Reddit mentions: The best bass guitar strings

So you have a fender p bass with the standard roundwound strings. Based on what you've said about your physical abilities, this might be the worst combination for you and it's what I was afraid you were going to say tbh. A precision bass has a thicker neck and a wider width near the nut than many other basses. Not only that but you're playing a full scale bass with no offset body on high tension roundwounds. If you've had it for a week, it might still be possible to return it from where you bought it and look into a short scale, but anyway, I'm going to link you some products to look into. Starting with strings and working into different guitars that might be a better fit for you. If you have a squier P, I'm assuming you don't have a huge budget, so we're going to keep it relatively affordable. Keep in mind a luthier could also help you set the action and stuff on your bass to make it easier to play.


First some different strings. These nylon strings have a lower tension than roundwounds and offer an old school thumpy sound. The best part is that unless you break a string, you will never need to replace a string and these will get better with age.

D'Addario ETB92 Tapewound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Long Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046XSEA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yltMDb6RM28A4

Now I'm going to show you some basses. Most of these will be available at guitar center or a similar music store and I'll give you some quick bits to help you out.

If you want to soldier on with full scale I'd recommend at least getting something with a smaller neck that will be easier for your hands to handle. Jazz basses have smaller necks, and typically any of their PJ basses and jaguars do too. This might make it easier and is worth a shot
https://shop.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-basses/jazz-bass/classic-vibe-70s-jazz-bass/0374540506.html

Now we're going to get into short scales.

The bronco bass is one of the cheapest new basses you can buy, but they sound pretty good and have pretty decent build quality for the price. It's possible to upgrade the factory pickup with a blade stole guitar pickup. It's cheap, looks good and plays well too. Most importantly, it's short.
https://shop.fender.com/en-US/electric-basses/other/bronco-bass/0310902506.html

The squier Jaguar short scale is the next step up. Two pickups, really killer looks, a more contoured body, a skinny neck and a short scale. These are pretty rad but I don't know if they still make them, you might have to buy a used one.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Vintage-Modified-Jaguar-Bass-Special-SS-Short-Scale.gc

The hofner violin bass is known for being used by Paul McCartney, but what's really important here is that this bass has a small body, a short scale and a teeny tiny neck. Idk if you've seen paul but he's just a really tiny dude making that bass look normal sized. I'm fairly certain very young kids could play it comfortably. They sound really cool. It's a little pricy but they are much cheaper used, and rogue makes their own version that's very affordable and decent. They sound killer with flats.


https://www.guitarcenter.com/Hofner/Ignition-Series-Vintage-Violin-Bass-Sunburst-1389832990308.gc

Gretsch isn't a brand I'm super familiar with but I've never picked one up and thought it felt like a cheap piece of shit. They're very nice instruments all around with their own unique sound. Plus their short scale has a really awesome distinct tone and it looks fantastic. I'm seeing these used for less than 200 bucks all over the place.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/G2220WLN--gretsch-g2220-junior-jet-bass-ii-walnut-stain?gclsrc=aw.ds&&mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3248788516&product_id=G2220WLN&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%2520-%2520Core%2520-%2520Bass&adgroup=Bass%2520-%2520Bass%2520Guitars&placement=google&creative=226299461018&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw_uDsBRAMEiwAaFiHaypsPGR43zSFRp7B1nXIFg0ezcT6VmgmoQr4Ltd3VoMIuTBlspgwRxoCRjMQAvD_BwE

Edit: forgot to add the kala u bass. I've heard tons of great things about these. They sound awesome and they're tons of fun to play. And they're tiny. They actually are the size of a ukulele but with the sound of a big boy bass. I had a blast with one when I tried it and playing them is so easy.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Kala/Sub-Series-U-Bass-Electric-Bass-Guitar-115685455.gc?source=4WWMWXGP&gclid=CjwKCAjw_uDsBRAMEiwAaFiHayaTtC2W2Ih9bZAMKM59tU7mADV6bC7WXV3STG3q6P-jfRRmghk1UxoCfY8QAvD_BwE

