Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky

As a veteran session and live performance bassist of 45 years, string quality has always been an important aspect. I had tried at least 5 different name-brands before settling on the Ernie Ball "slinky" series. For my vintage fretless 5 string, I use the 2836 regular slinky "Bass 5" set. The strings break in quick and the harmonic response , tonality and flexibility seem to last for up to 8 months even under heavy use! Likewise, the slinky strings don?t "eat" my fingerboard, which is very important when using round wound strings on a fretless bass. I will add to all the above that Ernie Ball bass strings are in my opinion, the best "band for the buck" for any professional bassist .I will remain a loyal endorser of the "Slinky Bass 5" set and highly recommend it as the best all around string to my fellow "5 stringers" for durability, harmonic response and affordability. In 3 words: These Strings last!!!

My only regret in finding out about Ernie Ball is that I wish that I would have found out about them a lot sooner.

D'addario? DR? Forget about those. Get yourself some of these now.

Bright, punchy, warm, long sustain, great longevity, incredible value, GREAT low B string, and works practically for every kind of instrument I have - 4, 5, 6 string bass guitars, fretted and fretless, all genres.

I have no problem with the sound - tough, but clear. Great intonation. All five strings sound the same - unlike with some 'prestigious' string makers. Sold, last long, can take the abuse. Great for touring and never changing your strings.

My only gripe are the gauges, but they are not unusual - I just don't get the 0.05" they lose on the A & E strings. It results in an uneven playing feel in comparison to the D & G strings. I'm happy with a fatter low-B. If I wanted to use these, I'd have to buy them as single strings, or as two sets, or a set and two added single strings.

If that doesn't bother you and you don't mind harder strings that are a little rough, these are great. If Ernie Ball did a set of 40-60-80-100-125 they'd be my second set of choice. Great quality, just - for my liking - odd gauges as a set.

Sound: Conventional, especially after bashing them in. Similar to GHS Stainless Steels. Solid, but not overbearingly modern. Probably good for rock, which I don't play.

Deffo worth a go if you're currently shopping around for affordable, solid players.