What Are The Best BASS STRINGS? | What is That

On today's episode of What Is That we are doing a semi-deep dive into the best bass strings for Funk, R&B, Gospel and Pop music. We will talking about and demonstrating, Ernie Ball's, Labellas, DR Hi Beams, Rotosound, D'addario XLs and DR Fatbeams. Going over the pros and cons of each string and what styles they work the best for.
Thanks to Sweetwater for sponsoring this video!
Go check out their latest deals here | imp.i114863.net/v52Ve
STRINGS IN THIS VIDEO
D'addario XLs | imp.i114863.net/rnnE3v
Rotosound | imp.i114863.net/Eaa012
Labella Flat Wounds | imp.i114863.net/dooygj
Ernie Ball | imp.i114863.net/LPP0BM
DR Hi Beams | imp.i114863.net/a11NoR
DR Fat Beams | amzn.to/3vg8yH4
VIDEO [Table of Contents]
0:00 | Start of Video
01:37 | D'addario XL
02:32 | D'addario XL [Slapped DEMO]
02:53 | D'addario XL [Fingerstyle DEMO]
03:10 | Rotosound
04:25 | Rotosound [Slapped DEMO]
04:47 | Rotosound [Fingerstyle DEMO]
05:06 | Labellas
06:48 | Labellas [Slapped DEMO]
07:16 | Labellas [FIngerstyle DEMO]
07:35 | Ernie Ball
08:55 | Ernie Ball [Slapped DEMO]
09:18 | Ernie Ball [Fingerstyle DEMO]
09:36 | DR Hi Beams
10:38 | DR Hi Beams [Slapped DEMO]
11:00 | DR Hi Beams [Fingerstyle DEMO]
11:18 | DR Fat Beams
12:29 | How To Choose Bass Strings
13:49 | String GIVEAWAY!
14:18 | Outro
Thanks for watching!
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[@ronaldbarnesii385]

Man. Shout out for changing all those strings for the video. We know how tedious it can be.

[@alterbridge7091]

Yeah, I thought, “gee, he’s keen to want to change all those strings”. Glad he did though, cause it really demonstrates the difference.

[@HairySon92]

This guy changed strings for this video more than I have in my whole life 😂

[@18JR78]

Guitar is worse. Bass strings are 10x easier to change.

[@GreenAsJade]

@@18JR78 Yeah but it's hard for bassists to even remember how ;)

[@psyghtseer]

@@GreenAsJade smart haha

[@Theospeak1]

Thank you so much for doing the comparison. Have played 4-string for the past 30 years, and my first 5-string arrives tomorrow so I can expand my catalog for a cover band. Great to hear the classic string sets on 5 instead of just 4. Awesome video.

[@stefanadamcik8221]

Good review. Thanks. I got turned onto the LaBella flatwounds in the late 90s. I play blues to motown sound,and these are so warm. The tone is deep and rich. My favorite.

[@guillaumeaudet3139]

Love the way this video is done, easy to navigate through every section, well done! What I've learn is that I made a good choice to stick with the DR 10 years ago, still the best for me after all this time. Highly recommend! (DR guitar strings are also crazy good)

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

Great video. I went from stock Fender round wounds to La Bella flat wounds on my Mustang short scale bass. I didn't have an issue with my hands, but I've never had strings that kept stretching for so long! I had to keep stretching them until they settled. Once they did, I absolutely love the sound and like you mentioned, they kind of last forever because they are already mellow and age gracefully...

[@kevon217]

Thanks for demoing and describing each of these. Very helpful!

[@jiminnorthdallas1227]

I like how you not only use the same playing sample for each style of playing (finger or slap), but the same for each brand, as well (unlike so many others). Thank you.

