• Ernie Ball
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  • Sterling by MusicMan

J-Bass

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2013
Messages
7
I've used Ernie Ball Super Slinkys (45/65/80/100) on my Jazz Basses for years before getting the StingRay which came with that very gauge on. Recently I've put slightly heavier on the Jazz ...85 and 105 on the A and E ... when I picked up the 'Ray again I noticed the difference. Can I get any comments on what you guys prefer on your 'Ray? I'm thinking of reversing my arrangement .... put slightly heavier on the 'Ray and lighter on the J's ...and the very small difference of the neck widths might suit that ... more narrow J necks can take the lighter gauge, the 'Ray neck take heavier.

And if I did change from Slinky to Hybrid, would the 'Ray need any neck adjustment?

Regardless of what I do, the 'Ray has me absolutely in love! :)
 

Gravesend Black

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
427
I prefer Cobalts. But there is only standard 45/65/80/100/130 gauge for a fiver. You can try Cobalt Hybrid Slinkys(45/65/85/105).
 

J-Bass

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2013
Messages
7
Are cobalts more like Stainless Steel or Nickel? ..... or quite different? I like Nickel ...... I've used SS a bit but too much like bashing tin cans, Nickel for me is smoother is sound and feel..
 

Gravesend Black

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
427
Before I got Cobalts I used nickel strings for a long time. It is hard to tell about similarity but playing Cobalts obviously is not like bashing tin cans :) But that is all a matter of taste. You will never know before you try something.

The only thing from my personal experience and taste the Cobalts have to wear out a bit for ultimate sound I like. Fresh Cobalts are very aggressive. At least with ceramics SR5 =)
 
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Chris C

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Jul 1, 2005
Messages
186
Location
UT
I like 40-60-80-100 SS on all my basses. But, because of the string-through-body on the Stingray, I can't use that gauge without the outer wraps of the string ending on the headstock side before reaching the nut (not good at all!). So on the 'Ray, I've gone to 40-60-75-95 because that is offered in the "super long" scale version in the type of string I prefer. It has taken a little getting used to, but it's far better than having a "reverse taper core" string set. :eek:

Oddly enough, I didn't have to adjust the truss when going to the lighter strings.
 
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