Blue Steels vs. SR2000

Brad Barker · #1 03-02-2010, 08:06 AM

hey guys. did a search, and apparently no one has asked for a head-to-head comparison between these two stainless steel dean markley strings.

i've been using sr2000s for a while and love the sound, but the blue steels are readily available locally, whereas i have to order the sr2000s off of the netz.

anyone familiar with the differences between the two? besides the tapering, are they very nearly identical?

T. Alan Smith · #2 03-02-2010, 12:36 PM

I've been using SR2000s on my fretted 'Ray5H and love 'em too. It's been forever since I've used Blue Steels. If my memory serves correctly, the BS had a bit rougher finish. I think the SRs seem to last longer as well. I like tapered strings with extended range instruments. If your coming from "normal" strings, you shouldn't have to mess with the bridge much swapping to BS, as opposed to SRs.

guroove · #3 03-02-2010, 12:39 PM

I have used both. The SR2000s were definitely nicer. Longer sustain, and possibly a fuller sound. I was using the Will Lee ones which are a bit heavier. I had problems finding them locally a while back, and switched off of them. If you have SR200s on there now, you have to make some adjustments to your bridge for it to play the same.

Mike Shevlin · #4 03-02-2010, 12:41 PM

I use Blue Steels as my only alternate when I can't get ahold of DR High Beams~ sorry I can't compare to the SR's, but I think they have a smooth feel and an even tone with lots of twang and snap~ great for slapping.

VroomVroom · #5 03-02-2010, 12:49 PM

Agreed. I loved Blue Steels and really loved the Will Lee set of the SR2000's. (I understand they're now just "SR2000's" - same string, just no longer with his name attached.) Bright, durable, and a terrific sound. For me, they always took a day or two to 'break in' - essentially losing that sticky feeling - but it was well worth the effort.

FWIW, if you have access to MTD stainless strings, I think you'll find them to be very similar to the SR's.

Thundar · #6 03-02-2010, 01:43 PM

All through the late 80's and early 90's I played Blue Steels, and I loved them but I switched to SR2000's...they seem to last longer and have just a bit more brightness and grind to them I think. I used the Will Lee signature set as well, and I just order all mine off MF or GC...and occasionally have found really good deals on SR2000's on Ebay. They are by far the best string Ive ever tried....having said that, I found myself wanting a higher tension string lately, so the hunt now begins...LOL

Brad Barker · #7 03-06-2010, 06:53 PM

sup gangstas.

i just ordered light (40-95) blue steels to compare with my light sr2000s. expect clips and such. the sr2000s will be a few weeks older but lightly played. sure they'll have some zing to'em still.

Brad Barker · #8 03-13-2010, 11:22 PM

alright, i have clips up on my soundclick site.

now, keep in mind that the sr2000's are a few weeks old and the blue steels are brand new.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...bandID=1035301

i'll do another take with the blue steels after they've aged some.