Good review. Thanks. I got turned onto the LaBella flatwounds in the late 90s. I play blues to motown sound,and these are so warm. The tone is deep and rich. My favorite.
Not a bass player, guitar player getting into bass, and I play everything from drop tuned metal to funk / r&b and I gotta say the Rotosound strings definitely sounded the most versatile and ready to go
Thank you so much for doing the comparison. Have played 4-string for the past 30 years, and my first 5-string arrives tomorrow so I can expand my catalog for a cover band. Great to hear the classic string sets on 5 instead of just 4. Awesome video.
When I started playing bass in 1981. I used Rotos round wound for years. But they wear down your frets faster than any other string. They sound the best. I don’t want to have to refret every 2 years. Then I went to GHS Boomers. And played them for 20 years. I’ve tried others. But I like the DR’s
I have the same Elixirs, on my BassMods NPS Aguilar OBP3 Delano fat poles, for about 3years now.Incredible🔥They don't have the zing of brand new,yet they still,sound better than,most.Hard to explain. THANKS FOR this demo.I just bought EB slinkeys for another bass .Thanks👌🏾
I love the Rotosound Swing Bass 66s. They are loud, strong and cut through everything. They are my "go-to" choice even though they cost more. On a 6-string, I love the Rotosound UltraMags.
Just recieved a set of the D'Addario nickels and super impressed. I've tried them all except for the DR's and the D'Add's are staying on. With the growing number of counterfiets being sold online I love how you can verify the D'Addarios from the code on the packet too. That, with the great tone and thier balanced output means It'll be D'Add's from here on in!
Love the way this video is done, easy to navigate through every section, well done! What I've learn is that I made a good choice to stick with the DR 10 years ago, still the best for me after all this time. Highly recommend! (DR guitar strings are also crazy good)
I used to use Roto Sound Swing Bass Round Wounds.(still my favorite)They tended to chew-up the frets though. Switched to Ernie Ball Super Slinkies 30-35yrs ago. Not quite the sound, but my frets don't have to get dressed, or replaced so often.😊
I like how you not only use the same playing sample for each style of playing (finger or slap), but the same for each brand, as well (unlike so many others). Thank you.
Great vid, brutha! I personally lean toward the DR Hi Beams and the XL’s. I actually make my choices between those depending on which bass I play. I switch between 5 strings Jazz and vintage 4 string Jazz basses. While I do agree that certain strings may perform better in certain situations, I personally lean into my EQ’ing to go between genres. Again, great vid and as always, great content! ✊🏾
I've been using the Power Slinky Ernie Ball strings since I was like 15 years old. I don't tend to stick with a single brand for anything, but Ernie Ball has been very consistent and proven.
I use Rotosound round wound R66LD regular gauge for all my basses except my Warwick, and I use Warwick Black Label regular gauge stainless steel round wounds for that one. I used to occasionally use nickel strings, but found they wear out quickly. Stainless steel is hard on the frets and fingers, but it gives a good sound for quite a while. All my current basses are 5-string; I use 45-65-80-105-130.
In my country (Indonesia) where humidity here is mostly around 60-95% which is very damp, Ernie Ball strings never lasted more than a month for me, with note I am not a wet palm guy. It sounds very great but very short lived because of the air here from seas around builds up rust and corrosion way way faster, for any nickel or steel strings. In my experience Elixir lasted the longest (hard on fingers tho), followed by Labella and Roto (this one was also hard), then NYXL, DR, D'Addario XL, and Ernie Ball is the shortest.
There is one missing: ELIXIR NIKEL COATED, in my opinion the best strings right now, very well balanced and with this warm tone that is great for pizzicato (jaco sound) as well as nice and elegant slap. Really difficult to find nowadays here in Spain. From all the strings in your video, those ernie ball got you the best sound. That slap line with this strings had some Marcus similar tone.
elixir strings are always good, acoustic, bass, electric doesn't matter. they just feel so good. they're the most expensive set of strings for a reason I guess. that's probably why most people don't prefer it as well but for me they're always worth it. some also say they hurt the neck because of its toughness against the wood
Rotosound are what I use mainly. Try the flat wound rotosounds. They are the best flat wounds I think. Thanks for the content. Glad I found ya. God bless
Been a while since I used Rotosounds, but my recollection is that they are really bright new but lose their vibrancy quickly. New they are like nothing else. I've liked the consistency of the tone of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings.
