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.
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
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.
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.
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, very informative... all strings you show sound like a good choice.. Im still no closer to deciding thou. Im just starting to play bass again.. after about 20+ years. Im a big fan of John Taylor from Duran Duran (his 80's sound)... Ive read (unconfirmed) that he uses stainless steel in somewhat heave gague.... your input would be appreciated.
Is it me or the DrHib sounds better than the Earnie on slap bass. One question, I know my slapping is good but it doesn’t sound as good as other guitars., why? I’ve got a Fender Squier.
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
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! ✊🏾
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.
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
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.
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
Constrictive suggestion. Just my opinion. Comparison videos are best when you play through all the products back to back. When you talk for 2 minutes in between I lose the original sound in my head. If you go straight through it all then give the commentary at the end I think it makes for a higher quality comparison video. This was only to be helpful, no hate. I appreciate these kind of videos very much. It's an important topic to all of us. I appreciate that video cost some $ to make.
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)
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.
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!
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
Rotosound are probably the best sounding string out there but have the shortest life and go off suddenly , After 20 years I settled on D addario nickles sound great last a long time and go off slowly and good value for money.
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!
i dont think there is such a 'bright the entire time' thing , if you re a working Musician there is No way any of These will last more then 6 months , some worse then other for obvious reasons , but yes Travis DR are the best of The best ,feel , tone ,tension , expensive but worth every Euro
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…
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
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’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.
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? 😄
On the rotosound demo - what is that slap pop click thing you doing!??!?! Sorry. Long time guitarist transitioning to lots of bass playing for church group needs. Anyone know of a good demo for that technique?
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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 😃
I think Dean Markley strings deserve some space here as well. Blue Steels are nowhere inferior to EB, certainly superior to D'Addarios and I'd choose them over the pricey DRs as well. Cheers!
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
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 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👌🏾
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.
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!
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
As far as the stiffness of the LaBellas, they make a low tension flats as well. Much better tension in my opinion.
Awesome video Travis .. Great review.. I found it very useful .. Thank you .
Did you film this over a few days or did you change your shirt for every demo?
Are these strings good if your wanting to play like cliff burton?
Great video, very informative... all strings you show sound like a good choice.. Im still no closer to deciding thou. Im just starting to play bass again.. after about 20+ years. Im a big fan of John Taylor from Duran Duran (his 80's sound)... Ive read (unconfirmed) that he uses stainless steel in somewhat heave gague.... your input would be appreciated.
LaBella RX Stainless steels are my go to
How long usually the RX lasts?
My guy looks great!
DR does make nice strings.
Is it me or the DrHib sounds better than the Earnie on slap bass. One question, I know my slapping is good but it doesn’t sound as good as other guitars., why? I’ve got a Fender Squier.
La bellas have a buzz???
Ghs precision flats all day
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
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
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
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! ✊🏾
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.
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
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?
Yes, those Rotosound steels sound amazing. A little rough on the fingers but you quickly get used to it.
Am so glad about how much weight u loss am trying to loss some to
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
Constrictive suggestion.
Just my opinion.
Comparison videos are best when you play through all the products back to back.
When you talk for 2 minutes in between I lose the original sound in my head.
If you go straight through it all then give the commentary at the end I think it makes for a higher quality comparison video.
This was only to be helpful, no hate. I appreciate these kind of videos very much. It's an important topic to all of us.
I appreciate that video cost some $ to make.
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.
Elixir strings 🔥
Wait... You change your strings, guys?
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
DR FatBeams definitely
Mehn, i just fell inlove with the labella's tone!!! Damnnnn
Nice video can post one which size are them i need to see if its 45 65 and up
I play 80% rock and 20% funk and your string review nailed the tones! Great video, thank you.
Fat Beams used to be the Marcus Miller signature model
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)
Dunlop. Wish you would've had those in the video.
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.
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.
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!
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
Elixir is missing in your list. Brilliant strings if you haven't tried them out yet
Rotosound are probably the best sounding string out there but have the shortest life and go off suddenly , After 20 years I settled on D addario nickles sound great last a long time and go off slowly and good value for money.
Still the most helpful bass string video on the tube. I keep coming back to watch. Thanks for making this.
Warwick 😖
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!
i dont think there is such a 'bright the entire time' thing , if you re a working Musician there is No way any of These will last more then 6 months , some worse then other for obvious reasons , but yes Travis DR are the best of The best ,feel , tone ,tension , expensive but worth every Euro
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…
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
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’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.
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? 😄
On the rotosound demo - what is that slap pop click thing you doing!??!?!
Sorry. Long time guitarist transitioning to lots of bass playing for church group needs. Anyone know of a good demo for that technique?
Rotosound all the way. I use them on my classic, acoustic steel string, electric and bass guitar. :-) Great review by the way
yes, the rotosounds work for almost anything
Elixir
Fantastic string
Great video. I'm going with the RotoSound.
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!
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.
I have been using Fat Beams since November, won't ever change to a different brand.
Thank you for the video Travis.
What Are The Best BASS STRINGS? There is no answer to that question other than IT DEPENDS....
i always do Blue Steel strings. nice, clean sound
What do you recommend for Worship music, stuff that elevation plays?
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!!
No one can answer that question, it’s what you like or Love.
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.
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?
I think Dean Markley strings deserve some space here as well. Blue Steels are nowhere inferior to EB, certainly superior to D'Addarios and I'd choose them over the pricey DRs as well. Cheers!
Ernie Ball Super Slinky's is what I've used for almost 30 years.
I liked The Ernie ball Slinky Cobalts but had a dead one fresh out of the plastic, So not buying those again.
Haven’t played any strings better than Elixirs. They are a bit more expensive but last way longer and feel great.
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
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.😊
Great comparison!
I’ve tried so many, but I keep coming back to the same 2: D’addario and Stringjoy.
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👌🏾
ima go with the rotosounds! thanks man, helped alot.
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.
Nice playing and I learned a lot about strings. But I gotta say it. A pair = two. Not one more or less. Two
The background sound an everything changed with the hi beams
I typically get boomers since they're made in my state and are great for the price, but nyxl is good too.
What is easiest on the left hand plus slides quicker with no finger burn after 4 hrs straight up playing
I’m trying the Elixir nickel coated 45-130 strings.
Daddario sounds like the factory strings that come with your bass. 0/10 they are ass
Have you ever heard of Stringjoy? I love them man, you should try some!
Dogal strings are the best for me
For metal, which would be the best, specifically more of a Cliff burton tone
Can someone help me with bass 7 strings where can I find 7 bass strings 017 /130
Hi!! Anybody knows what bass strings comes with the black balls end?
Las Ernie Ball suenan bastante bien, esas son las que estoy utlizando actualmente.
Which ones will keep their growl the longest? Looking for a pair to put on the church bass.
You got a serious case of "Funk Face" playing the Ernie Ball strings!
DR and XL.. they are bright but that's why we have adjustment controls on our bases to tone it down if needed!
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
I can tell which strings you like by your facial expressions ;)
Ernie ball sound like "Sainfield" intros
the flatwound labella are THE motown string. how do you beat that as an endorsement?