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When it comes time to replace your strings, there are two extreme types of bassists: Those who re-string after every show (or as much as time and budget will allow), and those who just…don’t, ever, until they break. Like Legendary Motown bass player James Lee Jamerson famously said about his unchanged strings, “The gunk keeps the funk.”
But whenever you decide your bass needs a fresh set, replacing your strings can bring new life to an old (or any) bass guitar. It’s all about what works for you, the style you’ll be playing, how often you play, and ultimately, the sound you’re shooting for.
“Thickness of string will become a personal preference over time,” says Craig Lee, bassist for Minneapolis bands Ill-Gotten and 4-Player Co-op. “Generally, the lighter the gauge of string makes for a brighter sound, and heavier gauge creates a thicker sound. You can also consider flat wound strings if you really want an upright bass sound. As you play more,” he says, “you’ll start to figure out where exactly you like your tone [so you] can set up your strings with different gauges, and dial it in.”
Playing style, such as picking, plucking, slapping, or sliding, is another aspect to consider. It’s not just about the sound you’ll get, but the wear and tear on the strings — and on your fingers too. “With different string gauges,” says Lee, “playing with a pick versus using your fingers will yield different results that you’ll feel and hear. I mostly use my fingers to play, and prefer a very flexible string that I can manipulate with bends, strums, slaps and plucks to fully achieve every nuance out of my sound.”
We’ve selected three sets of strings to get you started, from three legendary companies in the world of bass and beyond. All offer various gauges and options to fit your fingers, your bass, and your budget.
And for those beginner bassists just getting started, a final thought from Lee: “If the person has smaller hands, consider getting a short-scale bass. It makes for much easier playing as you learn.”
