Bass strings: do you really get what you pay for?

[laj528]

I know that preference is why we use what we use. I play DR Fat Beams at about $35.00 a 5 string set.

However I would like to ask for your opinion.

Bass strings: do you really get what you pay for?

DR’s vs. D'Addario vs. Elixir vs. Ken smith…so forth and so on.

[DWBass]

I would have to say yes! I used to live by D'Addario until I started trying other strings. I've also found that most Stainless Steel sets don't last very long until I tried Elixers! 3 or 4 sets per year as opposed to 1 set a month sits right by me!

[ddwilkins]

You do get what you pay for.  DWBass is correct.  I've tried the Elixirs they've lasted the longest and sound great.  You will have to pay for them tho.  5 string set cost me about $55.  That's seems high for a set of strings, but think of how long I could play on those strings.  Cost + Time, these are a great deal.

[BassAddict]

DR hi-beams have always done me the best. They have lasted longer than Elixers (nickel) and Ken Smiths for me, but strings are all a matter of what works best for you usuallay you will end up spending $35-55 anyway so, try some other strings out and see what you like best. But if you are playin Hi Beams you are already playing on some of the best strings.

[DWBass]

Nickels, by design, don't have a bright a sound as Stainless Steels but do have a longer life.

[Steelpulz]

I use to play Elixirs on my 5-string. Loved em. Now I'm playing a 7-string. The strings are expensive and hard to find...S.I.T. Conklin Signature strings-F#-C. $79. Only had em a little over a month...but they are great strings. A little rough feeling at first. Gotta keepem wiped down.

I also recommend letting the amp do more of the work. Turn the amp and bass up and use a lighter touch. Good for technique, reduces fatigue, increases speed, and saves strings.

[carlmack7183]

I must agree with everyone else, you do get what you pay for. I remember i tried a set of Hartke string from music123.com that I paid $9.00 for a 3sets on clearance. The were the worse sounding strings ever! I immediately switched to D'Addario(nickel) but was missing that stainless steel sound, so now Im playing on MTD strings and they are the best that I have tried thus far

[bassthumpa]

I think that applies to just about anything... and just like anything else, that doesn't mean you have to go by the most expensive thing out there to get the best sound FOR YOU.  Just don't be too disappointed when the cheapies don't quite work out for ya if you decide to go that route.  

[fatbaby78]

I use elixirs on every bass I have and had. But my all time favorite is the Fodera strings(GOOD LAWD).ELIXIRS gives the most complete sound far as LOWS MIDS HIGHS. Its even been proven in my bassplayer magazine

[MikeGee]

DR hi-beams have always done me the best. They have lasted longer than Elixers (nickel) and Ken Smiths for me, but strings are all a matter of what works best for you usuallay you will end up spending $35-55 anyway so, try some other strings out and see what you like best. But if you are playin Hi Beams you are already playing on some of the best strings.

I love DR highbeams. I would not have even tried them if a friend of mine hadn't tried them first. about $22 and man they sound great. Anyway I'd say yes but not in my situation. I usta use Dean Markely Blue Steels which where about $28 for a 4 string set and $45 for a 5 string set. The DR highbeams are about $22 for a 4 string set and $34 for a 5 string set. I enjoy the sound of the Highbeams. I tried the fatbeams but switched very quick to the highbeams.

[bradleymoorer]

DR hi-beams have always done me the best. They have lasted longer than Elixers (nickel) and Ken Smiths for me, but strings are all a matter of what works best for you usuallay you will end up spending $35-55 anyway so, try some other strings out and see what you like best. But if you are playin Hi Beams you are already playing on some of the best strings.

I gotta say I have tried just about everything and the Highbeams last long and the sound quality is simply stunning. But it is all personal  preference if I find "THE SOUND" I am  looking for then regardless of the price or how long they last I am sticking with it until something better comes along. Peace!

[bassthumpa]

What would you guys say the difference is between fat beams and hi beams?

[laj528]

What would you guys say the difference is between fat beams and hi beams?

High Beams medium - .045 -.130

Fat Beams medium - .045-.125

and about $2.00 a set.

I can’t attest to the life expectancy I have only been using fat beams for a little over a month.

[bassthumpa]

I meant to ask about the tonal differences.

[laj528]

Oh Snap! I guess I should have tried to address the tonality of the strings.

The fat beams seem to be deeper and yet brighter in tone than the high beams but not by much.

They hold a smooth sound while walking and are bright while slapping.

In my very humble opinion (being the novice that I am) the subtle difference in sound is worth the $2.00 difference.

[bassthumpa]

Ok.  I think I'll give them a try this next time around.

[MikeGee]

Oh Snap! I guess I should have tried to address the tonality of the strings.

The fat beams seem to be deeper and yet brighter in tone than the high beams but not by much.

They hold a smooth sound while walking and are bright while slapping.

In my very humble opinion (being the novice that I am) the subtle difference in sound is worth the $2.00 difference.

I think the high beams have more of a a much brighter sound then the fats, I took fats off and put highs on my bass and slapping was brighter and had a bit more "zip".

[B3Wannabe]

I saw a video once of a guy who said he never changes his strings. He used the ones that came with the bass. I can't remember who that was though. It was a well-known guy though.

I use the same ones Steelpulz uses, except I have to buy an extra string, which brings the cost of mine to about $96 dollars. I'm thinking about switching to a 7, like him though.

[BimmerFan99]

I can't understand why someone would never change strings.  I picked up a starter Ibanez one guy had, and he said he's never changed the strings and doesn't like the feel of new strings.  I tried playing that thing and it sounded horrible.  Everything was bad, and I'm not even a seasoned bass player.

[Mysteryman]

I have not been playing enough to notice a difference in strings but listening to you all talk I guess my Ernie Ball strings are not the best choice.