Bass Strings?

Question

I have a 5 string bass, and was wondering what maker of bass strings would be best for rock/metal music

Answer 1

Arent all bass strings the same?

Answer 2

It's really all a matter of personal playing technique/preference. GHS makes some great stuff, you'll probably find some you like.

Answer 3

Ernie Ball is popular.  I like Everly Brothers as well. They are very similar to Ernie Ball, but are a little cheaper. They both seem to last a while.  I have had bad luck with D'Addario: they don't last long with me.  Bass strings are kind of a personal preference thing. I say buy a set and see what it sounds like. After they go dead, try another set.  After a while, you'll hear what you like and don't like. I still do this from time to time and I have been playing for 17 years! I am a bit of a bass geek...

Answer 4

I use Elixir strings on my active basses.  On my 5, Im using 45,65,80,100, and a 130 on the B.  My 4 string active is the same gauge, minus the B string of course.

   What I really like about the Elixir strings.. they have what is called a "Nanoweb" coating on them.  They are less resistant to corrosion, and they last quite a bit longer too.  While im a Rock/Classic Rock/Southern Rock/ Jazz and Blues player.. I find these strings are not limited to any certain style of music, and really have no weaknesses regarding tone and clarity too.  They are a little more pricey than most strings, as I believe the last set I purchased was close to 38 for a set.  Sure beats paying close to 55 for a set of Ken Smith strings, and I find them to be just as good.

   If your bass does not have active eq... I would recommend either Roto-Sound, G.H.S.. although I find those dont last that long.... and Warwick makes a very good string too.

Answer 5

different brands of strings have varying tone qualities, they're not all the same.  i use GHS strings for my guitars, and have experimented for years with different brands. same for bass strings.  i have Roto Sound strings on my old EB4-L and they sound pretty good for hard rock . you could start there and see if that works for you. ( give them some time to settle in before you can get an accurate idea of what they really sound like tho)

Answer 6

i've been using DR Strings Hi-Beams Medium gauge. but i have a 4 string. i've been using this brand the last 3 years. they last a long time, i use to change my strings ever 4 months, but with DR's i change them every 6-8 (depends on my wallet). they don't lose the tone/punch very much with age. sometime this week about about to try DR Low Riders... hope they sound just as good.

i down tune all my strings a whole string and the DR's have a nice deep sound with that tuning. DGCF instead of EADG.

DR Strings have some kinda of compression technique in how they are designed. visit their website or call a dealer about it. it explains what makes the strings so strong.

they make DR Hi Beam Medium gauge in 5 string i think.