The legend is that James Jamerson used to pay local bass players for their used strings. As with anything dealing with most instruments with strings, there's an awful lot to be gained if you are actually good with the instrument or have some kind of charisma that overcomes a lack of talent.

I like all kinds of bass tones from plucky twangy to the dark boom of Motown to Jaco and my new fave, Zander Zon (look him up at CD Baby).

They all sound 'best' in their own regard.

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