Anyway, go to your local big music store and see what they have, and ask about these specific guitars. I don't want you to give up on this, especially since the first week is the hardest part anyway. I spent my first week playing "come as you are" over and over and telling myself I was cool. You're already off to a great start. As far as playing comfortably, my other advice is to make sure to have your thumb on the back of the neck, not on top, and to try to keep your wrist perpendicular to the fretboard instead of at a weird angle. If you do decide to take lessons, it's very possible that your teacher will work with you adjusting your technique to your body's limitations. But until then, look at some short scales and stuff, have fun and don't hurt yourself.

• I have decided I'm going to get a fuzz pedal, and the Bass Big Muff Pi looks like a very nice compromise on quality and affordability so I will probably settle on that. Is there anything I should really know before making this purchase?
  
  
  
  
  
  The Big Muff Pi is a really solid pedal, man. I think you should definitely look at picking it up because it adds so variety to your sound. The only thing is, I think you should throw down an extra $40 to get the deluxe version because there's more eq, which allows opens up even more options in terms of sound. I don't know if its your thing, but when you hit the crossover, it basically sounds like a guitar, which is probably gonna come in handy considering you said you like that raw, hard garage rock sound. I have the pedal myself and I can send you a couple of videos if you want to see what it sounds like!
  
  
  
  
  
• I'm thinking about investing in a second bass too for variety and backup, but that's probably going to have to wait for now anyway.
  
  That's a good idea bro, you're thinking on the right track. What if you're playing and your g-string (lol) snaps on stage? Just switch it out for your backup.
  
  
• Is it really worth investing in an amp? When I gigged in the past I would always use other people's amps or go DI. I'm not particularly concerned with developing my own sound, as long as I can turn up to a gig and what I'm doing sounds good I can live with that. I'm mainly into hard rock/garage rock so I can totally live with a rough and ready sound, I probably wouldn't be spending much on an amp either way.
  
  I mean, it's like you said, you're going to be DI'ing for a lot of your gigs, or you can just use other peoples amps. The only thing about that is, for gigs, you're pretty much relying on the venue's monitors and the sound tech at that point. If the venue's monitors aren't the best and you have no amp of your own to provide your with a clear sound, then you're going to be in for a rough time. If you're using the venues gear, then you may or may not get the sound you're used to having, but since you said that you're into a rough sound, that shouldn't be an issue. If anything, you can talk to the sound tech and get some things sorted out. Also, if you want to play like a house show or something along those lines, where there's no PA, you're relying on someone who you may or may not know to lend you their amp.
  
  
• Tuners. I'm probably going to get a clip-on tuner, but I am considering getting a pedal. Is there any reason why I should stretch to spending 3x as much to get a good pedal tuner or are there decent clip-ons that will suffice for me?
  
  I think if you're going to get a clip-on, you're better off buying one of those pocket chromatic tuners that you plug directly into. However, it really all comes down to you and what you prefer. If you test out a clip-on and you think it sounds beast, then I say go for it. A pedal is probably going to be more accurate and slightly easier, but for nearly 3x the price, it all comes down to you. I'd go with a pocket tuner or a clip on in that case, unless money wasn't an issue.
  
  
  
  
• Strings. I've always just bought whatever the cheapest set I can find is but I'm thinking about getting a decent pressure wound set, with Rotosound's stainless steel ones really appealing to me.
  
  These depends on what you're playing. Like, if you're playing jazz, you may prefer the sound of flat wounds, or you wouldn't mind the fact that your strings don't sound bright. All of that aside, finding the cheapest set you can is a good idea, provided that they sound good and don't snap on you. Personally, I use D'Addario EXL165TP Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Custom Light, you get 2 sets of strings for $24, and they last long and sound good, so it's a really good deal imo.
  
