Cleartone Strings = Cleartone Junk

CrashClint · #1 03-25-2008, 08:10 PM

So no one around the Raleigh area seems to carry any 5 string sets except D'Addarios or Elixir. So I go into Sam Ash and the guy behind the counter tells me the Cleartone strings are the best. These strings are nickel plated with some new EMP coating. So I drop $50 on a set, get them home and on my Roscoe.

These strings are horrible in every sense of the word. They are rough to the touch to start, so you get lots of finger noise. The tension on these strings are high and I get this slight waiver of tone when plucking them open string. The sound is not even as good as D'Addario XLs.

I am on their website to see if I can find a customer service number so I can talk to someone about getting a refund as Sam Ash will not refund the money.

Clearly in my opinion don't waste your hard earned money on Cleartone strings. I am definitely going back to Black Beauties!!!

motleystew · #2 03-26-2008, 04:53 AM

At least you found a 5- string set..I once asked a clerk at a music store if they had any 5-string sets and she said, and I quote, "You must be mistaken. Basses only have 4 strings"

CrashClint · #3 03-26-2008, 07:46 AM

Yeah, I have talked to the managers of both Sam Ash and Guitar Center about carrying more 5 string sets, but they tell me corporate decides what they carry. And of course, it will take 7-10 days if you special order a set from them.

aproud1 · #4 03-26-2008, 07:53 AM

I've seen those and have been curious. Thanks helping me not waste my money.

CrashClint · #5 03-26-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aproud1

I've seen those and have been curious. Thanks helping me not waste my money.

I was totally shocked about how bad they sound. Had like a strange mid muffle sound to them. I have tried a just about every string out there and these were terrible. These strings didn't even sound as good as the cheap Sam Ash house brand strings. When I plucked the open string, it had a weird waver before it settled out, almost like you were tuning the string using harmonics.

groove4christ · #6 03-26-2008, 11:49 PM

Thanx 4 the info on the cleartone strings. Looks like I'll avoid those

http://www.myspace.com/lrayjohnson

jschall84 · #7 07-13-2008, 01:25 AM

i used to get these for free all the time for managing a guitar shop. i agree, theyre muddy and hard on the fingers. but theyre free, so thats whats on my bass for now... untill i go buy some rotos

Lorenzini · #8 07-13-2008, 09:39 PM

My Dad put some on his guitar and he agreed, they were really not that good

pjmuck · #9 07-13-2008, 10:03 PM

I agree completely. I was curious about them as well and wasted my money too, thinking they'd be a cheaper substitute to Elixir Nanos, which I happen to like. Exactly the same opinion: not smooth to the touch, with a dull mid muffle tone.

jschall84 · #10 07-13-2008, 10:10 PM

actually, i love them on my acoustic guitar, but they totally missed on the bass strings

iamthebassplayr · #11 07-13-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

I was totally shocked about how bad they sound. Had like a strange mid muffle sound to them. I have tried a just about every string out there and these were terrible. These strings didn't even sound as good as the cheap Sam Ash house brand strings. When I plucked the open string, it had a weird waver before it settled out, almost like you were tuning the string using harmonics.

Sounds like the magnets in the pickups are pulling the string out of its normal vibration pattern... Are they made of a funky alloy heavy in magnetic metals O.o

CrashClint · #12 07-13-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Myers

Sounds like the magnets in the pickups are pulling the string out of its normal vibration pattern... Are they made of a funky alloy heavy in magnetic metals O.o

I don't remember, I thought they were of a nickel alloy. I have tried a few different brand strings on my Roscoe, by far they were the worst sounding to me. I have pretty much settled on DR Black Beauties.

cybersnyder · #13 07-15-2008, 12:07 PM

FWIW, I like them. I like the sound and think they feel very comfortable. They've been on the bass for about a month and a half and still sound and feel new. Slap is good and fingerstyle is good.

It's funny that you mention Black Beauties as your favorite string. That's my least favorite. I thought they had a "rubber band" overtone to them. In general, I like DR strings a lot.

But opinions are opinions.

MysticMichael · #14 07-15-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

Yeah, I have talked to the managers of both Sam Ash and Guitar Center about carrying more 5 string sets, but they tell me corporate decides what they carry. And of course, it will take 7-10 days if you special order a set from them.

Then by all means go to a quality online store instead. I've had great results with JustStrings.com - huge inventory, nice prices, immediate turnaround, and fast shipping via US Priority Mail. But there are others as well.

With the extremely limited selections, marked-up prices, salesperson attitudes and corporate politics of places like Guitar Center and Sam Ash, I don't see the point of ever buying strings at a bricks-and-mortar store again...

MM

YCBass · #15 07-16-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Then by all means go to a quality online store instead. I've had great results with JustStrings.com - huge inventory, nice prices, immediate turnaround, and fast shipping via US Priority Mail. But there are others as well.

With the extremely limited selections, marked-up prices, salesperson attitudes and corporate politics of places like Guitar Center and Sam Ash, I don't see the point of ever buying strings at a bricks-and-mortar store again...

MM

+1. For me, online is the only way to go... It just takes a little advanced planning so you're never caught without a replacement set.

Toneman · #16 07-18-2008, 08:29 PM

When I brought my 79 P home from the shop after major surgery they put a set of Cleartones's on her. They sounded muted and dull I took them off after a week of trying to like them.
My acoustic guitar came with Cleartones from the factory, although not as bad as the bass strings they just didn't have enough life for my taste.

cybersnyder · #17 07-18-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toneman

When I brought my 79 P home from the shop after major surgery they put a set of Cleartones's on her. They sounded muted and dull I took them off after a week of trying to like them.
My acoustic guitar came with Cleartones from the factory, although not as bad as the bass strings they just didn't have enough life for my taste.

Are you sure they were Cleartones and not Elixirs? I definitely don't think they sound muted or dull. Just wondering.

Toneman · #18 07-19-2008, 07:38 AM

they were Cleartones. The bottom end was fine but something was lacking in the highs. I replaced them with DR nickel loriders and was much happier.

awaker85 · #19 07-19-2008, 08:04 AM

Cleartone makes AWEASOME accoustic guitar strings, they are all I use on my accoustic. Still havn't found a set of bass strings I actually like, and I personally can't stand black beauties.