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Basses will be set up higher than guitars, if only because of the proportionately thicker strings.
I've not managed to find a set of bass-sized nut files yet - and might not buy a set even if I did find them, just because I'd only need to use them once! - so my set-up was based on a straight neck, and saddles as low as they could go without causing a lot of fret buzz. It could be lower if I could reduced the nut slot height.
On in a few it drops a bit more on the two high strings - so don't expect it to have to be higher than a guitar.
First choice is definitely flats or rounds. Once you have decided, it's then about tension, feel, sound etc..
I guess rounds as my strings are round and never had a problem with then...
Flats= thud and thump
there are some exceptions and of course tension can be higher with flats.
Thomastik are a nice flat and some old Status flats I have are excellent.
Then action at 6/64in and first fret action at 20thou. I prefer 5/64in action myself with 12thou neck relief.
There is a big ymmv in the setup though as it is down to preference, how hard you pick, how you tolerate fret buzz and how level your frets are. You may need to have a fret level done if you want a really low action.
For example I like a bright slightly scooped sound so prefer steel strings on my Fenders (I use D’Addario Pro Steels).
With some basses I prefer the warmer sound of nickel - eg Stingrays, on which I find steel strings a bit too aggresssive.
Personally I like D’Addario strings but can’t advise you on a gauge as I don’t tune to standard.
Don't actually have a bass amp so it's all going to sound pretty unplugged and flat.. mind you could dig out the hd500 think that's got some bass amp modelling involved..
Think I'll go with the zing over the thud and experiment with height and stuff.
To start with a grimy run down... 10 years overdue..
This.
Without an answer, all other comments are pure guesswork.
It does not matter whether the OP's instrument is a super deluxe custom order Alembic or a plywood Zenta. Make/model information will help to arrive at constructive suggestions and save wasting thinking time on irrelevant dead ends.
Here's a then and now picture... Put you're cringe hats on! Should note that this is over 10 years ago...
Entirely based on a recommendation by @fretmeister as good all rounders.
I thought they might be a bit light but in practice I wouldn't say so.
The furry glove probably helped take some of the brightness off it actually .
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I always liked it as a bass. It got a lot of use a while ago..
Before I started dating my wife I managed to smack her round the head with that bass at a gig... Lucky for the lightweight body