Fender 7250

davidchampoux · #1 09-01-2010, 11:55 AM

Hello, I've always prefered Fender 7250 (ML) strings on my Fender basses... But I just received my last string order and suprise! The package changed, and the strings as well!!

My question is : are they now D'Addario's ??? The plastic bag is the same, colored ball ends, no black silk anymore... Hmmm

As for the sound, I don't have 'NOS' 7250 to compare, but I feel there's a difference... Sounds like D'Addario now!

Is it only me, or it's verified??

Thanks for any comments,
David C.

jazzblade · #2 09-01-2010, 12:14 PM

Yes they changed their string a short while back. There has been lots of discussions on the subject. It is confirmed. However, I think they say they are still making them.

blr2 · #3 09-01-2010, 01:11 PM

The 1 000 000 Euro question now is, are these just a stock D'Addario XL, or they are something different made to Fender specs?

steamthief · #4 09-01-2010, 01:20 PM

Thank God I stocked up, bought the last eight sets Best Buy had at a blowout price.

davidchampoux · #5 09-01-2010, 05:12 PM

Damn it!!!! Did they change the 7150 as well???

Why do they always change their product just when I start to love it?!?!?!

What other brands/model are closer to what the 7250 was???

SurferJoe46 · #6 09-01-2010, 06:49 PM

I found that the Rotosound RB45s are the same tonally and feel-wise as the 7250s.

The RB45s are pretty cheap too.

JFN · #7 09-01-2010, 07:59 PM

I agree the new ones just don't seem to perform like the old variety. I posted the following in a thread from last July that was about the "new" 8250 strings:

"I use Fender 7250's on my P bass and recently put on a new set that came in the new packaging. The silk wraps at the end are gone. Although the tone is similar, it just doesn't seem as full sounding, even after letting them break in for a few weeks. I put the old set of 7250's back on and they sounded better.

I have since cleaned out the Indianapolis area shops of 7250's in the old packaging (I have about 15 sets now). Since Fender changed all their string line ups to a new manuacturer, I would think this might apply to the 8250's as well."

John

davidchampoux · #8 09-01-2010, 08:18 PM

Thanks for this info... I was refering to the 7150, not 8250. I never really liked the 8250 (with the tapper wound E) ... The 7250 was my 1st pick, 2nd the full nickel 7150 (but lower gain)... If the 7150 are the same, I will definitely stick to them. If all the line has been replaced, it's a shame!!

I'll try the roto RB45 tho, thanks for the hint. If any of you have any other suggestion, feel free to post them.

Regards,
David.

fretlessguy · #9 09-01-2010, 09:36 PM

I was a fan of the old 7250s for almost 10 years and used them exclusively as my go-to roundwound string. I didn't like the new ones. Not as full sounding. Increased finger noise.
In all fairness, however, I am a fan of the new Fender phosphor bronze ABG strings. Smoother feel, less tension, and a really full sound compared to most twangy PBs.

steamthief · #10 09-01-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

I found that the Rotosound RB45s are the same tonally and feel-wise as the 7250s.

The RB45s are pretty cheap too.

That's good to know, I'll have to try a set.

I found DR nickel Lo-Riders to be pretty close in both tone and tension, with a bit more prominent high end. That's what I was using until I found the old recipe 7250.

JFN · #11 09-02-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

... I was refering to the 7150, not 8250. I never really liked the 8250 (with the tapper wound E) ...

My post above was reference to the 7250's you mentioned in the OP. I don't like the 8250's either, but my original comment was from another thread about the 8250 line where I offerred my comments on the 7250.

John

davidchampoux · #12 09-02-2010, 05:47 PM

OK, am I dumb or I hear some kind of 'distorsion' in the high frequencies with the new 7250?? I feel those strings are pure sh**!!!...

okcrum · #13 09-02-2010, 06:37 PM

This is from the TB'er who was in charge of the Fender string changeover. No one in that thread believes they are not D'Addarios no matter what he says.

Fender Flats Have Changed

So I guess people will believe what they want, no matter what comes from the horse's mouth.

JFN · #14 09-02-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

OK, am I dumb or I hear some kind of 'distorsion' in the high frequencies with the new 7250?? I feel those strings are pure sh**!!!...

I agree, the new ones do not sound as good as the old version. Have you tried to clean out any remaining supply from all the local music shops in your area? I got about 15 sets that way (Indianapolis metro area).

davidchampoux · #15 09-02-2010, 07:26 PM

There's some left on eBay... I'll maybe try that... And to contact juststrings.com...

Thanks all,
David C.

jasper383 · #16 09-03-2010, 04:41 AM

My guess is that D'Addario now makes them on their machines with their materials specified by Fender from US materials. The old Fender strings were made in Mexico from US and Mexico parts.

It's like two chefs preparing the exact same recipe; it will be close, maybe really, really close, but not exactly the same.

I bet the D'Addario made Fender strings will be more consistent, and the chance of getting a bad string will be lower now (I got a bad Fender string from time to time).

wake & Bass · #17 10-21-2010, 01:12 PM

Man...I feel like the biggest IDIOT!!!! I should have looked to TB first! A couple weeks ago I ordered from an online string company to buy multiple sets of 7250's (been playing these for the last 5 years). I did notice in the picture that the packaging was different, but didn't think the strings would be? I opened the package and the first thing I thought was D'Addarios! Oh No! I play a P Bass.....and do not like the new strings! They are different, no matter what anyones says.....and to me not for the better. Damn.....should have researched on TB. 6 sets, $100 later.....crap!