Dean Markley NickelSteel Bass Strings, are they any good?

dragoon419 · #1 04-11-2007, 11:22 PM

I know their inexpensive, but how about their sound. What are your experiences with these strings?

dragoon419 · #2 04-12-2007, 09:43 PM

Seriously?! No one has tried these strings?

KevinMG · #3 04-13-2007, 12:53 PM

I've been using NickelSteels for over a year now. I found a deal on eBay - someone selling 18 5-string sets that I got for $150 - and I still have about 8 sets to go

For comparison, in addition to the stock Fender strings on my basses, I've used DR Sunbeams & Nickel Lo-Riders, Markley NPS Roundcore, D'Addario XLs, and EB Slinkys. I've used them on American & Amer Dlx Jazz, Amer Dlx P 5 String, and 62 Reissue P.

To my ears, unamplified, they bring out a great tone in all my basses. So I think they have a great full range sound, but there is definitely a pronounced midrange growl. However, in the lower register there is still some "rubber band" bounce in the lows. I tend to back off mids on my Mesa Walkabout Scout, but the highs are great and often require minimal attenuation on the amp or bass. My musical style is more classic rock, blues, and jam, so my preferred tone leans toward vintage warm vs. modern bright. So these fit that bill.

They feel rougher to the touch than XLs, but when I switch between a bass with NickelSteels and my P-bass with XL's I really don't notice much difference.

The tension is med-tight, about as tight feeling as XLs. I'm convinced that they get looser feeling with use, as I've left a set on as long as 6 months. Because of the tension, they have a more percussive attack than a lower tension string like Sunbeams/Hi-Beams or NPS Roundcore.

Now when I say these are all about mids, I would say it's mid to upper-mids. Hi-Beams (stainless) are stronger in the low-mids, but not as pronounced in mid/upper-mids. To me, a string that sounds like a Hi-beam (smooth, sweet, clear), but feels like an XL (more tension) would be perfect. I think the Nickel Lo-Riders have been my favorite Nickel to date because of that. As an all-around string NickelSteels work for me, but I want to take a break from them and experiment again.

Hope that helps.

Asaf · #4 04-14-2007, 12:19 PM

i tried them as well, as KevinMG described them they have good mids and highs.
they are like Ken Smith Burners on steroids

...but they last longer soundwise.
you can get them for a good price on Ebay...
check them out.

dragoon419 · #5 04-14-2007, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the responses.

I'm also wondering about DM's BassBlasters for my 4 stringer. Are they any good?

KevinMG · #6 04-14-2007, 05:23 PM

It would be helpful if you tell us a little about what you're looking for. What's important to you when looking for strings? What strings have you used before that you liked or disliked, and why? What type of music do you play? What tone are you trying to achieve? (etc., etc.) What would be a "good" string to me might be the worst to someone else. There is a lot of experience on TalkBass and it'll be easier for folks to make suggestions if we know a little about what you're looking for.

dragoon419 · #7 04-14-2007, 06:15 PM

I've tried D'addarios, found them too bright and unrefined and I can't stand their E strings. I like EBs, but their relatively pricey considering they're just Nickel Steels and they seem to lack a beefy bottom end.

I play mostly hard rock, and am looking for a string that can cut through the mix but doesn't have too harsh a tone on its own; something punchy but still able to be bassy if necessary.

I figured I'd try DMs since EBs and D'addarios lack what I'm looking for, especially since anything else is so pricey.

Asaf · #8 04-16-2007, 07:23 AM

it also depends on the bass you are using...
and of course the pickups it has.

i have ROTOBASS on my jazzbass and i like them, but on my pedulla they kinda suck.

dragoon419 · #9 04-16-2007, 05:10 PM

I've got an 80s Warlock with a p/j configuration, passive setup, original pickups; and a 5 string Ibanez SoundGear with DX5 pickups, 2 band active configuration, original pickups.

Asaf · #10 04-17-2007, 09:19 AM

well i tried the Bassblasters and the Nickelsteels,
if you have a scale longer then 34" try the nickelsteels on your 5 strings bass, if not try other stuff.
on your 4 strings bass try the nickelsteels...they are not expensive as DR or other brands.

you can try here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-sets-Dean-Mark...QQcmdZViewItem