Well the rotosound stainless (yellow package) are exactly what you said, sounds really great, walking and slap BUT are really rough on the fingers, and i don't like it. Maybe next time i will buy the nickel ones. Love your demonstration, great work, thanks for that.
Wow! What an EXCELLENTLY produced comparison video! Seriously you should get some kind of award for making a major comparison video where we can instantly compare apples to apples with both your setups and your time stamp markers. Far TOO FEW comparison videos provide that. It’s like… a waste of our time. I was super impressed by the Slinky strings. (Too bright for me personally, but overall better than I expected.) You helped me to make the change from D’Addarios to the Rotosounds, and I’m super happy with the move. Thanks mate! 👍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Travis, you are a beast man and I appreciate you taking the time to explain these...since watching this video, I purchase some DR Hi Beams...love them man...appreciate the love man
In my opinion, DR strings are the best. I've previously tried D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Fender, etc, and I found DR the best in terms of tone, playability, and durability, hands down. In 2006 I strung my Ibanez ATK with DR Fat Beam, didn't change the strings for 13 years until I restrung it with stiffer stainless steel Lo Rider in 2019. The tone deterioration were slow, and maintained usable tone much longer than other brands. I'm considering in getting either Pure Blues or Neon White for my next purchase 😃
D'addrio for life, I ply a lot of Japanese hard rock/math rock and acid jazz and I like that bright powerful tone cause teh bass in the most important instrument for those genres!
Going to buy a bass tomorrow after a long break. It has been awhile since I played but when I did I preferred the DR Low Riders. Thanks for the video this was a great comparison video.
Thank you for mentioning the FAT beams! Started using those with my Marcus Miller fender years ago and now I use marcus’ sire basses with the DR and it’s perfection man. God bless!
Great video. I went from stock Fender round wounds to La Bella flat wounds on my Mustang short scale bass. I didn't have an issue with my hands, but I've never had strings that kept stretching for so long! I had to keep stretching them until they settled. Once they did, I absolutely love the sound and like you mentioned, they kind of last forever because they are already mellow and age gracefully...
This is just right video I want. Really really appreciate for your effort. Especially I want to compare sounds of Roto, DR and Dadario. Again, really appreciate for this.
Great video...thanks. The Ernie Ball strings really are bright and the slap tones just make you want to groove... I also use the DR Neon strings on my 4 string bass...they look great and the sound is unique ....
I really liked those labellas. I wasn’t watching the video, but just listening, and when I heard them, I was like like, “oh yeah, those sound good!”. Maybe it’s cause I play fretless 90% of the time, and the one fretted J bass I own, has flat wounds on it too, (I have 5 fretless basses), so maybe my ear just likes the flat wound sound? I wasn’t even listening too hard, so I missed the name of the strings, or the fact that they were flat wounds, so I watched the video again to see what the “good strings” were, before the Ernie Balls. I can remember experiencing the weird new flat wound feel and how the increased surface friction makes your fingers not slide well. That was 25 years ago, and I’d forgotten until now. Great video man.
Really enjoyed the video! I've been watching some of your videos for a year or so now. I recently bought a Fender Player P-Bass. I'm not a fan of the factory strings. Too bright and they ring constantly. I'm leaning heavily towards the La Bellas Flatwounds and the DR's Fat are in the running. I have Rotosound Jazz 77 on my 5 string. What strings will give a warm tone, not too bright, but still retain most of the P-bass growl? Thanks.
I will love to know how to get rid of that ground electric noise , at 7:21 I know you did this video as raw as possible to show how the strings sound I'm asking in an ideal case, what can one do?
Thanks for the great reviews!! Surprised you didn't like the feel of flatwounds. I got a used fretless bass with LaBellas, and OMG, they feel so smooth. I'm not sure how much playing was done one them before I got it though.
I’m learning the bass and came across this video. I didn’t know strings can do that much change of the sound quality. I liked the rotosound. I think I will buy one. The strings I have right now looks dark and tired.
Been using Dr Black Beauties for several years. Thinking about trying some LaBella tape wound strings. Have some Ernie ball flat wound I haven’t tried yet.
I'm a D'Addario guy, been using NYXLs for years for all my basses except a couple I have Chromes flats on. Playing all kinds of styles, but I guess mostly rock and more of the CCM side of church music than the gospel side.
Used to be a round wound guy, was a huge fan of the DR Bootzillas. Tried the La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass flats on a whim, and have never looked back. Love the fat, darker tone from them.
