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String question

Figjam

Figjam

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
2,331
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Okay so a few things to bring up.

Right now i use Dr Lo Riders, stainless steel, medium gauge, .045 -.105 on my Sterling. I like the tone, the tension is nice, but i usually get along with most tensions. The main reason im considering switching is because i hear they tend to eat frets more than most stainless steel strings.

So first of all, is this true? Or just a rumor? If they are consistant in this respect with other stainless steel strings, i shall keep them on my sterling.

Other question, when my HH Sr5 comes, im wondering what strings to use. Ive heard that the Sadowsky Stainless strings with the tapered B sound amazing (especially the B string). I want something with good tension as well as a nice slap tone, so these were my idea.

Any other suggestions?
 
Ah yes, and also i guess if there are any nickel strings with good tension and a good slap tone.. I like to keep a relatively high tension as far as medium gauges go because i like low action ,ala less range of motion.
 
Well just to appease stanky


Im also considering trying the EBMM hybrid slinkys .045 - .105 Since they are my gauge of choice and i might as well give ebmm strings a shot, never know i might like em;

who here uses ebmm strings? Thats probably a stupid question but what the hay.
 
My reasoning for looking into the eb hybrid slinks is because they are cheap so i could replace them more often without feeling too guilty. I have a set of Ti rounds coming to me (thx bigballz) so ill be giving them a shot as well.

EDIT: Sadowsky Nickels look like they might be the thing for me. They have a hex core like the DR lo riders ( = higher tension) and claim to be brighter than other nickels. And the 5 string set has a tapered B, as desired. Looks good so far.
 
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Not sure why a specific brand of stainless steel strings would cause more wear than others unless they are using a higher carbon content to make them harder. But then, I would expect them to get brittler. Anybody up on their metallurgy?
 
It may be because the hex core? not sure, but either way i kind of want to stray from stainless in general, ive become paranoid about intense fretwear lately :(
 
Figjam said:
It may be because the hex core? not sure, but either way i kind of want to stray from stainless in general, ive become paranoid about intense fretwear lately :(
Click to expand...


I've tried stainless and just don't like the feel. The TI powerbass have a nice throaty-ness to them. Not sure if that is what you're looking for tho'. Sounds like you want a brighter growl but in nickel.
 
Jon sees it my way. My sterling being 9 years old, I dont want to encourage any more fretwear than neceesary. The frets are in good shape for the amount of use its gotten over the years (just mild scrapings on the more common used frets, ie: 1-7 or so) and i plan on keeping it that way. Ive been using stainless strings on it for the past year and i think im going to use nickel from now on.
 
Well,

As a faithful DR (Hi-Beam) user up until recently, I would recommend D'Addario Super Bright Roundwound (Pro Steels) Strings. They are about as affordable as the Slinkys and more affordable than DR.

They really sing on Mr. Ivory!:p :D

After a while, I noticed that with DR strings, they are more suitable for a Fender Jazz-type bass than a MusicMan. They just don't bring out the "MusicMan" sound in my MusicMan like the D'Addarios have done.

As for Sadowsky strings, the same. Great sound, feel, made with with a lot of body to them (for lack of a better term), but more suited for a Jazz Bass. Not to mention, being less affordable than D'Addario, as well.

Even though nickel is said to be better for one's frets, I prefer the brillance of steel. If I need new frets, then I need new frets... There will be no string compromise...;)
 
I say it's simple
Get EB Slinkys, and if you want stainless stell they've got them too.
If you don't like the feel of EB, get D'addarios.

Ok, there are some real string factories out there that actually make strings, like DR and LaBella, but most brands are just brands. They specify core-wrap ratios, taper-whatever and colour on the ball ends, but It's still just strings.
 
I use and like d'addario XL half rounds .. softer than round but brighter than flats .. and less wear on the ebony of the fretless.
 
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