What Strings Are You Using on Those MTDs?

[Joe Roberts]

I've been wondering what strings all you MTDers are using on those basses.

Personally, I've been sticking with the standard MTD strings (steel, I think?) for almost all of my basses, with one exception.

I replaced the strings on my "main" MTD (535 fretless) with Elixirs, which have a slightly smaller B string. I was more-or-less treated as a blasphemer on TalkBass when I mentioned doing this :-). But I love how the Elixirs feel (though bending the strings took some getting used to, since they don't grip your fingers like steel strings) and I've been impressed with how good they still sound after almost a year of playing (I don't change strings often, usually I go about 1 year before replacing them unless they are seriously worn out).

How about you?

[Emerson Cardenas]

DR Strings sound great with my MTDs. The Hi-Beams or Fat-Beams for my 535 fretted, the Lo-Rider Nickel Plated for my 535 fretless, and Bootzillas for my 435 and Kingston Z four. Long lasting and great string to string balance.

[Alex Garcia]

I use DR Lo-Riders .40-.120

[Dave Daw]

I finally tried a set of DR Black Beauties on my 435 ash body/ash neck and they seem pretty cool.. Strange for me cause its been over 15 years of MTD stainless... They look great!! Have a subtle growl to them, and I think I like the feel..But something tells me I will go back to the MTD's.. There is just nothing like a nice fresh set with a well oiled board..

[Russell England]

Does anyone know what kind of strings come on the Z4 fretless basses...I had no info with my bass saying what type of strings it had...they are Roundwounds though. Peace, Russ

[andrew Jordan]

I use DR Lo Riders ss lights on both 635 and 535. I play light and when I do dig in it gives a nasty growl. They last a long time as well.

[Hollywood]

For me, it's Dean Markley SR 2000 Med. Lts. Taper Core. I use them on most of my basses. Last long and sound great!

[Bob Vaughn]

Rotosound 66's.

[Joe S]

DR Hi Beams

[J.B. Excane]

I have tried many different brands over the years on my 435's (DR, D'addario, Dean Markley Blue Steels) and settled for the last few years on Ernie Ball regulars and hybrid's. I grew to dislike the sound and feel of stainless but I think I'm going to give them another shot.

I just bought a few sets of MTD strings .45 - .105 both stainless and nickel and gonna give them a whirl.

[Cliff]

I think I've got the gamut covered-

LaBella Tapes on my Tulipwood/Wenge
MTD SS 135x on my Bloodwood/Ash
MTD Nickel 135x on my Fretless

Each bass / string combination has its own unique voice-

[Dennis]

I used Elixirs before and I really like the sound and feel, but I'm really getting into the sound of the DR Hi-Beams, quite a difference in feel but they sound great!

[Steve Dickinson]

Hi to all, I've found MTD strings to work the best for me because they last the longest before going off - losing fidelity - and for me have proven to be the most expressive to take advantage of hi fi electronics on these basses IMHO. I like to change strings about every 4 -6 months and usually boost treble and mid a bit. This adds more warmth than what boosting bass does. Boosting bass alone seems to muddy the sound up, but I could be wrong. I like the nickle plated for fretless as they are quite a bit warmer while still are expressive. Do any of you like to play with heads (melodic line) with your bass lines? It brings in a new dimension while keeping your guitar player honest. I've found MTD basses to be the best ever at this because the sound isn't lost in the mix.