Strings n Things

As I mentioned a few days ago my guitar is due around Feb and I want to check with you folks on a few thngs regarding this guitar.

Strings, Sire recently changed all their builds to use DR Strings.

Imputs please on what anyone thinks about them, good, bad or indifferent.

Secondly, I’ve read that some people find that theres a little head dive and recommend changing the tuners for a lighter set. So, again please, recommendations for good quality light weight tuners.

Thank you. :slight_smile:

Libi

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DR strings are groovy. A lot folks prefer them. I’ve tried them on guitar and no complaints although I prefer Elixir nanowebs. I’m going to guess that you mean bass though. Same thing applies. I wouldn’t worry about changing them out. They’re good strings.

Even more so than bass brands, strings are entirely subjective. Noone is going to be able to tell you what you like in a string. The only way to really figure that out is to try different ones out until you come to your own opinion.

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DR makes great quality strings.

Gotoh makes very good quality, affordable tuning machines. Hipshot USA Ultralites are excellent, but much more expensive than Gotohs. You can’t go wrong with either brand.

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I don’t play anything but DR string set.

Well, except for Thomastik, Optima, Dogal, D’Addario, La Bella, Ernie Ball, Fender, and just a couple more brands. :rofl:

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It’s funny because I’ve been playing Labella 0760M “Jamerson” flats and everyone says how they feel like aircraft cables and the tension is so high and they don’t feel like that to me. They feel great, easy to play and I love their sound :slight_smile:

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To be honest, I’d just wait till your bass arrives and take the opportunity to play it and see how it feels. Having played a variety of instruments before I’m sure you realise that a proper set up will probably be more beneficial then jumping down the upgrade route before your bass even arrives. https://youtu.be/cteHO-hV8lU?si=VAHnRc-2xmIlGIj3 Also with you being a newbie here I would suggest using the search spyglass from the top menu, especially if you are going to open the wormhole of ‘which bass,’ ‘which amp’, ‘which strings’, ‘using a pick’ etc for which there are hundreds of existing posts.

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I’m that kind of guy that doesn’t want to change strings often, so if these are uncoated strings, I will probably pass them.

If by any chance you don’t like those DR strings, then get yourself some Elixir coated bass strings. Sound awesome, feel good, last long! 50 bucks for 500 bucks of fun!

There isn’t going to be the proverbial rabbit hole for the base. Strings I wanted to know about because I’ve not near of DR strings, I use elixir nanos for my sire. I will also avoid bass amps and direct record only. I have everything I need there. I don’t think anyone answered the question about the tuners so it’s a mute point for now giving me a chance to test the balance from the get go. I do like my guitars plekd though but, need a few days to acclimatise first.

Libi

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As mentioned, DR makes great quality strings, plus they’re very affordable — very much in a comparable price range as D’Addario, Ernie Ball, GHS, Stringjoy, S.I.T., etc.

All of these have a relatively similar life span on a bass.

I’ve tried them all, including more expensive coated versions, like Elixirs.

Personally, I generally prefer uncoated round wounds with round cores. But I also prefer strings with great tone, playability and longevity between required changes. .

For those reasons, I have TI Jazz strings (Rounds and Flats) on my basses.

Yes, TIs are more expensive than commonly available, off-the-shelf brands, but they equally check all my boxes: they are low-tension and play like a dream; they sound fantastic; AND they last, retaining their tone for a ridiculously long time. Net-net, TIs quality of playing life, coupled with their longevity, makes the math work out to a great value for me. YMMV

Regardless, if you’re a beginner, try several string brands and styles. It really is the only way to determine which strings you jibe with in the long term. Besides, it’s fun to experiment, and fun is why we’re all here in the first place. Enjoy!

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When it comes to strings, it takes a while to learn about them and learn what you like. You’ll soon want to explore other types of strings like Flats, Tapewounds, and different brands. Once you have done all of that, your preference cycles would start and it changes every now and then.

Not all rounds are the same they are different from models to models even from the same brand, same goes for flats and tape wound (nylon)

AS for tuners, don’t rush into anything unless you want a certain look, or feel. Every brands have their selling features. It depends on what you need. Post your questions once you discover what you need, we will be too happy to help you spend your money, :joy: The balance of the bass is not rest on the weight of the tuners, it can simply be fixed by moving the strap holder.

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I just had a set of Optima flats put on my AtelierZ jazz bass. I have to say, I absolutely love them. So much so, I’m thinking of having a set on my Fender P bass.

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DR is a good brand. When I got my last Sire the product sheet claimed D’Addarios, but when I got the bass it had Ernie Balls. When I asked Sire about it, they said D’Addario wasn’t able to keep up with the demand so they used EBs on that batch instead.

And I hate EB round wounds. To my fingers it’s like plucking a cheese grater.

Strings are highly subjective, and you can expect some trial and error as you figure out what your preference is. I prefer TIs myself.

As far as tuners, I like Gotoh Reso-lytes. I have had Hip Shot too, but prefer the Gotoh thought I couldn’t give an answer as to why. Both are good.

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I’ve tried their coated strings several times and hope to never play them again.

Sure, plenty of people like DR, but plenty of people like LaBella, Ernie Ball, D’Addario, Rotosound, etc.

Of course, Ellen likes them, so…

Ellen plays Hysteria

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I use Ken Smith Bass Burners on my Jaydees.

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Me too. The Gotoh tuners feel higher quality to me (than the USA Ultralights) and are lighter.

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Not me. Personally, Hipshot Ultralite USA feel totally premium. I don’t get that degree of goodness from Gotohs, but whatever keeps the wet on the bottom of the boat.

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Thank you everyone, I have enough now to be getting on with as and when I need to.

Libi