[@j.juarez9526]

I play 80% rock and 20% funk and your string review nailed the tones! Great video, thank you.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Wow! What an EXCELLENTLY produced comparison video! Seriously you should get some kind of award for making a major comparison video where we can instantly compare apples to apples with both your setups and your time stamp markers. Far TOO FEW comparison videos provide that. It’s like… a waste of our time. I was super impressed by the Slinky strings. (Too bright for me personally, but overall better than I expected.) You helped me to make the change from D’Addarios to the Rotosounds, and I’m super happy with the move. Thanks mate! 👍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@beatapt5]

Tried them all - Rotosound 66 get my vote. I do use the nickel wound for a little warmer tone.

[@jimmycarter9286]

Great vid, brutha! I personally lean toward the DR Hi Beams and the XL’s. I actually make my choices between those depending on which bass I play. I switch between 5 strings Jazz and vintage 4 string Jazz basses. While I do agree that certain strings may perform better in certain situations, I personally lean into my EQ’ing to go between genres. Again, great vid and as always, great content! ✊🏾

[@DaheBajoBass]

I have been using Fat Beams since November, won't ever change to a different brand. Thank you for the video Travis.

[@chrismotin8917]

Travis, you are a beast man and I appreciate you taking the time to explain these...since watching this video, I purchase some DR Hi Beams...love them man...appreciate the love man

[@cbassscratch7785]

I have the same Elixirs, on my BassMods NPS Aguilar OBP3 Delano fat poles, for about 3years now.Incredible🔥They don't have the zing of brand new,yet they still,sound better than,most.Hard to explain. THANKS FOR this demo.I just bought EB slinkeys for another bass .Thanks👌🏾

[@tonymickens8803]

I've been using Rotosound Round Wounds on My Jazz since the 70's and Ernie Balls for My Musicman LOVE'EM!

[@hitchthompson2168]

Fantastic video - very well done , very helpful and informative - great job mate!

[@ctaesque]

Outstanding video, thank you for posting this...I can hardly wait to try the DR Fat Beams. Years ago, I bought a set of Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats and put them on my '65 Precision. They honestly made that old Fender sing and the older they get -- the better they sound. Which is a good thing nowadays because they've become very pricely. $96 for a 4-string. Whew!!

[@ARcreates]

Thanks for this. I have been using Hi-Beams forever but you have convinced me to try some Fat Beams

[@DK-mj1zt]

Amazingly well made and informative video! Wish I would have caught it much sooner.

[@user-uq8vs1si2w]

This is just right video I want. Really really appreciate for your effort. Especially I want to compare sounds of Roto, DR and Dadario. Again, really appreciate for this.

[@petebishop1603]

Nice video, thank you. Totally with you on the DR strings. Silver medal to the Rotos. My 2ps.

[@anthonyshobbycorner]

Awesome video Travis .. Great review.. I found it very useful .. Thank you .

[@HarryJunPotter]

Thanks. I appriciate your help!!!

[@jamesgrant3343]

I wish I had watched this video a few years ago! I have been using DR high beams for the past 10 years or so but this year I tried the fat beams for the first time - definitely give a more solid low/mid end. I really like them!

[@A_Maggot]

Picked up DR Hi-Beams in the 90's, been sticking with them ever since. They lasted longer and stayed brighter far longer than other strings i tried.

[@DimaSirchenko]

Thanks a lot for such a useful and amazing video review.

[@EpisodeNan]

I’m learning the bass and came across this video. I didn’t know strings can do that much change of the sound quality. I liked the rotosound. I think I will buy one. The strings I have right now looks dark and tired.

[@Jimmichanga999]

You nailed it with the rotosound I use them for funk for jazz, rock and everything I come across

[@Osmonic74]

Going to buy a bass tomorrow after a long break. It has been awhile since I played but when I did I preferred the DR Low Riders. Thanks for the video this was a great comparison video.

[@randyfox2872]

Great video. One of the best comparisons I’ve seen.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

Great comparison! I’ve tried so many, but I keep coming back to the same 2: D’addario and Stringjoy.

[@ryanjohnston4249]

Yes, those Rotosound steels sound amazing. A little rough on the fingers but you quickly get used to it.

