Best Ernie Ball Flatwound 2817 Alternatives

Based on 4 reviews

I always used to use Half-Rounds (for over 20 years), but have tried other types from time to time. "Elites" are no longer available - They called them "Ground Wound". I really want the brightest sound combined with the absolutely smoothest finish! The main problem is simple - No manufacturer will produce STAINLESS STEEL Half-Rounds! These are ok but nickel is never going to be bright enough for me. It seems like I'm looking for a "Holy Grail"! OK - Nice strings - comfortable to play - just not quite there on twang!

Based on 3 reviews

I always played Ernie Ball regular Slinkies on my MusicMan bass, cause I love their bright sound. But that brightness usually lasts only a month and then they get very dull... Last year, someone recommended the Elixirs. I was pretty sceptical about the "nano" technology, but got a set anyway. They did sound a quite bit different from the Ernies when I first stringed them up and they felt strange to my fingers (smooth), so it took a little time to get used to them. But... I've been playing them for 9 (!) months now and they're still sound fresh. Amazing! So, if you're tired of buy new strings all the time, give these a try!

Based on 3 reviews

Best strings for drop tunings and agressive sound. Thickness allows them to be tight down to drop C#, however if you like to go lower and have that agressive, fret-rattling tone, these are best on drop C, B or 5-string lower string tuning. Sound itself is very bright and metallic, yet has that tight low end. Best for metal, hard rock, punk and other genre`s where agressive bass sound is a must. Sound the same around 2-3 weeks of intense playing (2-3hrs a day at least), then start to become dull, yet still sound good!

Based on 1 reviews

These strings are very bright when new and do retain quite a lot of top end even when worn in. All depends what kind of sound you like from your bass. They can be a bit hard on the fingers as I find them just a touch rougher than other round wounds I have used and if you don't have stainless steel frets you may notice fret wear after only a few months regular use as they are very hard. The strings cut into my nickel frets quite quickly and needed two fret levels within a year. I've now changed to stainless steel frets which should stop the problem. Personally I prefer a more mellow sounding string, but it depends on your style of playing and genre of music as to how well these will suite your needs. I play with a plectrum which tends to bring out the top end more, but with fingers, some...

Based on 25 reviews

Just that... I find in them anything I need, tone and definition-wise, and I just couldn't be happier with their quality!!! I like to play around with different tunings, and thet offer a wide range of gauges. Also, the fact that a huge range of singles of any gauge are available to customize sets, is brilliant!!! From time to time I try other brands, and many are OK, but is just I have found my feel and tone with D'Addario, and I'm always going back to using them. It's a matter of taste, as always when sound is involved. For me they're PERFECT, I love them!!!

Based on 12 reviews

This is the bass string period! Especially if rock music in any form is being performed. I use this heavier gague for tuning DGCF. It works great and gives a similar tension as the RS66LD in standard tuning. The sound is really punchy with great harmonics. If cutting through the mix yet keeping a solid foundation is vital, then this is THE string to use. As for durability, I haven't experienced any other strings to match these. They don't seem to ever go dead only different. As much as I enjoy a fresh set, I really love the sound of broken in rotos. If new to these they might feel a bit rough on the fingers at first. This is something that's easy to get used to and subsequently is required (any other string just feels slippery to me). Fret wear? Nothing I have noticed in my 20+ years...

Based on 7 reviews

I really like D'Addario strings, I use them on both my bass and guitars. I find they last longer then other brands I have tried. For some reason they do not seem to break so easily. Really handy to get the 2 set version as I tend to replace the whole set at once and then I have a spare set ready. I like the tone these strings produce. I also like the feel of them. I will continue to use them and recommend to others.It's worth noting I use my fingers to play you might find a better set if you use a pick, but I've never investigated this. I find this is a good gauge for me, not too thick. In summary good strings that last a while.

Based on 23 reviews

Been playing bass for over 30 years now and in that time I have occasionally tried a few other brands. While some were not overly disappointing, I still found myself going back to the Ernie Ball's. First off I believe strings are a personal preference thing on a tactile level and can also drastically change the sound of your guitar. For me the strings work on both levels, feeling smooth and comfortable to play with a fast response. New strings always sound too "jangly" for the first few hours, but after the EB's settle in they give a rich full thick full bodied sound through the right amp. I predominantly play a Precision Bass through Marshall amps and would use no other strings on it. With Ernie Ball, the bass string prices are a little strong but quality and reliability have...

Based on 16 reviews

I use D'addario strings on my acoustic guitars and a mixture of Ernie Ball and D'addario on my electrics, but up until now, any budget strings on the 4-string, so I decided to invest in D'addario and see what sound improvement I could get. Being mainly a guitarist, my existing bass gets less attention than my guitars. My bass became a whole new instrument with these strings; tension is good and with these strings on, the bass is easy to play, especially to get that 'snap' on a slap'n'pull technique. The sound is bright, but not lacking in sweetness and these strings have given my, well, mediocre bass a whole new lease of life.

Based on 4 reviews

Been playing a Spector Euro bass, and tried all kinds of strings to see what is THE string for them. Usually all my basses have different strings - the ones that are perfect for one bass, aren't for the other, and vice versa. DR Hi Beams - just perfect for my Spector!!! I have it all - LOTS of highs and LOTS of bass (regardless of the highs that they are based on), lots of definition, all growl that i want - and option to transfer it to cristally clear clean, and they sit in mix great - it's all there! They are long lasting - and always great sounding with string cleaning i do after every playing. For me - 10/10!!