Might want to checkout LaBella Gold flatwounds, more mids than the regular Deep Talkin bass strings. Put them on my PJ Deluxe and Portamento 5 string fretless. Never looking back, I’ll change them in 5/10 years lol.
Love the curt mangans as well...he was ernie ball string designer for 15 yrs... especially for six string bass.. go to string out of the box... ernie balls... rotosounds tend to be hard on frets...but sound great... at least for me...on my 6 string warrior...
The real money tone with LaBella Flats is on a P bass. Warm and pillowy but still cuts through the mix. I use those for country and old school funk / Motown but I don't love them for slap. Another set of flats worth checking out is D'Adario Chromes. Twice as bright as the LaBella's and great for slap with the dded bonus is no string so slides are super clean. I can also get a LaBellaish sound if I roll the tone off a bit. I've been playing a P/J bass lately and have been trying to home in on the right strings for it. Have a set of of Rotosounds on the way to try along with some DR Black Beauties.
Is It okay to use the 5 string ernie ball thing to 4 string bass? I have no idea to basses but I have 4 string bass and I want to change my string. Thank you
My dude🤘🤘. Fat Beams are all I use for the same exact reason. I like the way they wear in. A fresh set though...good gracious I love that sparkle, twinkle and glisten. That is why I keep my basses strung with fresh Fat Beams.
Hi Y'All, just personally wondering I have a Sire vintage v7 gen 1, I love it, but my fave tone is funk and soul bass from 70's to 80s, plus I love slap etc, for my 4 string, and music selection, what would u personally recommend? Many thanks
I switched to Elixir Nanoweb stainless about a year ago, and man they are great sounding! Last's a really long time too. They sound the same as when I put them on.
You need a DR endorsement!! You deserve it, and I'm sure they would make more than enough money to cover giving you as many free strings as you need from you playing them at this point. You work hard, you're a great player, and you play out and record more than enough to help them sells strings. Have you ever asked them for an endorsement? I use DR strings mostly myself. However, as you know, most of our tone comes from our fingers foremost!
This is very complicated, different basses need different strings for different music styles... Did you notice how many times I said the word different? Great video my friend!!!
Awesome vid with awesome playing. I'd planned to watch this before, but I put it off. Earlier today, I got Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Regular, so I think I'll be alright!!
Great video, as always 👌👌 ive been using the exact ernie ball you have but it just loses that brightness so fast, in like a week or 2, that new string sound completely goes away. Ive been recommended elixir or rotosounds, any1 care to give their opinion? 😄
I’m a huge fan of LaBellas! Have them on all my bass guitars, and haven’t had much issue with stiffness, but I’m a double bassist, so bass guitars feel lighter to me anyway…
After years of playing through different stings, Elixir Nano-webbed strings are the best. They are super comfortable on the fingers, versatile and long lasting. Even after constant use, they still sound like a fresh set. Highly recommend them over every other strings mentioned here.
I dont know what its called, but some of the b strings are wound a little bit thinner right at the point that it goes over the bridge saddle, which strings have that feature?
Hi. I am from Brazil. Without a doubt DR Strings has the best sound. However, Ernie Ball has a killer tone as well. I use Ernie Ball strings these days. Congratulations on the video.
I wish I had watched this video a few years ago! I have been using DR high beams for the past 10 years or so but this year I tried the fat beams for the first time - definitely give a more solid low/mid end. I really like them!
The DRs snarl on that bass. Probably help you get old school Marcus Miller tones in the bridge with the tone down. The Japanese slap is all about those D’Addario XL though
Hey travis, I use custom gauge kalium strings for my fretted 6 string bass, I was thinking, are there any custom gauge flatwound or even tapewound strings I could pick up when I get myself a fretless? Thanks.
Great Playing!! - D'Darrio 2:33 2:53 - Rotosound 4:27 4:49 - LaBella 6:49 7:16 - Ernie Ball 8:56 9:18 - DR 2nd 10:38 11:01 -
Thank you.
Thankz
Thanks!
Man. Shout out for changing all those strings for the video. We know how tedious it can be.
Yeah, I thought, “gee, he’s keen to want to change all those strings”. Glad he did though, cause it really demonstrates the difference.
This guy changed strings for this video more than I have in my whole life 😂
Guitar is worse. Bass strings are 10x easier to change.
