What strings are you using?

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 7:14 am

What brand of stings does everyone use? I use Ernie Ball Stainless Slinky - the "hybrid" 45-105 set. these give a great sound, far better than rotosounds - tho i know a ton of players swear by them.

Oh, and to me, flatwounds are just a total no go area

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 9:33 am

Thomastik-Infeld & Pyramid Gold here. I'm a strong believer in Austrian/German technology and quality in this area. I also feel that the round core design utilized with these brands makes a positive difference in regard to tone.

I'm totally flatwound with my bass strings, though I use roundwounds on my 2 Ric guitars.

bassman · Post by **bassman** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 9:56 am

Dean Markley Blue Steels Medium-lite gauge on my early 70's 4001.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 11:23 am

i cant stand flatwounds - there does not seem to be any point to them, they are dull, stiff (tho i have only tried fender flats

), and the smoothness of them seems harder to play.

strings i have tried include:

Rotosound RS66 - good sound and feel, but i often got dead g strings in the pack.

Rototsound "roto" bass - fantastic sound but horrid rough texture - like REALLY rough.

Fender "super bass" 7250 - nice sound, great feel, but dont last long

Ernie ball slinky/stainless slinky - the best compromise of sound, feel, longevity and price IMHO

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 11:42 am

In case I didn't make it clear in my previous post, Thomastik-Infeld & Pyramid DO produce roundwounds. The quality is every bit as good as their flatwound series.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 5:39 pm

I started playing bass in the 60's ... All I could get were flatwound strings ... they were ok on my hofner bass ... then in the early 70's I discovered Rickenbackers and round wound strings ... what a combo ...

The best strings out there are DR ... the worst GHS ... I usually get the cheapest nickel round wound strings I can find ... Music yo, Copley, Musicians friend ... I usually get five string sets for under $10 each ... Nickel wound strings have a more vintage sound and they are easier on frets than steel wound strings ... steel wound strings are brighter ...

Because I own 9 basses I have to get a bargain on strings ...

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 11:10 pm

I used Rotosound Swing Bass strings for many years because you-know-Who and Squire used them. Last year when I switched back to Rickenbacker basses I decided to use their nickel round wound strings. I can't tell the difference between these and the Roto's and because they are nickel and therefor easier on my frets and already the recomended gauges and tension, I'm sticking with them. I use them on my 3001 and with a bit of trimming on the length, my short scale 3000 as well. They sound and feel great. I use Pyramid Gold flats on my other 3000 for the more traditional thumpy bass sound. I plan on using Rick's strings on my upcoming 8-string "6008" custom bass project as well.

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 4:09 am

On My V63 I use DR Low-Riders Stainless Steel centers 45-105 great strings for this bass - you should try them out - I love them - swithed over a year ago from the famous Roto's. On my 4003 I have a set of Roto flats that I'm not really thrilled with - will probably order myself a set of pyramids when I get around to it.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 4:59 am

i often hear about DR strings, never tried em tho. What are they like.

they seem expensive

banta · Post by **banta** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:58 am

I keep Ric strings on my Ric basses. I buy them a dozen sets at a time. Only a few times in 25 years have I used any other brand on a Ric bass.

gt76 · Post by **gt76** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:13 am

I'm currently using Pyramid flats on my 4001V63 and have a set of D'Addario chromes on my '76 4001. Thinking about trying a set of Thomastik-Infeld flats but am trying to collect opinions before making a purchase. (See request under Ricks and strings)

claudel · Post by **claudel** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:33 am

Hi

TI Roundwound Jazz Bass #JR344
on my 4005.

Great sound

Low tension is a must for ease of mind...

Claude

4003seagreen · Post by **4003seagreen** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 8:01 am

I started with Rotosounds exclusively for 20 years until I decided to try flats and went with the Pyramids. I loved the tone of the Pyramids and I have nothing but good things to say about the product and the customer service (Thanks Paul!).

Right now in the band I'm currently in, roundwounds serve me better. I got a pair of Dean Markley Blue Steels for free, so I tried them out - they sound great and I love the tone.

weemac · Post by **weemac** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 1:11 am

Rs 66 on both my rics (64 and 91). Tensionwise the rotosounds seem to be made for rics (must be somthing to do with that 80 gauge A string.

relder65 · Post by **relder65** » Sun Apr 20, 2003 12:40 pm

I used to use Ernie Ball flats on my P-Bass, but when I bought the Rick I switched to Pyramid Gold flats and they quite simply the finest strings I have ever used. It's like they were made to be put on a Rick, IMHO.