Fender - D'Addario equivalence?

sotua · #1 08-29-2011, 07:01 AM

Hi all,

I read somewhere in this same forum that D'Addario now manufactures Fender Strings.

Now, I just bought a Squier VM Jazz (awesome bass!), and I find I really like the stock strings. They have colored ball-ends like D'Addarios do, and the specs lists them as Fender 7250LM gauges 45-65-80-100. Just like D'Addario EXL170.

So, are those the same strings? It's cheaper to buy the D'Addario EXL170TP two pack instead of two sets of Fender 7250MLs

(I normally use DR Sunbeams, but I'm loving the 45-65-80-100 gauge so much... plus, should I make the switch, I'd be effectively halving my strings cost

)

JTE · #2 08-29-2011, 07:32 AM

They might just be XL-170s, but they could be a different combination of wrap wire/core wire sizes, or different alloys. Just because D'Addario makes them, don't assume that they're automatically the same strings. While it's quite likely they are, it's just as likely that FMIC spec'd the strings for themselves and contracted with D'Addario to manufacture them to FMIC's specs.

John

fretlessguy · #3 08-29-2011, 07:41 AM

I've noticed that there are subtle differences between strings of the same type, such as the new Fender Bronze ABG strings are less tension and fingernoise than the D'Addarios, and the Fender flats are less twangy than the D'Addarios, so I do not believe Fenders are simply repackaged D's.

Jay2U · #4 08-29-2011, 11:17 AM

I'm quite convinced that d'Addario also produces the Fender 9050-series flatwounds. They are certainly not the same as the d'Addario Chromes. The 9050 is from stainless steel. They feel different, they sound different. I suppose Fender specifies what they want, d'Addario, being the specialist, producing it. Just like Bosch, Hella and Brembo in the car industry.

sotua · #5 08-29-2011, 11:20 AM

Thanks guys. I guess I'm not getting 2 x 7250ML by buying EXL170TP then

(btw, should I worry about the nut if the stock strings where 45 65 80 100 and I have a set of DRs 45 65 85 105?)

mmbongo · #6 08-29-2011, 12:11 PM

Why not just just get the Sunbeams in 45-100? If you're used to Sunbeams, you'll be sorely disappointed with D'Addario strings.

iiipopes · #7 08-29-2011, 12:18 PM

No, they don't. Search the threads. The Fender rep specifically denies it. Another thread talks about the completely different core/wrap construction of the strings. Another thread talks about the difference in tonal overtone structure and emphasis as it shows on a spectrum analysis.

This is the biggest ******** rumor on Talkbass.

Now, the Fender rep could be lying. But I doubt it, because he developed this set as a direct result of TalkBass forum input, and does agree to that. I will take him at his word, appreciate the strings, and move on. The 9050CL set 45-60-80-105 is the set that switched me from 35+ years playing rounds to flats.

sotua · #8 08-29-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Why not just just get the Sunbeams in 45-100? If you're used to Sunbeams, you'll be sorely disappointed with D'Addario strings.

Good idea - the DR site shows the NMLR as 45-65-80-105, but that's bound to be a typo, right? Kind of a weird-ass string set

Russell L · #9 08-29-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotua

Thanks guys. I guess I'm not getting 2 x 7250ML by buying EXL170TP then

(btw, should I worry about the nut if the stock strings where 45 65 80 100 and I have a set of DRs 45 65 85 105?)

I'd like to hear an answer to the nut question, too.

mmbongo · #10 08-29-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotua

Good idea - the DR site shows the NMLR as 45-65-80-105, but that's bound to be a typo, right? Kind of a weird-ass string set

Yeah that can't be right.

You can order them here, best prices around but I'm not sure if he ships to Chile. You can email Jason and ask him though. You'll get a TB discount on top of that price as well.

DR SUNBEAMS - 4-String Set

Jmac66 · #11 08-29-2011, 10:48 PM

I was wonder the same thing as OP, but was also wondering if they may be using different strings now than what the spec online says. My vm
Jazz also came with colored ball ends and no silk, very bright stainless looking ( much brighter looking than the new D'Addarrio XL's on my other bass), but all the pics and videos I looked at online of the vm jazz's had brass ball ends and red silk

SLaPiNFuNK · #12 08-30-2011, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotua

Good idea - the DR site shows the NMLR as 45-65-80-105, but that's bound to be a typo, right? Kind of a weird-ass string set

.045 .065 .080 .105 is the gauges in the Marcus Miller Signature Fat Beams set.

I believe that is the only DR set with those gauges.

The classic Rotosound SwingBass 66 (Stainless Steel) RS66LD set is also .045 .065 .080 .105

DR Sunbeams are available as follows:

Lite-Lite: .040 .060 .075 .095
Lite: .040 .060 .080 .100
Medium-Lite: .045 .065 .080 .100
Medium: .045 .065 .085 .105

Of course, you can always "Build your own set"