@@18JR78 Yeah but it's hard for bassists to even remember how ;)
@@GreenAsJade smart haha
Wow!!!! Very nice presentation. Wasn't sure what to get. Now I know what I want. Thanks!!!
Good review. Thanks. I got turned onto the LaBella flatwounds in the late 90s. I play blues to motown sound,and these are so warm. The tone is deep and rich. My favorite.
Tried them all - Rotosound 66 get my vote. I do use the nickel wound for a little warmer tone.
Not a bass player, guitar player getting into bass, and I play everything from drop tuned metal to funk / r&b and I gotta say the Rotosound strings definitely sounded the most versatile and ready to go
They die really quickly.
@@tmtmtmtmtm not if you clean them
I play 80% rock and 20% funk and your string review nailed the tones! Great video, thank you.
Thank you so much for this very informative and thorough video, buddy! 👍🌟
Thank you so much for doing the comparison. Have played 4-string for the past 30 years, and my first 5-string arrives tomorrow so I can expand my catalog for a cover band. Great to hear the classic string sets on 5 instead of just 4. Awesome video.
When I started playing bass in 1981.
I used Rotos round wound for years.
But they wear down your frets faster than any other string. They sound the best.
I don’t want to have to refret every 2 years. Then I went to GHS Boomers.
And played them for 20 years.
I’ve tried others. But I like the DR’s
Still the most helpful bass string video on the tube. I keep coming back to watch. Thanks for making this.
Yes, those Rotosound steels sound amazing. A little rough on the fingers but you quickly get used to it.
I have the same Elixirs, on my BassMods NPS Aguilar OBP3 Delano fat poles, for about 3years now.Incredible🔥They don't have the zing of brand new,yet they still,sound better than,most.Hard to explain. THANKS FOR this demo.I just bought EB slinkeys for another bass .Thanks👌🏾
I love the Rotosound Swing Bass 66s. They are loud, strong and cut through everything. They are my "go-to" choice even though they cost more. On a 6-string, I love the Rotosound UltraMags.
I've been using Rotosound Round Wounds on My Jazz since the 70's and Ernie Balls for My Musicman LOVE'EM!
So many good shoes...so many different feet.
So many good strings.....so many different bass sounds.
That's my take on it😊
Nice rundown and playing
Picked up DR Hi-Beams in the 90's, been sticking with them ever since. They lasted longer and stayed brighter far longer than other strings i tried.
Just recieved a set of the D'Addario nickels and super impressed. I've tried them all except for the DR's and the D'Add's are staying on. With the growing number of counterfiets being sold online I love how you can verify the D'Addarios from the code on the packet too. That, with the great tone and thier balanced output means It'll be D'Add's from here on in!
Love the way this video is done, easy to navigate through every section, well done! What I've learn is that I made a good choice to stick with the DR 10 years ago, still the best for me after all this time. Highly recommend! (DR guitar strings are also crazy good)
I used to use Roto Sound Swing Bass Round Wounds.(still my favorite)They tended to chew-up the frets though. Switched to Ernie Ball Super Slinkies 30-35yrs ago. Not quite the sound, but my frets don't have to get dressed, or replaced so often.😊
I like how you not only use the same playing sample for each style of playing (finger or slap), but the same for each brand, as well (unlike so many others). Thank you.
DR strings all the way💪🏽
'Sunbeams'
Yep. DR Sunbeams. Especially if you need growly mids.
@@itchyvinyl 💯💯
Dr strings are good strings to use. All the way is excessive.
@@venusspacey9685 lol that was a year ago; I’d try other strings; it’s just an expression
I’ve been using D’Adario XL for over 20 years. Super Versatel and durable,
I’ll take my fender over anything I’ve played
Great vid, brutha! I personally lean toward the DR Hi Beams and the XL’s. I actually make my choices between those depending on which bass I play. I switch between 5 strings Jazz and vintage 4 string Jazz basses. While I do agree that certain strings may perform better in certain situations, I personally lean into my EQ’ing to go between genres. Again, great vid and as always, great content! ✊🏾
Great comparison!
I’ve tried so many, but I keep coming back to the same 2: D’addario and Stringjoy.
I've been using the Power Slinky Ernie Ball strings since I was like 15 years old. I don't tend to stick with a single brand for anything, but Ernie Ball has been very consistent and proven.
