D'Addario ProSteels EPS160 Medium Gauge Long Scale Bass Strings

These steels are simply great strings. I love the tone from a good set of round wounds. I put them on my prized '78 P bass, and it's like a new instrument (in the best possible way). Sounds so mean. I tried them because they are endorsed by Garth Fielding, and that guy is a session beast. I will probably put them on my '81 Jazz and '79 Rick, when it's time to change strings on those basses.

I have to tell you, I don't like these strings. Sure, they have a nice, bright tone at first, but after two weeks, these strings lose their flavor. They get rough and it's uncomfortable to play. I wouldn't recommend these. Maybe some bass players change their strings every few days, but I change mine once a month, and if the strings can't even last two weeks, then what's the point?

I'd been looking for my "dream" set of strings for years, and never quite coming across them until I had tried D'addario's ProSteel line. I was looking for a piano-like "chime" without sacrificing the low-end of my basses, and these were exactly what I'd been looking for. Not nearly as rough on your fingers as other stainless steel strings yet just enough to help toughen up your calluses, these are the perfect balance between super-slick coated strings and some of the earlier steel strings made that are still on the market. The .105 E-string is also great for downtuning to D while still maintaining a solid string tension and tone - D-tuner users look no further for your choice of string. I use these on a D-tuner equipped J-bass as well as a P-bass that I like a heavier, more "old-school" vibe and simply turn down the tone knob. The high-end is easily controllable. If you're looking for strings that'll help you cut through the mix whether live or in the studio, help with finding the perfect slapping or tapping sound and yet still sounds like a *bass*, look no further. That they last longer than all the steel strings I've tried in my playing career is a extra bonus - it's always nice to put off changing strings. Just wipe them down, and you'll be set for months. Nothing else gets placed on my fretted basses than D'addario ProSteels.