Bass strings

I have decided it is time to change my bass strings. Its been over a year since I changed my bass strings, and now I have forgot what bass strings i used. So, what is the best type of bass strings.

You should choose strings which sound like you want them to sound and play like you want them to play. Choosing strings is a very individual thing, there's not really any best type of strings, it depends on what one likes.

Personally, I use Elixir strings, as I like their clear tone and their feel (very fast and easy to play, great if you play around much on the fingerboard).

Edited by Philéas - October 26 2006 at 18:31

The prices also vary greatly, and most expensive isn't necessarily the best (they might not suit one's personal preferences). One good rule though is to avoid the very cheapest, as they tend to sound dull and wear out quickly.

I suggest you go to your local music store(s) and check out what kind of strings they have and how much they cost. I suppose you could try out different brands until you find one you feel comfortable with in the store.

What kind of Bass do you play?

Rotosounds are great, but you've got to watch out with those Stainless-Steel strings: They are raw metal, with no plating/coating on them like a set of GHS, Fender, Ken Smith, Ernie Ball, etc....and they can wear through the frets over time.

Another thing to consider is the Gauge of the set of strings..Light, Medium and Heavy.

One thing that i especially hate about bass strings is when you buy a set where one string almost immediately loses that sparkling-new sound, and long before the other 3 strings...it's usually the E that goes first.

Oh I play a Columbus. Some sort of Fender Jazz Bass rip-off.

chopper I hate the sound of brand new strings personally, I prefer it when they're worn in a bit. You can give them a bit of sparkle back by boiling them in water! [/QUOTE wrote: Is there any special way to do this?

progismylife wrote: Um what's the difference between the gauges?

The lighter the guage the more loose the string can be to reach a note, such as the E. If you have very light strings, the strings will be "floppy" but not in a bad way, and the strings are very easy to fret BUT the tone is not as good as heavier guage strings and if you play very aggresively lighter strings are too loose. If you love to do string bends or you play lightly you might like lighter strings.

Heavier guage strings are tighter but still produce the same note. The tone is good but it's more difficult to fret than lighter strings and if you play hard you might want to look into heavier strings, but be careful because you can't do as many note-bends.

I suggest just getting some fender or Ken Smith stainless steel roundwound strings in MEDIUM or STANDARD guage where the E is .105 and the G is .045 (inches).

Is it okay to not change strings for a long amount of time (like I did)? Because money is in short supply.

I remember when I got my first bass I had a crap tuner, and I snapped one of the strings. So I had to get my brother to buy me some new ones after he got off work. I have never paid him back. Tough luck.