I use Rotosound round wound R66LD regular gauge for all my basses except my Warwick, and I use Warwick Black Label regular gauge stainless steel round wounds for that one. I used to occasionally use nickel strings, but found they wear out quickly. Stainless steel is hard on the frets and fingers, but it gives a good sound for quite a while. All my current basses are 5-string; I use 45-65-80-105-130.
Bro! I know I’m super late, Ernie balls all day- matter fact .40-1.25 all my life now. Great vid
P.S: your face when playing Ernie’s was priceless 😂
In my country (Indonesia) where humidity here is mostly around 60-95% which is very damp, Ernie Ball strings never lasted more than a month for me, with note I am not a wet palm guy.
It sounds very great but very short lived because of the air here from seas around builds up rust and corrosion way way faster, for any nickel or steel strings.
In my experience Elixir lasted the longest (hard on fingers tho), followed by Labella and Roto (this one was also hard), then NYXL, DR, D'Addario XL, and Ernie Ball is the shortest.
Setuju
Have you ever used Cleartone or Magma? Which one has lasted longer?
Ernie ball bagus kah?
Just ordered la bella strings based upon your review. Thanks Travis for the great content!
There is one missing: ELIXIR NIKEL COATED, in my opinion the best strings right now, very well balanced and with this warm tone that is great for pizzicato (jaco sound) as well as nice and elegant slap. Really difficult to find nowadays here in Spain.
From all the strings in your video, those ernie ball got you the best sound. That slap line with this strings had some Marcus similar tone.
Eso digo yo, donde están las Elixir?
elixir strings are always good, acoustic, bass, electric doesn't matter. they just feel so good. they're the most expensive set of strings for a reason I guess. that's probably why most people don't prefer it as well but for me they're always worth it. some also say they hurt the neck because of its toughness against the wood
Rotosound are what I use mainly. Try the flat wound rotosounds. They are the best flat wounds I think. Thanks for the content. Glad I found ya.
God bless
Been a while since I used Rotosounds, but my recollection is that they are really bright new but lose their vibrancy quickly. New they are like nothing else. I've liked the consistency of the tone of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings.
I have been using Fat Beams since November, won't ever change to a different brand.
Thank you for the video Travis.
Well the rotosound stainless (yellow package) are exactly what you said, sounds really great, walking and slap BUT are really rough on the fingers, and i don't like it. Maybe next time i will buy the nickel ones. Love your demonstration, great work, thanks for that.
D’Addario nickels FTW. They do start off super bright but when they break down you almost don’t have to change them anymore
Honestly, my daddario flats got warm as hell but still have the crispness when I want to play funk
@@BourdeoixEternomf if that’s you on your pfp you majestic asf
@tooru9387 pause...but i love seeing bros bigging each other up we need more of that shit
Wow! What an EXCELLENTLY produced comparison video!
Seriously you should get some kind of award for making a major comparison video where we can instantly compare apples to apples with both your setups and your time stamp markers.
Far TOO FEW comparison videos provide that. It’s like… a waste of our time.
I was super impressed by the Slinky strings.
(Too bright for me personally, but overall better than I expected.)
You helped me to make the change from D’Addarios to the Rotosounds, and I’m super happy with the move.
Thanks mate! 👍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You nailed it with the rotosound I use them for funk for jazz, rock and everything I come across
Amazingly well made and informative video! Wish I would have caught it much sooner.
Travis, you are a beast man and I appreciate you taking the time to explain these...since watching this video, I purchase some DR Hi Beams...love them man...appreciate the love man
In my opinion, DR strings are the best. I've previously tried D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Fender, etc, and I found DR the best in terms of tone, playability, and durability, hands down.
In 2006 I strung my Ibanez ATK with DR Fat Beam, didn't change the strings for 13 years until I restrung it with stiffer stainless steel Lo Rider in 2019. The tone deterioration were slow, and maintained usable tone much longer than other brands.
I'm considering in getting either Pure Blues or Neon White for my next purchase 😃
Not sure qhy you qoulsnt go back to the longest run using DRs?
D'addrio for life, I ply a lot of Japanese hard rock/math rock and acid jazz and I like that bright powerful tone cause teh bass in the most important instrument for those genres!
If anyone reads this, what are great strings for metal/rock style style songs. I'm new to bass and got my own 5 string the other week
D'Addario XL175 .45 - .130 gauge. Thank me later.
Always have used DR but getting ready to try rotosound.