[@stevenordstedt2535]

When I started playing bass in 1981. I used Rotos round wound for years. But they wear down your frets faster than any other string. They sound the best. I don’t want to have to refret every 2 years. Then I went to GHS Boomers. And played them for 20 years. I’ve tried others. But I like the DR’s

[@tigerscott2966]

Great video...thanks. The Ernie Ball strings really are bright and the slap tones just make you want to groove... I also use the DR Neon strings on my 4 string bass...they look great and the sound is unique ....

[@johndonlon1611]

I love the Rotosound Swing Bass 66s. They are loud, strong and cut through everything. They are my "go-to" choice even though they cost more. On a 6-string, I love the Rotosound UltraMags.

[@henryc7598]

Just ordered la bella strings based upon your review. Thanks Travis for the great content!

[@BassGods]

OMG! Those DR strings. I just ordered them. Can't wait!

[@alterbridge7091]

I really liked those labellas. I wasn’t watching the video, but just listening, and when I heard them, I was like like, “oh yeah, those sound good!”. Maybe it’s cause I play fretless 90% of the time, and the one fretted J bass I own, has flat wounds on it too, (I have 5 fretless basses), so maybe my ear just likes the flat wound sound? I wasn’t even listening too hard, so I missed the name of the strings, or the fact that they were flat wounds, so I watched the video again to see what the “good strings” were, before the Ernie Balls. I can remember experiencing the weird new flat wound feel and how the increased surface friction makes your fingers not slide well. That was 25 years ago, and I’d forgotten until now. Great video man.

[@jonmatthews4254]

Great review, sweet playing. Love the La Bella's with a pick.

[@impulseproman]

You are right about the DR Strings fat beam I have on my lefay bass from 2018 and still popping bright

[@NuncNuncNuncNunc]

Been a while since I used Rotosounds, but my recollection is that they are really bright new but lose their vibrancy quickly. New they are like nothing else. I've liked the consistency of the tone of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings.

[@WaterproofSoap]

So many good shoes...so many different feet. So many good strings.....so many different bass sounds. That's my take on it😊 Nice rundown and playing

[@jimfiore4671]

Rotosound are what I use mainly. Try the flat wound rotosounds. They are the best flat wounds I think. Thanks for the content. Glad I found ya. God bless

[@pmdinaz]

Nice! Thanks for the efforts

[@oseirabor1467]

Great video. I'm going with the RotoSound.

[@midlandsvision4667]

Thanks for doing this bro!!!

[@boxdenfresh]

D’Addario nickels FTW. They do start off super bright but when they break down you almost don’t have to change them anymore

[@BourdeoixEterno]

Honestly, my daddario flats got warm as hell but still have the crispness when I want to play funk

[@tooru9387]

@@BourdeoixEternomf if that’s you on your pfp you majestic asf

[@SFpurphaze]

​@tooru9387 pause...but i love seeing bros bigging each other up we need more of that shit

[@american23t]

I used to use Roto Sound Swing Bass Round Wounds.(still my favorite)They tended to chew-up the frets though. Switched to Ernie Ball Super Slinkies 30-35yrs ago. Not quite the sound, but my frets don't have to get dressed, or replaced so often.😊

[@TheFoofighter80]

This was so great.. thanx!!

[@luquann]

DR strings all the way💪🏽

[@ruckusisagoodboy]

'Sunbeams'

[@itchyvinyl]

Yep. DR Sunbeams. Especially if you need growly mids.

[@luquann]

@@itchyvinyl 💯💯

[@venusspacey9685]

Dr strings are good strings to use. All the way is excessive.

[@luquann]

@@venusspacey9685 lol that was a year ago; I’d try other strings; it’s just an expression

[@MangChi_Hammer]

thanks for the review and you are a great bassist

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Great Review, I love the D'Addarrio's currently, but may revisit the Rotosounds on some of my axes and DR Fat Beams for my 5 string fretless.

