D'Addario Prosteels 1st Impressions

[GK Growl]

Decided to try some new stainless steel rounds (long time DR Hi Beam/Lo Rider user, previous Rotosound Swingbass 66 user). The Prosteels kinda caught my eye due to the fact that I enjoyed the XL nickels (although I now have a nickel allergy), the environmental stance of the company with their packaging, etc, and lastly the price. I picked these up on sale at Elderly online with a coupon and they ended up being about $11 a set! Here's my thoughts:

These strings remind me of Rotosound Swingbass 66 which to me is an awesome thing. They sound and feel very punchy and aggressive, maybe a tad less than a new set of Rotos. Previous posters have said that they seemed scooped but I actually hear an increased midrange compared to the DR sets I normally use (ain't saying much I know). The thing I'm really enjoying about them is that they respond very well to fingers and pick which is what I really loved about Rotosounds. The DRs to me seem to respond better to fingers and due to the smaller windings actually increase my finger noise. So far I'm extremely impressed.

[Solarmist]

That's all I use anymore; the Prosteels are almost half as cheap, and sound nearly the same as the HBs. I usually get 3 sets when I order online.

[shaft311]

I'm a fan of them. Very attractive price, very bright. Tapered B string available. I have them on my Corvette $$ and they sound fantastic.

[rockinrayduke]

Originally Posted by Solarmist

That's all I use anymore; the Prosteels are almost half as cheap, and sound nearly the same as the HBs. I usually get 3 sets when I order online.

Yep, that's my preferred string right now.

[Pacman]

I'm interested in your impressions about their longevity. One of the best things about the DRs, other than the sound, is they last for a LONG time. But I've definitely had my eye on these...

[Turock]

Jon, I was involved in beta testing the Prosteels. I used to use DRs also.The Prosteels keep their brightness for a long time, longer than DRs; in fact, longer than any string with which I am familiar. I liked them a lot, perhaps a little too bright for me. I'd think slappers would love 'em. My needs have changed and I'm mainly a flatwound guy these days.

[pickles]

Originally Posted by Pacman

I'm interested in your impressions about their longevity. One of the best things about the DRs, other than the sound, is they last for a LONG time. But I've definitely had my eye on these...

Pro steels are the standard stainless thing where they are super zingy and bright for quite a while, then they go thuddy. DRs loose the initial edge in a few days then have a raw, natural brightness that lasts a lot longer than the brightness of the pro steel.

[Lesfunk]

I use prosteels when I can't get DRs. I like them.I have good luck with them. I generally agree with the above statement also.

[FunkMetalBass]

What basses are you guys using these strings on and how do you normally EQ? Also, what gauges are you using?

[DanRJBrasil]

I've tried proseteels several times with several basses, to me was always scouped mids lack of fundamental , bommy and clancky

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by DanRJBrasil

I've tried proseteels several times with several basses, to me was always scouped mids lack of fundamental , bommy and clancky

I had this same experience (in fact, I've experienced it with every set of steels I've tried). I'm a mids junkie, and no amount of EQing seemed to bring them back.