A well-known plucked string instrument for playing in the bass range is the bass guitar. In most musical styles and genres, it is used as an accompanying instrument, and less often as a solo. The soul of any guitar is strings. After all, the sound quality, its range, mainly depends on them. There are several characteristics to look out for when choosing bass strings.
Instructions
Step 1
Decide which type of bass you need strings for: four-string, five-string, or six-string. Each of these guitars requires a different gauge of strings.
Step 2
If you play jazz or blues, buy strings that are not too large, for example, from 45 to 105. If you are a musician of the heavier styles of music, choose thicker strings.
Step 3
Pay attention to the braiding of the string. The string is a steel cord around which a metal braid is wound. The braid itself can be of three types: round, semicircular, flat. Each has its own sound. Modern bassists prefer round braided strings.
Step 4
Check what material the strings are made of. Of no small importance is the material from which the strings are made. Strings made of nickel have a lower tone, without unnecessary overtones. Steel strings have a bright, sonorous tone and strong attack.
Step 5
If you are concerned about the life of your bass strings, it is worth considering choosing strings with a protective coating. Such strings will cost significantly more, but will last much longer than any other strings, since uncoated strings are clogged with particles of leather, dirt, and dust. The protective coating prevents the penetration of dirt, grease and sweat, which quickly corrode the metal surface of the strings.