[@donhtb1]

Thank you great video it hepled me

[@MartinCliffe]

I'm a D'Addario guy, been using NYXLs for years for all my basses except a couple I have Chromes flats on. Playing all kinds of styles, but I guess mostly rock and more of the CCM side of church music than the gospel side.

[@michaelvallance3795]

Great video. Lots of information 😎👍

[@uber_stuber]

i always do Blue Steel strings. nice, clean sound

[@LloydMajor]

Awesome lesson!

[@josephwalton487]

My dude🤘🤘. Fat Beams are all I use for the same exact reason. I like the way they wear in. A fresh set though...good gracious I love that sparkle, twinkle and glisten. That is why I keep my basses strung with fresh Fat Beams.

[@Supardanil]

Sick video, nice and to the point, and your playing is always TIGHT. Would've loved to see some nylon-wrapped strings!

[@traviswelpott1510]

Thanks for this breakdown. Bass strings are so expensive experimenting is usually not an option!

[@beatrocka5]

Awesome vid with awesome playing. I'd planned to watch this before, but I put it off. Earlier today, I got Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Regular, so I think I'll be alright!!

[@JLeppert]

Flats are where it's at. Same set on my pbass for at least five years. Still sound amazing.

[@ezepiz]

Hey Travis! Thanks for this video! I have finally found the go to strings I've been looking for in regards to tone and feel! DR Fat-Beams are the bomb!!! Happy to represent UPCI musicians 👍🏾

[@gokhantelci]

They all sound great! Can you do a video on how you’re recording your bass? Sounds amazing. Curious what Interface, preamp, software etc. you’re using

[@TyroneReedJr]

AYEEEEE Needed this! Next time I order strings im gonna try the fat beams. I just bought two packs of the Pure Blues!

[@mjmason75]

You need a DR endorsement!! You deserve it, and I'm sure they would make more than enough money to cover giving you as many free strings as you need from you playing them at this point. You work hard, you're a great player, and you play out and record more than enough to help them sells strings. Have you ever asked them for an endorsement? I use DR strings mostly myself. However, as you know, most of our tone comes from our fingers foremost!

[@dj_tmc]

Thanks for the great reviews!! Surprised you didn't like the feel of flatwounds. I got a used fretless bass with LaBellas, and OMG, they feel so smooth. I'm not sure how much playing was done one them before I got it though.

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Playing!! - D'Darrio 2:33 2:53 - Rotosound 4:27 4:49 - LaBella 6:49 7:16 - Ernie Ball 8:56 9:18 - DR 2nd 10:38 11:01 -

[@rebuked]

Thank you.

[@rudymcwilson4955]

Thankz

[@Direwoof]

D'addrio for life, I ply a lot of Japanese hard rock/math rock and acid jazz and I like that bright powerful tone cause teh bass in the most important instrument for those genres!

[@Lurch350Z]

Used to be a round wound guy, was a huge fan of the DR Bootzillas. Tried the La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass flats on a whim, and have never looked back. Love the fat, darker tone from them.

[@BOBNAR96]

thank ya sir and God Bless!

[@christophervaca7116]

I play roots rock/americana and I enjoy your tone. I play rotosounds.

[@davidmorel373]

After years of playing through different stings, Elixir Nano-webbed strings are the best. They are super comfortable on the fingers, versatile and long lasting. Even after constant use, they still sound like a fresh set. Highly recommend them over every other strings mentioned here.

[@robertsuggs2510]

Best string show on KZbin,,,i use all Bass Boomers but a GREAT SHOW. 🎸🤠

[@soulstart89]

I really liked the labella’s. Also The rotosounds. Cool vids

[@TeamJackson]

Yo! Great video bro!

