Need some "good" bass strings.?

Question:Ive been learning too play bass guitar for a couple of months now so I assume that I could do with some new strings, but its all so confusing, so many different brands! Can anyone reccomend me some "good"/relatively cheap bass strings that will do their job for a beginner. Fenders?, rotosounds?, Elixers? Help me out please!

Also, how'd do you know when they need changing, Ive heard people talking about "brightness" but what exactly is this?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Ive been learning too play bass guitar for a couple of months now so I assume that I could do with some new strings, but its all so confusing, so many different brands! Can anyone reccomend me some "good"/relatively cheap bass strings that will do their job for a beginner. Fenders?, rotosounds?, Elixers? Help me out please!

Also, how'd do you know when they need changing, Ive heard people talking about "brightness" but what exactly is this?

Bass strings are usually more expensive than regular guitar strings since there is more material. Elixer's are good strings but pricey. D'addarios are good but depending on what type you get can get up there in cost. Ernie Ball makes some decent strings that won't empty your wallet. Fenders are good too. Go to musiciansfriend or one of the other sites. I think there is one called juststrings.com or something. You can compare there.

Strings usually need to be changed when the sound output is noticibly reduced and the strings sound 'muddy'. Sometimes you can even look at the strings and they will look like junk and you barely have to play it to know they need to be changed. As you play more and more you will pick up on this.

Next time you change your strings pay special attention to the sound of the old strings vs. the new ones. (I am assuming that you change your strings one at a time and not taking them all off and putting new ones on. Doing the latter is a no-no since it takes all the tension off the neck and can mess with the action as well as put a lot of stress on your instrument.) Brightness is the extra little bit of higher pitched ring in the string. The note sounds clearer to the ear and less muddled. After playing for a bit the strings will settle and not be so bright. Then when they get worn they don't project so much sound and sound dull.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

put a set of ernie ball or rotosound strings on it!...then after a few gigs when youve clogged them up with sweat an gunge?...youlle understand what "not sounding bright" is all about....