Next step after the Fender 8250-5...

**JayAmel** · #1 07-07-2010, 05:39 PM

Hi guys,

These last two years, I only stringed my Fender Am Dlx Jazz V with the same strings as those mounted ad factory : 8250-5 (stainless steel, .045, .065, .085, .110TW, .130TW).

The saddles are thin on this bass, so I guess this is why Fender developed that specific model of strings, so that the B & E strings fit the saddle easily when stringing through body (and such as the bass is made, the narrowness of the saddles pose the problem when stringing through-body ONLY).

Now the new 8250's, just released, seem to sound dull with less bottom-end, so I have to make a decision.

I don't care much about sustain : I never play notes that have a 22 minutes duration.

I was thinking of giving a chance to the new Dunlop 2025 nickel, and stringing them through-bridge instead of through-body. They are almost similar in gauge (.045, .065, .085, .105, .130) and I prefer experiencing the soft touch and mellow tone of nickel if I have to make a change. At last, I only read and heard very positive feedback about the Dunlop bass strings.

That way, I'll just have to make a tiny bridge height adjustment on the B & E strings, and maybe a very small touch of loosening to the truss rod. Should work out fine.

Other suggestions, anyone ?

Thanks in advance,
Jay.

PS. Don't suggest flats please. They don't fit the musical styles I currently play.

fretlessguy · #2 07-08-2010, 07:27 AM

I think some of the changes the new Fenders have been both good and bad.....
The Dunlops would be a good bet. All the reviews I've read have been very positive. Just be sure to get a set where the B and E are tapered if you you deside to go with bridge thru and want to keep as close to a set up as possible to the one you have. If you are going top load it won't matter anyway.
I have found 5 string SIT Powerwounds in nickel to be excellent for the styles you are suggesting. They last quite a while and the tone is really great. They are not all that expensive, and yes, they stay in tune. Good luck in your search.

http://www.juststrings.com/sit-nr545125l.html

**JayAmel** · #3 07-08-2010, 07:32 AM

Thanks Fretlessguy, yes I think I'll take the road to Dunlops stringed through-bridge (apparently they have no set with tapered B & E, and I actually found no brand having them, except Fender). Hey, don't we have 60 years of music played with many basses stringed through-bridge ?

I had just stuck on the 8250's because they were the original set, and stringed them through-body because of their concept. Doesn't bother me to go stringed through-bridge now.

torza · #4 07-08-2010, 09:48 PM

hey jay! let me know how the dunlops go. i too and looking for a replacement for the 8250's. i would love to find something similar or better, but i'm feeling sort of hopeless. maybe the DR sunbeams cause they're on a roundcore like the 8250's?

CElton · #5 07-09-2010, 07:15 AM

My favorites on my ADJV were Hi Beams for Stainless and DA XL for nickels. The Hi Beams went thru body and the DA's went thru bridge.

Darth Tater · #6 07-11-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torza

hey jay! let me know how the dunlops go. i too and looking for a replacement for the 8250's. i would love to find something similar or better, but i'm feeling sort of hopeless. maybe the DR sunbeams cause they're on a roundcore like the 8250's?

DR Sunbeams and Dunlop Nickels seem identical to me. I can't tell a difference between them, even though the DR's are round core.

DavePlaysBass · #7 07-11-2010, 08:11 AM

B strings can be picky. Not sure how the Dunlop B is doing. Seems to get mixed reviews on here. The DR DDT B string is getting good reviews. And the La Bella Bs that come in the Slappers, Hard Rockin' Steels, Pedulla Brand, and Carvin Brand are good. I believe the Carvin Nickels would string thru body and still have the taper on the B hitting the bridge. There about $15 a set. But have somehting on the order of $8 fixed postage no matter how many sets you buy.