Going to buy a bass tomorrow after a long break. It has been awhile since I played but when I did I preferred the DR Low Riders. Thanks for the video this was a great comparison video.
Thank you for mentioning the FAT beams! Started using those with my Marcus Miller fender years ago and now I use marcus’ sire basses with the DR and it’s perfection man. God bless!
I have a sire mm and I needed this comment to make sure that dr strngs match perfect with it
Thanks
I will try DR I have the Sire P5 and stronbly dislike the strings it ca.e with feom Sweetwater
Thanks for demoing and describing each of these. Very helpful!
DR and XL.. they are bright but that's why we have adjustment controls on our bases to tone it down if needed!
Great video. I went from stock Fender round wounds to La Bella flat wounds on my Mustang short scale bass. I didn't have an issue with my hands, but I've never had strings that kept stretching for so long! I had to keep stretching them until they settled. Once they did, I absolutely love the sound and like you mentioned, they kind of last forever because they are already mellow and age gracefully...
Flats are where it's at. Same set on my pbass for at least five years. Still sound amazing.
This is just right video I want.
Really really appreciate for your effort.
Especially I want to compare sounds of Roto, DR and Dadario.
Again, really appreciate for this.
My favourite strings are either D'Addario ProSteels or Dunlop Hybrid Nickel or even the Lemmy Signature Steels.
ima go with the rotosounds! thanks man, helped alot.
Great video...thanks.
The Ernie Ball strings really are bright and the slap tones just make you want to groove...
I also use the DR Neon strings on my 4 string bass...they look great and the sound is unique ....
Great review, sweet playing. Love the La Bella's with a pick.
I really liked those labellas. I wasn’t watching the video, but just listening, and when I heard them, I was like like, “oh yeah, those sound good!”. Maybe it’s cause I play fretless 90% of the time, and the one fretted J bass I own, has flat wounds on it too, (I have 5 fretless basses), so maybe my ear just likes the flat wound sound?
I wasn’t even listening too hard, so I missed the name of the strings, or the fact that they were flat wounds, so I watched the video again to see what the “good strings” were, before the Ernie Balls.
I can remember experiencing the weird new flat wound feel and how the increased surface friction makes your fingers not slide well. That was 25 years ago, and I’d forgotten until now. Great video man.
You are right about the DR Strings fat beam I have on my lefay bass from 2018 and still popping bright
Really enjoyed the video! I've been watching some of your videos for a year or so now. I recently bought a Fender Player P-Bass. I'm not a fan of the factory strings. Too bright and they ring constantly. I'm leaning heavily towards the La Bellas Flatwounds and the DR's Fat are in the running. I have Rotosound Jazz 77 on my 5 string. What strings will give a warm tone, not too bright, but still retain most of the P-bass growl? Thanks.
I will love to know how to get rid of that ground electric noise , at 7:21
I know you did this video as raw as possible to show how the strings sound
I'm asking in an ideal case, what can one do?
Thanks for the great reviews!! Surprised you didn't like the feel of flatwounds. I got a used fretless bass with LaBellas, and OMG, they feel so smooth. I'm not sure how much playing was done one them before I got it though.
I’m learning the bass and came across this video. I didn’t know strings can do that much change of the sound quality. I liked the rotosound. I think I will buy one. The strings I have right now looks dark and tired.
OMG! Those DR strings. I just ordered them. Can't wait!
Thanks for this. I have been using Hi-Beams forever but you have convinced me to try some Fat Beams
Nice video, thank you. Totally with you on the DR strings. Silver medal to the Rotos. My 2ps.
Been using Dr Black Beauties for several years. Thinking about trying some LaBella tape wound strings. Have some Ernie ball flat wound I haven’t tried yet.
I'm a D'Addario guy, been using NYXLs for years for all my basses except a couple I have Chromes flats on. Playing all kinds of styles, but I guess mostly rock and more of the CCM side of church music than the gospel side.
Great video. I'm going with the RotoSound.
Used to be a round wound guy, was a huge fan of the DR Bootzillas. Tried the La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass flats on a whim, and have never looked back. Love the fat, darker tone from them.
Might want to checkout LaBella Gold flatwounds, more mids than the regular Deep Talkin bass strings. Put them on my PJ Deluxe and Portamento 5 string fretless. Never looking back, I’ll change them in 5/10 years lol.
Love the curt mangans as well...he was ernie ball string designer for 15 yrs... especially for six string bass.. go to string out of the box... ernie balls... rotosounds tend to be hard on frets...but sound great... at least for me...on my 6 string warrior...
