what bass strings?

Question

what make of strings do you recommend for a bass guitar. I have an Ibanez GSR200 left handed active bass. The booklet that came with it says strings need to be .45-.105"

Answer 1

To be honest, the cheapest set of brand name electric bass strings will be just fine. Go for brands such as Fender, Rotosound, GHS, D'addario, etc. . Stick with the recommended gauge unless you know how to adjust the action, intonation and truss rod. Chances are the bass was set up for .45-105 already.
Unless you are being endorsed by a brand of strings, there is no need to go out and spend a fortune on strings JUST because some guy in a magazine has his photo next to them. Buying a $40 set of strings just because Flea plays them will NOT make you sound like Flea.

Answer 2

I like a bright sound, so for years I used Dean Markley Blue Steel.

However, I have been using Elixirs for a couple years now and really like them. They tend to keep their sound for a longer time because of the special coating, but they are a bit expensive.

Note: Boiling bass strings, especially ones like the boomers (after they have become dead sounding from all the dirt and oil) will revive really well. But they last only half as long as the previous time (new strings for instance will perhaps stay bright for 3 months (depending on how hard you play) and after a boil will only stay bright for 6 weeks (and after that boil) only 3 weeks, etc...).

String size is important because your bridge, neck tension and your nut are all tailored to the string size. You can use a different size, but might require some tweaking by your local guitar shop.

Answer 3

It's all preference. I'd recommend you try out different brands and sizes, and find out which ones feel best to you, and produce the sounds you're looking for. When I first started playing, I used GHS Boomers 45 - 105... but after a few years I bought a pack of Ernie Ball Super Slinky, which are 45 - 100, and I've never gone back. They aren't as rough as the GHS Boomers are, and I feel they produce a much cleaner sound. You don't HAVE to have 45 - 105 just because your book says that, that's just their recommendation. Like I said, just buy a few different packs from a few different brands, and find out which one best suits your needs.

Answer 4

Depends on the style you are playing and how "up front" you want the sound to be.

Did it not come with strings already on it? you'll get a year out of a set no problem.

Rotosound are pretty good

Answer 5

That really depends on your style and personal preference. Here's how you can shortcut experimentation: look up your favorite bassists' web sites and check their gear lists, see what they use to get their sounds, and go with that.

Answer 6

DMS