Dean Markley Blue Steel - Unimpressed

Leverus · #1 09-28-2011, 04:15 PM

When I bought strings to replace the stock ones on my Yamaha, my shop was out of Rotosounds and they recommended DM Blue Steels for me to try. All I have to say is wow, what a bad sounding string.

I know Rotos are a one of a kind sound and these wouldn't be the same, but right out of the package these are the dullest SS strings I've ever heard. No zing to them. The high end is thin and nasal sounding while the low end sounds pretty dead with no punch at all.

Did I get unlucky and get a bad set? Has anyone else had this problem with these strings?

subnautic · #2 09-28-2011, 04:25 PM

The Blue steels are the only strings i've had that i really did not like. Quickly replaced them with Labella Hard Rockin Steels (excellent!) The Blue Steels i can see being good for tapping and slap styles but after trying many different kinds of strings, steel and nickel, those i found to be as you mentioned. Only good if you're in a Korn tribute band...Stick to the Rotos or try DR strings...

Leverus · #3 09-28-2011, 04:58 PM

I keep hearing good things about DR Lo Riders, so I'm going to pick up a pack of them to try.

One thing I forgot to mention about the DMs is that the E string ran out of silk while I was tuning and now I have part of the actual string around the post. I've never had that happen before.

bassike · #4 09-28-2011, 05:10 PM

I got 2 sets of pedulla SS. and I love them.

Phalex · #5 09-28-2011, 05:12 PM

Blue steels are the only strings I've ever had break. Hate em!

alec · #6 09-28-2011, 05:15 PM

I tried Blue Steels once and that was once too often.

~Ethan~ · #7 09-28-2011, 05:22 PM

I actually like mine. But htne again I've never tried that many different brands and they are on a Squire P bass so nothin fancy but they sound good to me. Maybe I got lucky with a good set?

subnautic · #8 09-28-2011, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leverus

I keep hearing good things about DR Lo Riders, so I'm going to pick up a pack of them to try.

One thing I forgot to mention about the DMs is that the E string ran out of silk while I was tuning and now I have part of the actual string around the post. I've never had that happen before.

The DR Lo Riders are my favorite, if i had to choose a favorite.

ZanaZulu807 · #9 09-28-2011, 05:30 PM

I'll never forget the time I bought a new pack of Blue Steels back in '02, tuned 'em up, and did the string stretches only to have the D string pop off and whiplash me on my shoulder, barely missing my face.

To hell with these crappy strings...

Thundar · #10 09-28-2011, 05:44 PM

Years ago, I actually switched to Blue Steels from Rotos because almost every set of Rotos I would get would have a dead string or some other problem. I stayed with Blue Steels until I started using Dean Markley SR2000's a few years ago, but I will still buy Blue Steels when I cant find the SR2000's. I can't say that I have ever found them "dull" or gotten a bad set of Blue Steels, but they do have a tone of their own.

C.Linton · #11 09-28-2011, 06:11 PM

Wow, lotta Blue Steel hate here!
I love 'em myself. Love the way they feel and sound, especially after they've settled in for a while, much moreso than Rotos. I even like the guitar version, which is what are on my MIM Strat right now.

skwee · #12 09-28-2011, 06:35 PM

Yeah, that $#)& is way too bright for electric playing. Took em right off my fender and put em on my dean acoustic bass, where I needed the brightness.

joshmat · #13 09-28-2011, 06:42 PM

I've enjoyed them, but they are pricey. I'm a boomers guy.

genericusername · #14 09-28-2011, 06:48 PM

Nothing's cheaper than a set of RS66LBs. Rotosound FTW!

RBX4 · #15 09-28-2011, 06:50 PM

Hate them

Joe Gress · #16 09-28-2011, 06:54 PM

I love them, and have been using them for 6 years now. The only other string that I liked the feel of more were the elixers I had from a trial set. But they're expensive.

Rockmusician · #17 09-28-2011, 06:59 PM

I started using DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams about 10 years ago. Then I was offered a deal with Curt Mangan strings so I switched. (Curt worked for Dean Markley prior to starting his own company.) They were ok but I was never really happy with the sound. I was talking to a rock bassist who is very well known internationally. His band has had several number 1 and top ten songs. He suggested Dean Markley. I bought a set and tried them. It was the last set I bought. I have since switched back to the Marcus Miller Fat Beams.

Leverus · #18 09-28-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Gress

The only other string that I liked the feel of more were the elixers I had from a trial set.

One thing I will give the Blue Steels is that they feel good. Barely any more roughness or string noise than nickels, if any at all.

MattyH · #19 09-28-2011, 07:07 PM

Love them. In fact, in the 7 years I've been using them I've never had one break. Quite the opposite. I find them to last a long time. I play weddings/private events 3-4 times a week year round, and even 3 months into aggressive playing, they hold up great and sound smooth as hell. I can't say the same for Ernie Balls. D'Adarrio's and Boomers all died in tone to my ears, a buddy of mine used Roto's, and his bass was always too...hot sounding for my taste, and when it comes to DR's, I had a bad experience and never looked back. I bought a set of DR's to see what the hype was all about. It was a sealed box, yet the E string was already cut short, and the G wasn't even in there! Brought them straight back and got 2 sets of Blue Steel's instead. Blue Steel is for me, and always will be!

PLUS! I always get a sticker in my sets! I have like, 200 Blue Steel stickers haha.

markkoelsch · #20 09-28-2011, 07:07 PM

I used to play them all the time. They were for me the best string. Extremely consistent from set to set, long lasting, and they worked for me tonally. The only reason I am not using them now is that I am primarily playing 6 strings these days, and they do not make a 6 string set.