Strings price = Quality? What are your thoughts?

[ejaggers]

Everyone says, you get what you pay for, which I’ve found NOT to be true in some cases. Does this hold true for strings? For instance, are LaBella and TI better than GHS and SIT? Are more expensive strings better than the same type/gauge cheaper counterpart? What are your thoughts?

[knuckle_head]

I can only speak for myself, but my pricing is based on cost of production.

I try to maintain a high level of quality, but that isn't what makes a string expensive.

[Jones_Stuff]

Roto 66s are pretty cheap here, but I don't see a difference in quality with say, a more expensive Ernie Ball Roundwound.

Of course YMMV etc.

[ejaggers]

knuckle head, I'm glad you chimed in. I'm unfamiliar with your strings and would like to learn more. I went to your web site and found gauge and price, but could not find much on descriptions, like warm, bright, flat, round, etc.

I did see your disclaimer: “No replacement sets or refunds will be given for not understanding what you need for your specific implementation.”

So do I chat directly with you to find which ones I need?

[knuckle_head]

Best bet there is to email the TechInfo address on the site - it'll come to me ultimately, but it's a better bet than PMs and such.

The first page of the site has a brief descriptor of what you can expect, as does the first couple of pages of the Tension Chart. The tension chart ought to be very helpful for selecting the right gauging.

Pop a note and I'll answer every question I can.

[BassLife77]

you get what you pay for. I bought some Dunlop steels for $12 and they were dead as s***. contacted Dunlop and they sent me 2 packs. they weren't dead but sounded dull. Bought some GHS steels for $13 and they had rust spots. Went back to Rotosound 66's ($22) and they were perfect as always. Also tried some Dean Markley Blue Steels ($24) and they were great, stayed bright for a long time. Right now all my basses either have Rotosounds or Blue Steels. worth every penny

[Sahe_Bassist]

I have found that the difference between higher and low priced strings is how you feel while playing them.

i used to play D'addarios, which where i live are around $40 for a regular set, a buddy of mine suggested i try GHS Boomers (just under $20 a set). i was reluctant at first but after i put those babys on i couldnt believe that they FELT better to play on, and they lasted just a little longer also.

i have tried alot of different brands for strings, i guess its more about how you like the strings rather than about how much they cost.

as far as if higher brands are the same as the lower ones, i imagine its all in how they are made and what materials and possible coating or quality control/storage facilities/the actual string packages(like sealed vs open paper vs plastic ect). guages are a none changing aspect, a 45-100 set is pretty much a 45-100 set to matter what brand you buy.

[smo]

For flats I like TI's - for rounds I like GHS.

Both at opposite ends really, so the answer is to find what you like, and what you find reliable.

[jkramer5]

The cheapest strings I've tried are the round wounds from the Carvin store, made for them by Labella. I can't remember if they were 9 bux or 11 bux a set, either way, bleh. Mid priced ones I like are fender nickels, EB super slinkies not so much, and for me the winner is the nickel DR lowrider, also the most expensive round wound I've tried.

[brotherbassj]

D'addario 45-105's are nice but DR's...................oh yeah! WOrth every nickel!!!!!!!!!

[Craig_S]

Dunlop. Inexpensive. Great. [/STORY]

[S Lewis]

I use DR Highbeams



they are a little more expensive than most other brands, but I find that they sound good LONGER than other brands, which means i buy strings less often and actually end up saving money.

[BillyIVbass]

Daddario. Reasonably priced, sound great and they have a decent life.

[blr2]

Strings prices are relative. Here, in Europe, European made strings like Rotos are cheaper than the ones made in the US. For you guys in the States is the opposite. Generally, the price difference among the big brands is not that big and is coming mostly from import taxes and shipping costs.

[One Bad Monkey]

I go through strings a set every three-four weeks or so, depending on schedule, so for a while I would just buy D'Addarios. They sounded okay, and lasted about halfway through a theatre run before I had to start thinking about changing them. They were also cheap.

But Skip's Circle K's last easily - for me - twice as long as any others I've tried. My original set from him I put through a two week (4 rehearsals, 14 shows) run of TOMMY, and they had enough juice in them to go another week for a different show. No other string has even come close.

So yes, I would say that you get what you pay for in this case. The only downside to Skip's strings are the shipping you pay for one set, so the last time I needed new ones, I bought four sets instead.

[FunkMetalBass]

I used to play the Fodera Heavies. Great strings, but they tend to die a little quickly on me (thank you denatured alcohol baths).

I then tried the Circle K's, and even though I had reservations about $55 for a balanced 6-string set, his strings sound and feel just like the Foderas, but the even tension and longer life are the reason that I will never go back to another brand.

They are the nickel/steel combination that keeps it very bright and responsive, but still full and devoid of excessive finger noise. On top of that, the even tension feels so good under your fingertips.

That reminds me, I need to order another set next paycheck.

[electracoyote]

I don't always see a correlation. I have a Peavey Cirrus 5 USA, my main player with one band at the moment, and in a rush I put some Musician's Gear (Musician's Friend budget brand) strings on it, and I have no complaints, in fact I think it sounds great. Now they may not last as long, or stay as bright as long, as some other brands, but it's been a few months now and I'm not feeling or hearing a difference between these and some high-end marketed glitz-packaged strings.

[Mayers]

I don't know ... I now use Elexir for my fretted bass and d'Addario Chrome or TI flat for my fretlesses.

I tried D'addario, EB slinky, Labella round wound and they all die too quickly ... lbetween 1 and 3 weeks. A 40$ a set ... well to expensive. Elexir are a little more expensive but I had a set for almost a year on my 6 strings and they still sounded good but the thin layer was all shred.

[bertbassplayer]

Originally Posted by Jones_Stuff

Roto 66s are pretty cheap here, but I don't see a difference in quality with say, a more expensive Ernie Ball Roundwound.

Of course YMMV etc.

It's funny because in the US, Rotosounds would be your "premium" higher cost string, where Ernie Balls would be your cheaper strings.

I think it all has to do with what your looking for in a string. In general if you stick with a name brand and not some no name factory second string you'll be okay.

Personally so far my favs have been DRs, every once in a while I wonder if it's worth paying the extra costs... so sometimes I end up buying a cheaper string. I usually end up replacing them with a set of DRs. I've been meaning to check out Circle K strings though, I just haven't gotten around to ordering any.

[peledog]

I've been a fan of the hybrid slinkys and blue steels for a long time.

Then I tried Elixir.

Holy crap!! I've had this set on one of my basses for over a year - and it's still has clarity and brightness in the sound. Pricey? Sure. But if it lasts at least a year, or if you're on the road for a couple of months - totally worth the cost.