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

[bassthumpa]

Those strings must be deader than dead!  I've heard of guys that prefer their strings broken in, but not DEAD.  Ick.

I just picked up some hi-beams yesterday... I didn't have time to put them on for today's services, so I'll probably put them on tomorrow and break 'em in a bit.  We'll see how they compare... I'm hoping that their brightness balances out the boominess of the old amp that I'm using for now.

[DWBass]

Honestly, if one is not a slapper, worn strings don't sound bad at all as long as you still continue to wipe them down! Nothing worse than playing strings full of dirt & gunk! For those that do slap, the whole point is the brightness of the strings when struck against the fretboard!

[funkStrat_97]

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.

I know that Bernard Edwards, the late bass player for Chic, was known for not changing his strings.  When asked in an interview what strings he used, he asked; "what strings come with Stingrays?".  Also some neo-soul artists like the muted, almost upright tone of dead strings. 

[jeremyr]

Also some neo-soul artists like the muted, almost upright tone of dead strings. 

I was under the impression that they just palm muted on like 50% off the songs.   either that or they just pick up another axe.

[DWBass]

I was under the impression that they just palm muted on like 50% off the songs. Either that or they just pick up another axe.

Yeah, maybe some. I still think there are a lot of bassists out there who don't know a thing about palm muting. I know some Smith's and MTD's naturally have that type of tone.

[MikeGee]

I've also heard a rumor that a piece of foam rubber is placed under the strings right at the bridge to get that dean like tone.

[bradleymoorer]

I just picked up some hi-beams yesterday...

How are those strings working out for you; do you like them? What am I saying of course you like them, they are only the greatest strings ever made...haha! but seriously how do they sound? And what kind of bass do you have?

[bassthumpa]

I still haven't put them on, ended up doing other stuff yesterday.  Should be able to get it done tonight.  I have a Roscoe LG3005.

[MikeGee]

I still haven't put them on, ended up doing other stuff yesterday.  Should be able to get it done tonight.  I have a Roscoe LG3005.

come on man, what's the hold up? lol :-)

[soulbreeze]

I used GHS Bass Boomers in the past.  Great for the slap-happy bassist.  I have a set of Adamas EXN40-5 Nickel Cryogenic strings (medium light) on the Ibanez.  Has a nice metallic, growly sound.  Haven't replaced them since last July and they are still holding its own.  I play every Sunday and will probably keep them on for another 1-2 months.  'Tis the season for choir anniversaries and so forth.  Gonna get a fresh set soon for optimal sound!   

[browntree]

If you buy DR's you do... I use highbeams on every bass I play... medium...
If you string them correctly they'll last a long time.  I've never changed a pair because they sounded bad... only because I like the sound of fresh strings...

[BassbyGrace]

Well Im today taking off a set of DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams.  This is the second time Ive tried them, wondering if my mind would change.  It hasnt lol.  Im also one of those that like a lil deadness in my sound.  I HATE the sound (and feel) of new strings.  Im about to try these XL Flatwounds though, and see what they about.  Matter of fact, if anyone wants to try a set, I got two sets still in the pack (a four and a five) that I'll bless two of my fellow LGMer's with  .  First to hit me with they info.   

[BassbyGrace]

I still got the 4 str set if anyone's interested.  Laj has staken claim to the 5. 

[godsbassman2000]

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. 

I tried Elixir and they are nice but too costlly for me. Ernie Ball strings are O.K. with me.

[RedsFan75]

How's the B String Tension on those Hi-Beams.

I've got a J Bass, don't like the D'Addario's I've got on now....

So, I've been looking at an alternative... Still exploring a bit.

[jmain]

I use Sunbeams on my 5-string jazz and nickel Lo-Riders (B=.125) on my 55-02.

The Sunbeams give me the nickel feel and warmth, but still have some good snap like a SS stirng.  They're basically a nickel version of the Hi-Beams.  The Lo-Riders are a bit stiffer and have more of a mid cut on my bass.  Could just be the bass - dunno.

I like my strings worn in a bit too.  But I've gone too long on both and need to change them out.  Lo-Riders this weekend, and waiting on the Sunbeams. 

[laj528]

BassbyGrace - The strings arrived!