First of all, thanks to all you guys and gals on LBO. I'm becoming more and more comfortable with my bass playing (learning, actually) and way more comfortable with my bass guitar knowledge thanks to your help. Funny enough, I'm finding myself leaning towards understanding how a bass works as a source of inspiration more than I get from playing right now. Probably because I just am not that musically talented. I love it anyway.
I'm also becoming way less shy about posting questions (I went a long time on forums just hanging out and reading before I'd actually post questions).
I have more questions in regards to strings and their application:
Is there a general rule-of-thumb when it comes to matching strings to basses?
Are these configurations mostly based on the type of playing and/or the genre of music you're playing?
We've all seen threads and heard talk of flats vs rounds, chrome vs nickel, etc., but I really don't understand the how's and why's of bass-to-string configurations.
I was wondering if someone with bass config knowledge can look at my current basses and tell me if any of my current match-ups (bass-to-strings) are sort of counter-intuitive...or if you have any suggestions that might significantly alter the characteristics of a bass.
For instance: I play finger-style - mostly rock/blues-rock/rockabilly/punkabilly type music, and I have all types of 4-string basses:
Dean w/ passive EMG HZ Soaps - d'Addario XL chromes
G&L L2k Trib w/ active MFD Humbuckers - stock SIT rounds
SX Jazz w/ Audere Preamp (stock pups) - Fender Nylon rounds
Turser JTB-401 P-bass w/ TI Powerbass rounds 47-107 (I'm selling this bass this week, btw)
LTD B-254 w/ active EMG HZ's - DR Lowrider SS
Fender MIM P-Bass (passive) with Fender Superbass 7250 45-100
Gretsch Jr. Jet (Shortie) with TV-Jones mini-bucker - GHS 3020 Precision Flats
Dano '63 RI Longscale with passive lipsticks - d'Addario EXL-165 Roundwound nickels 45-105
Peavey T-40 with passive Peavey Humbuckers - DR Lowrider SS
Epi Thunderbird w/ passive TB Humbuckers - Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkys 45-105
Peavey Fury (on it's way - Thanks GodOfThunder)!
Obviously, they're all different - that was kind of my short-term goal in accruing so many low-mid level basses.
Of the ones listed above, I get the deepest, nastiest rock tones from the T-40, followed by the G&L, which can really be altered to sound like almost anything.
Since I'm still deep in the learning stages, I'm still unsure as to what changes I can get from a bass by changing from A to B.
This is just for my edification, and for me to do more experimenting with sounds. I'm certainly not trying to waste anyone's time or effort.
mods: If I'm becoming a pain in the arse with all these questions, just delete my account.
Wouldn't be the first social group I've been banned from.
Thanks,
Steve