[@beornthebear.8220]

I use Rotosound round wound R66LD regular gauge for all my basses except my Warwick, and I use Warwick Black Label regular gauge stainless steel round wounds for that one. I used to occasionally use nickel strings, but found they wear out quickly. Stainless steel is hard on the frets and fingers, but it gives a good sound for quite a while. All my current basses are 5-string; I use 45-65-80-105-130.

[@solkvist8668]

I’ve ended up on thomastik flats for my PJ, it’s a wonderful sound. Labella is obviously good as well when it comes to flatwounds, but the Thomastiks are fascinating because they don’t feel like a flat while they sound like one

[@skiskrt3316]

Not a bass player, guitar player getting into bass, and I play everything from drop tuned metal to funk / r&b and I gotta say the Rotosound strings definitely sounded the most versatile and ready to go

[@tmtmtmtmtm]

They die really quickly.

[@jimthethirdprobably]

@@tmtmtmtmtm not if you clean them

[@heriquebetel477]

Hi. I am from Brazil. Without a doubt DR Strings has the best sound. However, Ernie Ball has a killer tone as well. I use Ernie Ball strings these days. Congratulations on the video.

[@jared_s2]

Elixir. sound excellent. feel and play so good. last 5 hrs / day for about 10 days. longest lasting string for both bass and guitar that i ever used.

[@loumutt7899]

Thanks!

[@calebdesjardins616]

Thank you for mentioning the FAT beams! Started using those with my Marcus Miller fender years ago and now I use marcus’ sire basses with the DR and it’s perfection man. God bless!

[@perogrullo1008]

I have a sire mm and I needed this comment to make sure that dr strngs match perfect with it Thanks

[@dancassidy7471]

I will try DR I have the Sire P5 and stronbly dislike the strings it ca.e with feom Sweetwater

[@oscarmorales-cn3hz]

This is very complicated, different basses need different strings for different music styles... Did you notice how many times I said the word different? Great video my friend!!!

[@SnarkyRC]

My favourite strings are either D'Addario ProSteels or Dunlop Hybrid Nickel or even the Lemmy Signature Steels.

[@neilpye6089]

I watched your video with interest and I think the last 3 packets of strings suit you, for me I love the rs66 strings

[@mjthump]

Hey Travis, great video as always. Love what your doing. What year is your Fender Jazz? I want that sound too, but don't know for sure if it depends on the year or not?

[@georgearreola9533]

Bro! I know I’m super late, Ernie balls all day- matter fact .40-1.25 all my life now. Great vid P.S: your face when playing Ernie’s was priceless 😂

[@georgemitchellii4598]

DR and XL.. they are bright but that's why we have adjustment controls on our bases to tone it down if needed!

[@hellboundrubber4448]

You named your Red Bass after Lucifer? That's cool! Gospel is the most exciting stuff to play, music's best kept secret. As far as working all of the fret board for just 1song! Incredible stuff. You slap sweet!!

[@matsong5134]

I’ve been using D’Adario XL for over 20 years. Super Versatel and durable,

[@kodykindhart5644]

I’ll take my fender over anything I’ve played

[@jrbass62]

Great Video !! I'm going to try some Fat Beams..

[@RHill79]

DR FatBeams definitely

[@rockinsteady]

Love the drs

[@sir_aken9706]

My guy looks great!

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Well done video! :)- Best wishes- Brent

[@kevinbassplayer]

Tomastick Jazz Flats, you will never go back. I've tried all of the strings in this video over the years, nothing compares to the TIs

[@UltimaJC]

I've been using the Power Slinky Ernie Ball strings since I was like 15 years old. I don't tend to stick with a single brand for anything, but Ernie Ball has been very consistent and proven.

[@OscarPolanco07]

Las Ernie Ball suenan bastante bien, esas son las que estoy utlizando actualmente.

[@christianscott6963]

I started playing recently... And your video helped me find the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 45-105. They are really scooped out of the box, but are starting to even out after about a month on my bass. Might try roto sounds next. What are you favorite gauges? Gauge video next?

[@braxtonfps3580]

Daddario are the best strings on the planet