Dean Markley Blue Steel strings

[Guz2]

I've heard mixed opinions on these things. Some say they last a long time and others say they die very quickly. Either way they sound like they have the sort of very bright tone I'm looking for. Could you tell me your opinions on them (I guess buying them would be the best way to determine whether or not they're right for me but they're quite expensive. For a 16-year old, at least...) and also reccomend me some alternatives?

[dcallred]

I loved Blue Steel strings. They are bright and lasted a long time for me. I used them for about 15 years. Then I found DR Lo-Rider Stainless Steel. I like these much better. They are actually brighter that Blue Steels for me and last just as long. The Blue Steels actually seem to have a harsher feel to them The Lo-Riders are pretty smooth feeling for SS. I think either brand is great, but I'd go with DR Lo-Riders.

[One Bad Monkey]

I've used Blue Steels on and off for about 13 years. I bought them initially from the sales rep's advice (it was at Elderly Instruments, so those guys know what they're talking about) because they lost that new string zing and snap fairly quickly, and kept that broken in sound for a long time. I have found that to be very accurate.

[Thundar]

I used them for many years as well, and for me they lasted well. But I have since moved on to Dean Markley SR2000's, and D'Addario ProSteels....both of these last better and sound better than the Blue Steels in my opinion...and the ProSteels are a bit cheaper than the Blue Steels, so you might check those out for sure.

[C.Linton]

I like them just fine. They have just the right overall tone I like in a roundwound string, especially after they deaden up a little. I'm not particularly looking for that bright piano-like tone that lasts a long time like most, though.

[rockstarbassist]

I like them just fine. If I couldn't get a hold of my Circle K's and had to get a store brand I would nab some or some DR Lo Riders. Problem is they only make a medium (.105) set which is iffy for my tuning.

[Lorenzini]

Blue Steels are cool. Last a long time for me.

Buuuut, I play Lo Riders and Hi Beams.

[recreate.me]

Well, i love these strings. They are really bright off the get go, then break in nicely and last (for me) about 4-5 months of steady 2 hours a day play. I put a set on back in the middle of august for a show, and tomorrow im going to buy a new set because these strings are just dead and i cant stand the sound.

They go from bright, to thump. They still sound good even now, but not what i want.

http://www.myspace.com/frontiersisaband <- all three songs on there i play BS strings, about a week out of the package, you can hear them cut with a Squier VM jazz bass, and they sound so nice.

[darkstorm]

I used them for awhile off and on. Their new out of box sound was brightest Ive ever had that didnt hate. At same time was too bright for initial tone without dialing down the treble. Broken in sound was much better top me. That lasted well. 3 & half to just over 4 months. So slightly longer then the lifespan of the rotosound swing 66 I played to.

[HeadyVan Halen]

The only strings I've played for years...the 'out the box' sound is very bright and I wouldn't put them on the night before a show, but maybe 3-4 days in advance. For me, they go from extreme bright to mellow, back to just bright enough. I usually keep them on there for a good while (8-10 months) and once they settle in, they are very consistent.


If your looking for bargain, Hartke strings aren't bad. 3 packs for $27 where I'm at.

[slawie]

I have been using them for years and find them long lasting and sufficiently bright after a couple of days of settling in.
They are great with my Jazz bass with active pu's and would probably last way longer than when I replace them every 2 months.
I purchased a box of medium lights and found that 2 of the sets were not up to scratch. The A & D strings snapped during the installation. I have been playing for 35 years and this is the first time I have ever experienced such a thing.
I sent out a communication to the factory and I am waiting for their response.

I guess here would be a good place to post their reply, if any.

Flats on my fretless use a different brand.

slawie

[Metal Mitch]

Killer strings. They don't last as long as Lo Riders but have better tone. The only reason to avoid them is they're rough on the fingers and frets.

[BassLife77]

great strings. they are blinding bright at first but the mids really sing after they break in. their drop tune guitar strings sound great on piccolo bass also

[lunarpollen]

I found that they seem to actually lack in the low end for bass, while having great highs and mids. Weird. I much prefer them for guitar; they really open up the sound of humbuckers. But for bass, I'll stick with Sadowsky Blue Labels or D'Addario ProSteels.

[VS]

Originally Posted by One Bad Monkey

I've used Blue Steels on and off for about 13 years. I bought them initially from the sales rep's advice (it was at Elderly Instruments, so those guys know what they're talking about) because they lost that new string zing and snap fairly quickly, and kept that broken in sound for a long time. I have found that to be very accurate.

+1
They lose that initial new string sound quick but retain the broken in sound for months. -Luke

[VS]

Upgrade to D.M. SR2000's and be done with it. You'll thank yourself. -Luke

[Tylerrr51]

Originally Posted by VS

+1
They lose that initial new string sound quick but retain the broken in sound for months. -Luke

This is what I was gonna say, I have a set on my Classic Vibe Jazz and they sound great.