  Good luck with everything my man, hope I helped in anyway, keep on rockin!

Went through this whole dilemma this past week. I'm not the most experienced but I learned that the strings are definitely going to go with what you want to play.

The three kinds of strings you have are: round, half-round, and flat. They'll all give you different tones. Flat strings will give you a warmer and more mellow tone and round will give you a cooler and more traditional tone.

Since you're playing the following sitations

• Jazz band, pep, and the pit for school
  
• Your youth group
  
• Your band
  
  I'd recommend going with round or half-round as you have a diversity to play. I've only played with rounds and flats, so I can't speak for the half. You'll also want to decide on a material, but just to be safe: choose nickel. It's common and you can't go wrong with it.
  
  So I'll give you something good, but just take it as a recommendation, not a law or anything. Get these. They're cheap, but damn good. They'll get the job done. Just remember that the genre you play influences what strings you should get. I'm learning all this. Playing with some of my first flatwounds, and it's interesting. Best of luck to you!

I've got these on it at the moment. They're 30-90, but I think 40-100 might actually be a bit better. However, the 30-90 set works great. It plays like a bass, sounds like a bass, but feels far more comfortable.

I use a .027 or a .032 for the C depending on my bass. I live in a pretty large city and most shops will not stock 6 string set (guitar center usually carries one set, but not my preferred brand/material), but as long as you have access to amazon, you should be able to get strings easily. Otherwise I am sure music vendor sites such as musicians friend, sweetwater, or thomann will ship them straight to you.

I use Daddario ProSteels on my 6 string. Amazon Link if interested.

NanoWeb (sorry, not NanoCoat) is one of the choices of string coating from Elixir - I have included a link to their site below. Elixirs are more expensive than, say, DRs, Ernie Balls or D'Addarios, but they are certainly a less "sticky" string, by far. But they last many times longer. They feel and sound great! I think I paid around $47-50 from Amazon for a full 6-String set. I also have them on my 5 String. I play bass several times per week, and have not purchased a single set of strings in about 3 years. Heck, maybe 4, now that I think about it.

https://www.elixirstrings.com/experience

https://www.amazon.com/Elixir-Strings-5-String-NANOWEB-045-130/dp/B0002E1O6I

Doesn't matter really, I buy from amazon (because i have amazon prime with 2 day free shipping) but that might as well be musiciansfriend, or guitar center.

Try the Elixir Nanoweb strings. I just got my first pair after using d'addarios. They're fantastic. They last 3-5x longer (this is verified) than normal strings because they have some kind of coating on the outside. As you can see, in the link I posted it has five 5-star rating and one 4-star.

Not great but not the worst either.

KCG Classic 105 Medium Bass Strings with Solid Core for Fat Vintage Tones Coupled with Nickel Plated Steel Winding for Enhanced Brightness and Warmth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072HCT76P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OZRRBbJ70STKP

I have no idea what you mean by "strings for that'll cut through sound wise" but these are great, inexpensive strings. A 2 pack is only 10 dollars more. If you're using standard tuning I'd recommend them.

Here is my advice, buy some new strings and a feeler gauge. Grab an allen wrench, a screw driver, and your tuner. Restring your bass with the new strings. Then watch this video for neck adjustment. It helps to have a capo, if you dont and pen and some rubber bands will do fine. After you watch that video set up your bass neck relief. Then set your intonation. This covers most of what you need to do to get it sounding more accurate. This should help with the fret buzz.

Flatwounds are just strings, you can put them on any bass, you can even get the strings Steve Harris uses ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rotosound-Monel-Harris-Flatwound-Strings/dp/B0002GNY0A/ref=asc_df_B0002GNY0A/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311040652259&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11565379397721149673&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006567&hvtargid=pla-433400527840&psc=1&th=1&psc=1).

By all means give them a go, but I would recommend you go with roundwounds. Harris' sound is very bright, which is odd for flatwounds, except when they're very new, he replaces them every time he uses them. Roundwounds maintain the brightness for longer, they won't sound exactly the same, but you can keep them for months and still have a reasonable approximation.

