NOS Strings from the 50s

[mordechai]

Would you put a set of never opened bass strings from the 50s on your bass?

[hinklegm]

Did they even have rounds in the 50s?

[TheEmptyCell]

No. Save them.

[KramerBassFan]

I'd always heard that rounds came around in the early 70's.

[gbazinet]

Save em as a collectable.

[mmbongo]

I'd like to see pictures of them!

[TinIndian]

No. But I agree with mmbongo, Pics please.

[FunkMetalBass]

No. I'd put them on eBay or try to sell them here. String technology has come a long way in 60 years, and there's some weird collectors out there that would probably pay a fantastic price for them.

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

I'd always heard that rounds came around in the early 70's.

Rounds came about in the very early '60's. John Entwistle got together with James How, owner of Rotosound, to develop them.

[N.F.A.]

I would have to try them. It doesn't seem like you'd get that much from a collector, although I could be wrong. I'd love to hear how they sound. Also, the OP never said anything about rounds. Advances in string technology don't necessarily mean the old ones sound bad, especially if going for a vintage tone. For example, I use an old 60's coiled guitar cable when I am trying to get the vintage vibe. It definitely sucks a bit of tone, which the modern ones wouldn't, but the old one makes it more vintagey sounding. YMMV.
Maybe the best of both worlds would be see what you think you could sell them for first, and then decide.

[pacojas]

definitely!

[pudge]

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

No. I'd put them on eBay or try to sell them here. String technology has come a long way in 60 years, and there's some weird collectors out there that would probably pay a fantastic price for them.

That would be my plan,maybe you could get enough to buy something useful.

[mordechai]

Well I don't actually have strings, but I saw some on ebay and got intrigued. Seems like they are gonna get a bit pricey, and yeah they are all flats. Who uses rounds anyway?

[mmbongo]

Originally Posted by mordechai

Well I don't actually have strings, but I saw some on ebay and got intrigued. Seems like they are gonna get a bit pricey, and yeah they are all flats. Who uses rounds anyway?

According to the poll...80% of TB users! There's a reason you can't find flats in any stores

[Will Kelly]

Actually, if they are the very first, they should be rounds. 1951 P-bass came with round wounds. The strings were made by a piano string maker company. Flats came later.

My dad (way over 70) also recalls that the original precisions came with rounds.

Yes, I would use them, btw.

[Will Kelly]

I checked ebay, and found what I believe to be the lot of strings you are talking about. They are from the mid-60's and later, none were made in the '50's. Seller is mistaken.

[skychief]

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

Rounds came about in the very early '60's. John Entwistle got together with James How, owner of Rotosound, to develop them.

Pianos had rounds in 1831.

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by skychief

Pianos had rounds in 1831.

For electric bass. The term 'piano tone' probably came from conversations between the John and James.

[Will Kelly]

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

For electric bass. The term 'piano tone' probably came from conversations between the John and James.

The first round wound bass strings shipped on the first P-basses.

[lowendgenerator]

I STILL WANT PICS!