Who Makes Fender Bass Strings?

Foamy · #1 08-28-2006, 02:43 PM

Hi All,

I have a new Squier Standard Jazz. I absolutely love it!
I love the tone I get compared to my previous bass.

It comes strung with Fender Super 7250ML strings. The strings are going to be replaced at some point, and I'd like to NOT make the mistake of replacing them with something that is exactly the same.

I do like them, and I will wait for them to die before replacing them, and I ahve read a lot of good reviews here about sunbeams and super slinky's, and I would like to give them a shot. However, if (for example) Super Slinky's are the same string made by the same factory, that'd not be a good to demonstrate variety, right?

Sounds I am after would be Rush, Cheap Trick...

I ask this question about who OEMs them because I have read a number fo threads that state that there are only a small handful of factories that make the vast majority of strings for all brand names.

Some good information on what is what would go a long way if anyone has some inside scoop on string equivalents between brands.

Cheers!

bradjonesbass · #2 08-28-2006, 02:45 PM

I'm assuming GHS or Ernie Ball, but I'm not really sure. Fender might actually make their own.

Go to DRs and you'll never go back.

Albot · #3 08-28-2006, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

Go to DRs and you'll never go back.

+1

JimmyM · #4 08-28-2006, 04:02 PM

There may be only a few string manufacturing plants but they use alloys that are different. So even strings made in the same factory will sound different depending on the alloys.

As far as I know, the LaBella factory makes Fender strings.

slugworth · #5 08-28-2006, 04:12 PM

According to Fender's website, their strings are manufactured at their plant in Ensenada, Mexico.

Slug

Nino Valenti · #6 08-28-2006, 04:48 PM

Fender makes Fender Strings. I was at the plant about 10 years ago when I was the manager of Sam Ash's Guitar Dept.

Nino Valenti · #7 08-28-2006, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

Go to DRs and you'll never go back.

Not true. I've used them and I won't use them again unless I get em for free.

And even then, I would probably give them away.

Foamy · #8 08-28-2006, 05:26 PM

OK, all. Thanks! I wanted to be sure I don't go spend $40 on strings (when these die) trying a different sound, and have them turn out to be the same string in a different box.
Cheers!

Beefbass · #9 08-29-2006, 03:44 PM

IMHO Fender makes a really nice roundwound string(flats too, if you like those.)

If you really love the tone of the bass the way it is now, why worry about switching to something else? Nothing wrong with experimenting if you want-I just don't believe you can go wrong with the 7250 strings.

Steve Bennett · #10 08-29-2006, 04:29 PM

Fender strings are made by Fender, at their plant in Mexico.
Looky here

Foamy · #11 08-30-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefbass

IMHO Fender makes a really nice roundwound string(flats too, if you like those.)

If you really love the tone of the bass the way it is now, why worry about switching to something else? Nothing wrong with experimenting if you want-I just don't believe you can go wrong with the 7250 strings.

As a new jazz owner, I want to be sure I am not missing anything big wrt tone. I do not slap/pop, and am not looking for that big metal sound, and I am really very happy with these 7250's. I don't remember seeing them at my local shop though, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.

My concern is that, should I try to experiment, I don't want to spend $40 on a set that I think is different, then find out that it is the same set OEM as the 7250's.

Thanks!!

Folmeister · #12 08-30-2006, 05:56 PM

Fender strings are really good. I love their original nickels.

Jim Carr · #13 08-30-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folmeister

Fender strings are really good. I love their original nickels.

+1

volt9stormrider · #14 08-30-2006, 06:08 PM

Try Ernie Ball strings. They're durable, they have a good tone and they're worth the price. www.ernieball.com

Beefbass · #15 08-30-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchanter_Tim

As a new jazz owner, I want to be sure I am not missing anything big wrt tone. I do not slap/pop, and am not looking for that big metal sound, and I am really very happy with these 7250's. I don't remember seeing them at my local shop though, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.

My concern is that, should I try to experiment, I don't want to spend $40 on a set that I think is different, then find out that it is the same set OEM as the 7250's.

Thanks!!

No worries there-Fender makes their own strings in their own factory.

Just my opinion here too, but I don't believe you need to spend 40 bucks on a set of strings to get a good sound. Now, if you find your dream set of strings, and they cost that much, there's nothing wrong with that. Some do spend the extra cash on TI's, or LaBella's, or whatever. If that works for them, great. More power to them.

The point being, for what you described, those 7250's should work out real well, and they're inexpensive. In fact, my fretted and fretless MIM Fender jazzes sound SO GOOD to me with those strings on them. Pbass gets 7350 stainless.

All the best to you

JimmyM · #16 08-31-2006, 06:50 PM

OK OK, Fender makes their own strings! I get it! I had thought LaBella made them because they're so similar. Anyway, to get Rush or Cheap Trick sound, you will definitely want new roundwounds. Quite honestly, I don't think the brand matters all that much. I use D'addario XL's and can get close to those sounds on my basses and any bass strung with roundwounds.

Beefbass · #17 08-31-2006, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

OK OK, Fender makes their own strings! I get it! I had thought LaBella made them because they're so similar. Anyway, to get Rush or Cheap Trick sound, you will definitely want new roundwounds. Quite honestly, I don't think the brand matters all that much. I use D'addario XL's and can get close to those sounds on my basses and any bass strung with roundwounds.

Hey Jimmy, that wasn't directed your way-I was actually referring to the original poster

I agree 100 percent about using roundwounds for the sound he's after-Rush, Cheap Trick. In fact, IMHO the kind of basses and amps used will probably matter more than the strings used. Especially with Geddy-whenever he used a different brand of bass, the sound changed a bit. His Rick sounds different than his Fender, his Wal's, and Steinbergers different from those.

As I said before Jimmy, good to see ya' round TB again. It's always good to have a voice of reason here

JimmyM · #18 08-31-2006, 07:48 PM

Hey Beef, my "OK OK" wasn't directed at you either. I'm just yanking chains

Voice of reason? That will come as news to my wife

Indiana Mike · #19 08-31-2006, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

+1

+2

fourstringbliss · #20 08-31-2006, 08:26 PM

Boompa Loompas - Leo's own little helpers!