I use the D'Addario XL Chrome super light flatwounds

They're light, flat (so it won't hurt at all even if you do a bit of slide over them), and the sound is excellent.

Most likely nylon tapewounds. I use the Labellas on my P, I can't see ever changing brand or type again:
https://www.amazon.com/LaBella-760N-Bella-Tape-Bass/dp/B000EEJDLE

They mellow out and round off your tone, but not too much.
They're often favored by jazz and quieter bass players, but I play rock, sometimes getting fairly heavy, and they don't weaken my tone whatsoever.

Okay, maybe I should go to a different guy next time to get my bass restrung.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I found a .120 range string by D'Addario, but it was for a long scale, and you said it should have a proper ball-to-taper length

However, I did find a set in the .120 range that wasn't for a long scale, but never had experience with Dunlop strings.

But then I found these, a .125 C string for a short scale, but it is roundwound instead of nickel wound. Never used DR strings either, but it's worth a shot.

Thank you!

Try the D’Addario ETB92 nylon wrapped flatwounds. They are a fantastic string with a nice mid range, normal gauge and lower tension then most flats. I have a 5 string set on my fretless gwb-35 they are wonderful. These strings are my sound!

D’Addario ETB92

Thank you for your reply! Would these ones be okay? (sorry, i'm so stupid with things like this!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-ECB81M-Chromes-045--100-Electric/dp/B000H28IPA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452365256&sr=8-2&keywords=d%27addario+bass+strings+medium+scale

A fresh set would be the best way to judge, and if you want a bright set of short scale strings I might suggest DR hi beams. Short scale will generally be a little thumpier, more fundamental and less brighter harmonic content, also depends on pickups and such but those are some common attributes.

You might try using piccolo bass strings, but I can't guarantee that'd have the effect you're looking for.

Still, if you want to experiment with a different sound, piccolo strings can be fun.

Some examples of piccolo bass playing can be found on YouTube.

Thomastik Infeld are among the more expensive but IMHO the finest flatwound strings around. Silky smooth, they last forever. Great old school vibe in my view.

check out the product and the reviews at the bottom of the page:
https://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-JF344-Bass-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162ZSW6

And they're cheap. AND apparently you can set them up as a recurring purchase on Amazon! Oh amazon, how I love you.

Standard gauge is made for E-standard tuning, so dropping to D with a standard set of strings will leave you with a slightly-looser-than-normal lowest string.

Moving one gauge up for the lowest string (e.g. from 105 up to 110 as /u/ir1dium mentioned) will give you standard tension when tuned to D, and slightly tighter tension when tuned up to E.

Personally, I really like Ernie Ball Slinkies, excellent tone-to-price ratio in my experience. The Hybrid Slinkies are my favorite for normal tuning and the occasional drop-D jamming, but if you really want that .110, you can order a custom gauge set through Bass Strings Online (a highly reputable site run by a well-known face over at TalkBass.com).

EDIT: So I meant to make the point earlier, that string gauge is pretty much up to your preference of how much tension you want on the lowest string. Also, /u/glubaloo mentioned trying the D'Addarios, which are also really good strings, and tend to come a bit cheaper than EB Slinkies.

My recommendation is to start with what I believe to be the most common string type and gauge. Then you change them based on what you want more of. To me, it seems that telling all the options could be confusing. I started on Ernie ball slinkys. In the greenish yellow package. Skinny G-string gauge is .50 with the big E string .105. Roundwounds. A pretty versatile string in my opinion. Also modestly priced. If you get those, but feel that your need is different lets chat on different options. I have gone through countless brands and types so I can give other options based on your preferences. My favorite is is in the link
https://www.amazon.com/Rotosound-RS66LDN-Nickel-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00240BI14/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496628817&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=rotosound+swing+bass+nickel

Roundwounds for sure. Brand is all about your preference really. Some of those bands use drop tunings (D/Db) so you may want to consider a slightly thicker gauge for the low E. Just keep in mind that thicker gauge generally equals harder to play but gives you a thicker tone. Personally I'm a fan of D'Addario and would suggest These.

