Fender 7250ML vs 7250M

Groover · #1 10-28-2009, 09:03 AM

Does anyone have any input on the 7250ML?

The 7250ML are 45, 65, 80, 100, wheras the 7250M are 45, 65, 85, 105.

I understand the thinner A and E strings may be thinner sounding, but would it be much? Noticeble?

What about string to string balance?

I have used the 7250M, but never the 7250ML

These would be going on a Precision, Maple neck.

Thanks!

DavePlaysBass · #2 10-28-2009, 11:16 AM

I like the MLs on a P bass. They minimize the phase change as you go from the A to the D. Generally speaking I do not find the difference between the 80 and 85 and 100 and 105 to be nearly as noticalbe as the difference between 40 and 45 and 60 and 65. For me I prefer 45 and 65 on the D and G and I can live with whatever the A and E in those sets come in at.

Having said that I recall the 100s on my G&L were less boomy than 105s. However on my Sadowsky the 105s are thicker sounding and as I crawl up the neck they do get a smidge thuddy. I think I prefer 105s on the first 5 frets and 100s for 8th fret and higher.

Groover · #3 10-28-2009, 11:26 AM

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply! I tend to play a lot on the lower frets (first 5 for sure), so maybe I'll be lacking something there? I do like what you say about keeping the A and E closer phase-wise to the D and G... maybe I'll give them a shot

DavePlaysBass · #4 10-28-2009, 04:23 PM

Everything is a compromise

But if you are talking about a P bass, I would recommend the MLs. They are my favorite string on a P bass. They are punchy and defined but still thick and warm.

Groover · #5 10-29-2009, 06:09 AM

I think I will give them a try. I'm going from 7250M to Sadowsky Blue, to 7250ML - I think that may be a good transition, but we'll see. I bought the ML's for $10 here through a TBer, so why not...

I'll post a follow-up, probably next week.

eyecandy · #6 10-30-2009, 04:43 AM

7250ML feels still for me.. and i think the mediums are stiffer and punchier..

barnyard · #7 10-31-2009, 06:40 PM

7250M for me, on a 75 reissue jazz with maple neck. Mainly because i gotta drop to D now and then, and found the .100 E didnt much like it.

fretlessguy · #8 11-01-2009, 05:08 AM

I prefer the medium lites. Better balanced to my ears.

Groover · #9 11-04-2009, 06:29 AM

Finally put the ML set on - very nice... not sure why I waited so long to do this. Once these prove themselves in a live setting, they will become my permanent (for now..lol) strings on this bass. Nice tone, beautiful balance.

To anyone reading this in the future.... If you have a Fender Precision bass and like rounds, go back and give Fender strings a shot again. M, ML, or whatever... to me they give P basses the right voice.... and believe me, I have tried a lot of string.

and no, I am NOT Leo Fender...

.

KYJazzy · #10 11-08-2009, 11:50 PM

I'm giving Fender 7250MLs a shot coming up here soon. Everyone online is sold out of them available Nov 23rd. I made a complicated post a while back looking for strings and ended up trying Ken Smith Slick Rounds, which I think was a step in the wrong direction for me. I was looking for literal 'slick' strings and while they're smooth, they're sticky as all hell.

Playability is number one issue for me when it comes to strings. My #1 influence on bassline construction is Paul McCartney and I like to slide a lot, so I like my strings to be extra slippery and am having a difficult time finding something to my liking.

However I remember a very distinct moment when I came back from college a few years back - I was playing a Jazz bass strung with D'addario XL Prosteels (this was before I knew anything about what I wanted in a bass string) to my Squier P-bass that just had old, stock strings on it. I remember loving the tone and playability though, even though they were gunked up. (also partly because I am a P-bass guy tried and true). That was a while back, maybe in 2004. If Fender was still stringing all their instruments with 7250MLs then I think its time I came home all over again. Looking forward to what I find.

I was thinking Sunbeams were what I was after but after hearing numerous testaments on here I've deduced that they're 1. rougher than the Fenders if only slightly 2. A bit more hollow sounding and not as deep as the Fenders. So I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks to DavePlaysBass, extremely helpful on string forum and fellow Coloradan!

freshbass · #11 11-21-2009, 01:56 PM

I have the 7250ML's on a 70's classic jazz and love them. They remind me of D'addario xlI tend to sue 170's but maybe a bit punchier. Until tned to use 45-105 on a P bass , but on those I generally prefer flats. I think the Fender stings geta bad rap, these 7250's are noce well balanced stirigs and not too rough like Rotososund or DR. btyw; the 70's mexican jazz re-issue is a major home run. Fender's best bass for the $, especially if you like a thicker neck front to back...nice meaty tone.