Best Fodera 5-String Set Medium - High C Alternatives

Based on 4 reviews

I've used Labella black tape wounds for around 15 years, on many different basses - Warwick Thumb, Jazz, Precision, Jack Casady signature, Ritter Cora and on. They feel great under the fingers, enabling playing that wouldn't always work with standard round wounds. They don't cause fret wear and are easy on the fingers. The sound is warm and round, with good bass and a midrange that really cuts through. They may not be the best choice if you favour the bright modern active sound. Surprisingly, they can do a good old-style slap sound (think Larry Graham), but they do best at classic old-school bass sounds. They also last a long, long time.

Based on 2 reviews

These strings are smooth on the fingers and have a rich full crispy sound trough the amp. I've been using them through the years for performances, recordings, and of course for all the hours practicing and they sound so good and are so reliable that I keep buying them again and again. They sound better and last longer than other more expensive strings that I used to buy. I always recommend this strings to my students and to my colleagues. You definitely get a lot of quality and for that price is a steal!

Based on 6 reviews

I love the smooth feel of these strings and they don't squeak at all as your fingers glide over them. The tone is brighter than a flat wound and duller than a round wound. I have a set on my G&L L2000 and love the mellower vintage tone. I also use them on my Fender Kingman acoustic bass. They give it a more upright sound and eliminate the squeak that the stock strings have. They are not as loud and they may not be the best choice if you don't play amplified. They fit perfectly on both bases with no adjustment.

Based on 10 reviews

I was looking for strings that would allow me to tune my Precision bass down to BEAD. So after some string sets with up to .115 I struggled to get a clear tone not getting 'mushy' and having a string tension thats not to low. So I took the lower four strings from this set and put them on my P-bass. I had to rasp the saddle a bit as the strings didn't fit but after that and tuning the strings it was all good. So the P-bass was tuned to BEAD and when I played at our rehearsals it was awesome. Punch, deep rich Bass and a growl that made my Precision a real beast. I have never heard any strings that produce that much growl (and I tried many. From Rotosound to D'addario, from Pyramid to Warwick Black label and so on)

Based on 10 reviews

Which is why I gave this 5/5. It's my fourth set of strings I've ever bought, and thus far the best. Obviously black strings because Geezer Butler, but playwise they're very good (again, in a small comparison sample). I don't play especially hard, but I alternate between pick and finger. The black coating hasn't really started to flake, even after quite a few hours of use. So far nothing but positive to say about durability and sound. So if you're not very concious about the strings' relation to sound they're good. I am satisfied with getting the approximated sound - roughly the right territory, but that's because its usage is basement rock and metal through beverage soaked amps and players.

Based on 7 reviews

I'm using the EPS-160-5s on a Warwick RB Corvette $$ (34" scale), which doesn't sound have a lot of treble by itself, especially considering it does not have a preamp where you could boost those. The strings are used for standard tuning, where the tension works well, and for half step down tunings, where the lowest string is a little too lose. The sound is very sparkly at the beginning, which might force some players to roll back their eq either on the bass or the amp. But for those who occasionally play chords it might be a great way, to give them more presence. The treble wears off after a few weeks of regular playing. If you either don't like Elixirs (or coated strings at all), or don't wanna spend so much on strings, you have few alternatives if you want to play chords or...

Based on 3 reviews

Theses strings are heavy for a standard-scale bass, so just be aware of that before you buy in terms of your bridge and nut. The strings went on without issue apart from the bottom string. I found I had to have a couple of attempts with it - I was getting a lot of buzz when it was played open. But that is a case of restringing problems and are sounding great. They are pretty metallic sounding, so if you want to sound like Al Cisneros you might want something with a softer tone. The big plus: these strings hold their tuning really nicely. I am in either drop A or B and the whole set goes up and down without any issues. I would highly recommend, it is worth the extra money.

Based on 4 reviews

Steel Rotos are my favourite strings. I play in an alternative metal band in which I have the freedom to use different techniques - slap, tapping, etc. Since I've had hand issues in the past, I tend to stick to lighter gauges. The tone is great, though it might not be for everyone's taste. It is bright and it has a lot of mids that help the bass cut through the mix. Also, it stays bright much longer than some of other brands that I've tried, like D'Addario and Ernie Ball. Another thing that I like about Rotosounds is their reliability and consistency. I have been stringing all my basses with this brand for the past 10 years. Yet, I have broken only 2 or 3 strings. Bear in mind that this happened on my practice basses after months of heavy use. If you are into alternative music and in...

Based on 2 reviews

Depending upon one's preferences for mimicking that 'double-bass' sound, this is one strong possibility. I use it on a jazz bass with only the bridge pickup and this is perfect for mimicking the warbliness of an upright. Depending how you set up your bass, it can of course have much more sustain than that, and you can set up your pickup to emphasize different parts of the overall sound. Particularly good if you have those fret markers that technically are slightly raised. It catches that beautifully. I switched my strings and am considering putting these back on.