You can toggle between some of the different gauges on there if you don't like those.

Best of luck!

For tapping I would suggest these strings http://www.amazon.com/Rotosound-FM66-Stainless-Funkmaster-Strings/dp/B002CVUNO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322084697&sr=8-1

They are a little thinner and have less tension so tapping is easier. They also have a sweet twang to them. What kind of bass are you trying to get?

Red at the bridge and blue at the headstock. I am 90% sure that is the Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) signature Rotosound string set. My Dad played those for years and years and years.

Here is a pic of a few of his basses with them on: http://2nr2qe35tr6o25q3na30huex.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2013/02/pic-3.jpg

Amazon link:https://www.amazon.com/Rotosound-SH77-Harris-Flatwound-Strings/dp/B0002GNY0A

Body: White MIM Fender P Bass - Alder

Neck: Slim Wenge Warmoth JAZZ neck with a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard and Graphite rods

Nut: White TUSQ

Frets: SS6015 stainless

Pickups: Lindy Fralin P bass pickups, stock or +5%

Bridge: 2 Tek, because they look super clean

Tuners: Chrome Hipshot Ultralight - Fender style

Strings: LaBella 760FL or LaBella Copper Nylon

Pickguard: Black or Red Pearl

Total cost is ~$1,000

PM me to get the address you need to send everything to.

I've been using these Flatwounds for a year and a half and love them.

Ok, guitar tech. I currently use elixir mediums on a 34" bass. What other coated strings would you recommend that would get me the same string tension, harmonics, and overtones on a 30" scale bass?

Thanks. I got these Ernie Balls off Amazon in 50-105 gauge. A lot cheaper too

https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Regular-Slinky-Nickel/dp/B000MFL7UU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=ernie+ball+tapewound&qid=1564074149&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSkpHMjdWUFQ2SVdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTU2NTM4SENETENMTVVYTDdaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MDY2NTVRMDI4SURKNzZLOEMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

For the DI, I use the standard one. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/tech-21-sansamp-bass-driver-di It's ridiculous how much of a difference it makes in your tone. You can get a huge range of different tones on it. I can even make my 4003 w/ flats on it sound insanely funky if I play with the bridge pickup with the tone all the way up, and the treble/high-mids boosted on my amp and DI. I always suspected I needed one but put it off for a while due to the price. Once I finally coughed up the money for one, I called myself an idiot for not having bought it any sooner.


And right now I actually have a pair of old D'Addario flats on my ric, but I plan to buy some TI's pretty soon. https://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-JF344-Bass-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162ZSW6 I'm not exactly sure what flats are the absolute "best" for the ric, but I've seen people recommend these quite often so I'm excited to get some in and deaden them up soon.

For the same feel of string tension, you'll need to get thicker heavier strings. For that reason, IMO you're best bet is to buy short scale heavier gauged strings. Also, keep in mind that for a 30" scale you may need Medium scale per this review

These are a good starting point. Just get these and go from there.

would you choose these over the Rotosound?

https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EXL160-Nickel-Guitar-Strings/dp/B000EEHDM0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487047002&sr=8-3&keywords=bass%2Bstrings&th=1

and does heavy just mean lower tones, and light means brighter?

does stainless steel vs nickel make a difference?

Amazon?

These?

20 - Fender's take on it.

30 - Rotosound's

30 - D'Addario's

25 + S&H - GHS's

45 - LaBella

Opinions on flatwound strings on an acoustic?

I have a takamine acoustic bass that I was thinking about fitting with these flatwounds.

I was wondering if anyone uses flatwounds on their acoustic, and if there are any issues, or how they compare to flats on an electric.