How often do you get dead strings in a brand new pack?

PrivateHigh · #1 07-24-2009, 04:48 PM

Within the past year, I have bought maybe 9 different sets of strings to try out. I wound up with a dead E string in a set of rotosound flats and a dead A string in labella flats. 2 out of 9 seems too high. What do ou think?

Greevus · #2 07-24-2009, 04:51 PM

I used Rotosounds back in the late 80s because of some cat named Steve Harris, and every single time I got a dead E or A. I took them back over and over. Finally gave up on the Rotos, but haven't really had it with other brands. I am a cheap roundwound buyer. I love Musician's Gear from Musician's Exchange. They are approx $10 for a 5 string set. Can't tell the difference in many other expensive brands. Just my two cents.

basmartin · #3 07-24-2009, 05:00 PM

Never. I´ve used Galli strings for 2-3 years now. Change strings once in two months and I have four basses. It takes some effort to kill the tone in those strings.

**Horny Toad** · #4 07-24-2009, 05:03 PM

In 25 years of playing bass, it's happened to me once. About a year ago I bought a set of TI Jazz flats with a dead A string. TI customer service replaced it right away, no questions asked.

PrivateHigh · #5 07-24-2009, 05:08 PM

I didnt know what a dead string was, until I came across one. It sounded so quiet even with the pickup adjusted very close to the string. Sounded nothing like a twisted or badly installed string. The string had very low output. I wonder if any of these strings can be salvageable?

whoatherechunk · #6 07-24-2009, 05:22 PM

I've never had a dead string. Is this rare?

VroomVroom · #7 07-24-2009, 05:23 PM

I haven't had it happen in years, but I remember where I had it happen (both A strings) twice in a month....back in the early 90's. Both times my local store was great, but that second experience, I just knew they were looking at me with raised eyebrows.

Meatrus · #8 07-24-2009, 06:23 PM

I have used rotos for a couple of years and havent had one dead string, so I guess I'm lucky! The only time I have had a dead string was from a very cheap make which was no surprise!

Maiden Bass · #9 07-24-2009, 07:26 PM

in the 80s and 90s i got lots of dead rotosounds!!!

also occasionally in the past i have gotten a few dead blue steels

not sure about these strings today though

RichardCranium · #10 07-25-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greevus

I used Rotosounds back in the late 80s because of some cat named Steve Harris, and every single time I got a dead E or A. I took them back over and over. Finally gave up on the Rotos, but haven't really had it with other brands.

Exact same thing happened to me. I loved Rotos but was tired of spending $35 in 1987 money on dead brand new strings. Got hooked on the Dean Markley SR 2000's and never had a problem with them. The last couple of sets of Rotos I got recently were fine. Guess they worked out their quality control issues finally.

4-string · #11 07-25-2009, 04:13 PM

Never, I think. Not bad after 25+ years.

Once though I got an entire set that was totally dead, but those were flats.

**Mulebagger** · #12 07-25-2009, 04:15 PM

I've had it happen a lot. It really sucks when it does. Daddario, DR, Rotos, BlueSteels, and a few others have turned out to have dead A and E strings. I'm talking different basses different model sets of strings and over a number of years. So frustrating!!!! DR has been the only company to step up and send me a new set when it happened. Now they are pretty much all I use.

Craig_S · #13 07-25-2009, 04:50 PM

It happened to me with DR High Beams, about 15 years ago. I got dead A strings from two sets in a row. It put me off DR. I have, yet, to try them again. I will one day.

LilRay · #14 07-25-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

It happened to me with DR High Beams, about 15 years ago. I got dead A strings from two sets in a row. It put me off DR. I have, yet, to try them again. I will one day.

You ought to they're my favorites.

Although I've only bought three sets so far

.

How would you define a "Dead" string? I usually string twice a year so I'm probably more used to dead tone than new.

Tried DR Fatbeams and have used them a couple months and they sound essentially the same as when I put them on.

God Bless, Ray

PrivateHigh · #15 07-26-2009, 01:12 AM

I can tolerate strings with less zing, but the bad strings I ended up with had very low output. You can raise the pickup or pluck hard, but barely any sound comes out of the string

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRay

How would you define a "Dead" string? I usually string twice a year so I'm probably more used to dead tone than new.

insomniac2295 · #16 07-26-2009, 01:36 AM

this happened to me with Rotosound as well. On several occasions, I received packs with dead A strings

phatbass · #17 07-26-2009, 02:37 AM

If you ever get a dead-out-of-the-pack string you'll know. I used to use Roto's until they had their infamous bad quality control period in the '80's and I got caught a couple of times. Since then I've tended towards D'addario, although I do grab just about any "reputable" name brands that I can get a real special price on, and haven't had one dead string.

chris lykins · #18 07-30-2009, 03:33 PM

Twice. Once with DM sr2000 and once with DR highbeams.

Slats · #19 07-30-2009, 05:53 PM

I've been changing strings for 40+ years. I usually thought something sounding a little off was because of change with my hearing....ya know, a cold, allergies, something changing my perception. Never heard people I was with talking about dead strings that were new.

Best guess has to do with amp or speakers ...just my $.02 worth.

**WoodyG3** · #20 07-30-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrivateHigh

I can tolerate strings with less zing, but the bad strings I ended up with had very low output. You can raise the pickup or pluck hard, but barely any sound comes out of the string

Yep, I just had this happen for the first time. I have a totally dead A string in a set of Sadowsky Flats. I've never really seen (or heard, I should say) anything quite like it. It's just as you describe, half the volume and very blah sounding, no life at all.

EDIT: BTW, Sadowsky, with their superior customer support, is replacing the string for me ASAP.