I haven't had the chance to try those strings, I have a friend that uses those strings and loves them!
Best string show on RUclips,,,i use all Bass Boomers but a GREAT SHOW. 🎸🤠
The real money tone with LaBella Flats is on a P bass. Warm and pillowy but still cuts through the mix. I use those for country and old school funk / Motown but I don't love them for slap. Another set of flats worth checking out is D'Adario Chromes. Twice as bright as the LaBella's and great for slap with the dded bonus is no string so slides are super clean. I can also get a LaBellaish sound if I roll the tone off a bit. I've been playing a P/J bass lately and have been trying to home in on the right strings for it. Have a set of of Rotosounds on the way to try along with some DR Black Beauties.
Hi!! Anybody knows what bass strings comes with the black balls end?
Nice video can post one which size are them i need to see if its 45 65 and up
Fantastic video - very well done , very helpful and informative - great job mate!
Great video. One of the best comparisons I’ve seen.
I play roots rock/americana and I enjoy your tone. I play rotosounds.
Is It okay to use the 5 string ernie ball thing to 4 string bass? I have no idea to basses but I have 4 string bass and I want to change my string. Thank you
Awesome video Travis .. Great review.. I found it very useful .. Thank you .
Which ones will keep their growl the longest? Looking for a pair to put on the church bass.
My dude🤘🤘. Fat Beams are all I use for the same exact reason. I like the way they wear in. A fresh set though...good gracious I love that sparkle, twinkle and glisten. That is why I keep my basses strung with fresh Fat Beams.
i always do Blue Steel strings. nice, clean sound
Hi Y'All, just personally wondering I have a Sire vintage v7 gen 1, I love it, but my fave tone is funk and soul bass from 70's to 80s, plus I love slap etc, for my 4 string, and music selection, what would u personally recommend? Many thanks
I switched to Elixir Nanoweb stainless about a year ago, and man they are great sounding! Last's a really long time too. They sound the same as when I put them on.
Are these strings good if your wanting to play like cliff burton?
You need a DR endorsement!! You deserve it, and I'm sure they would make more than enough money to cover giving you as many free strings as you need from you playing them at this point. You work hard, you're a great player, and you play out and record more than enough to help them sells strings. Have you ever asked them for an endorsement? I use DR strings mostly myself. However, as you know, most of our tone comes from our fingers foremost!
This is very complicated, different basses need different strings for different music styles... Did you notice how many times I said the word different? Great video my friend!!!
Did you film this over a few days or did you change your shirt for every demo?
Awesome vid with awesome playing. I'd planned to watch this before, but I put it off. Earlier today, I got Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Regular, so I think I'll be alright!!
Great video, as always 👌👌 ive been using the exact ernie ball you have but it just loses that brightness so fast, in like a week or 2, that new string sound completely goes away. Ive been recommended elixir or rotosounds, any1 care to give their opinion? 😄
I’m a huge fan of LaBellas! Have them on all my bass guitars, and haven’t had much issue with stiffness, but I’m a double bassist, so bass guitars feel lighter to me anyway…
After years of playing through different stings, Elixir Nano-webbed strings are the best. They are super comfortable on the fingers, versatile and long lasting. Even after constant use, they still sound like a fresh set. Highly recommend them over every other strings mentioned here.
I dont know what its called, but some of the b strings are wound a little bit thinner right at the point that it goes over the bridge saddle, which strings have that feature?
They all sound great! Can you do a video on how you’re recording your bass? Sounds amazing. Curious what Interface, preamp, software etc. you’re using
Hi. I am from Brazil. Without a doubt DR Strings has the best sound. However, Ernie Ball has a killer tone as well. I use Ernie Ball strings these days. Congratulations on the video.
please, wich one strings do you recomend for a 27 inch scale bass ???
I wish I had watched this video a few years ago! I have been using DR high beams for the past 10 years or so but this year I tried the fat beams for the first time - definitely give a more solid low/mid end. I really like them!
The DRs snarl on that bass. Probably help you get old school Marcus Miller tones in the bridge with the tone down. The Japanese slap is all about those D’Addario XL though
Hey travis, I use custom gauge kalium strings for my fretted 6 string bass, I was thinking, are there any custom gauge flatwound or even tapewound strings I could pick up when I get myself a fretless? Thanks.