguy]

I prefer the sound of nickel over stainless steel. Too my ears, stainles steel is too bright sounding.

 

[draganr]

I use stainless on my Bongo without too much wear - they are 30-90s though

P.

man are you bass or guitar player?
as for eating frets, feel no fear, frets are made of tough material, especially those on EB basses

 

[Road Pop]

I've never had to replace frets because of using SS strings. I've never had to replace frets, period. I've had to LEVEL frets or polish, or whatever.

I've been playing my main bass for over ten years, and it's getting better sounding everyday.

 

[Paul_C]

man are you bass or guitar player?

I play bass with an acoustic guitarist who has no desire to play solos, so I do them.

For example, we're talking about adding Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile) to our occasional covers list (we mostly play original material) and I'll be the one playing the solo.

The advantage of the Bongo is that the preamp more than makes up for any loss from using light strings, in fact someone complimented it on its evenness of sound across the strings the other day.

P.

 

[draganr]

ok, thats cool, i was half joking, as i like fat sound which (in my oldfashioned opinion) can be delivered only by fat strings!!!

 

[strummer]

ok, thats cool, i was half joking, as i like fat sound which (in my oldfashioned opinion) can be delivered only by fat strings!!!

Don't forget fat fingers and a massive body too

 

[draganr]

Don't forget fat fingers and a massive body too

how did you know how i look like?