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Anyone dig/use Dean Markley strings?

madbassplaya

madbassplaya

Supporting Member
Dec 28, 2007
8,397
142
#1
Bueller? Bueller?

I see a ton of threads containing content about D'Addario, DR, Dunlop, Ernie Ball, Sadowsky strings etc...

I rarely if ever here anyone who likes to use Dean Markley strings though. I'd like to hear your experiences.

I'm interested in their new Helix strings specifically, but would love to hear about their others as well.

helixbassstrings_nps.jpg


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#3
Dean Markeley SR 2000's are the ONLY strings I use (med-lights). They are fantastic! I love the bottom end the nice crisp highs. It really makes my Dimgwall sing and gives it a really modern tone that works great for rock/slap/funk/modern jazz type stuff.
 
#5
Kinda funny you asked. I was looking for threads on DM quite recently with no success for anything recent.

I recently switched to Dean markley Blue steels to improve my guitars sound. They'll be the only strings I'll be using for guitar now. And also got a set to try for my bass. Surprised and floored is the result for the latter. Bass qaulity is every bit as good as the dr neons Ive been useing with little more crack of thunder qaulity to the low bass. First thing they made me think of is: "They sound like dr neons, moreso then sunbeams do. With a little bit more thundery qaulity". Tension feels the same or slightly looser. Excellent feel to them. I'm sold on em as only string for guitar and main or alternate for bass. If the former I'll prob still do a set of dr neon greens for about 4 months out of the yr for a change of pace looks wise. Lol. O, and the blue steels cost a third less per set for bass to.
 
#6
Blue Steels are Jack Casady's strings of choice and the JC Signature Epiphone comes with Blue Steels from the factory. I have one and have been using Blue Steels on it for several years. I like the way they sound and play on this bass but have never tried them on another bass. One day. I bought a set of Blue Steels for electric guitar but haven't put them on yet.
 
#7
Thanks for the comments so far guys!

I had a guitarist who swore by DM Blue Steel strings. I remember trying them very early on but I don't remember liking them or not. New strings were new strings to me back then. :D
 
#8
I use Blue Steels on my Precision, I love the way they sound, and I rarely change them, once every 4 months maybe. Great for a grindy mid-heavy fingerstyle tone, I haven't found anything better for my p-bass. I would definitely recommend them.
Am also curious about the new strings they've released.
 
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#9
Big fan of the Blue Steels. To me, they feel good with just the right amount of tension, and, to my ears, have a great tone, which seems to last a good while. Even after they have aged and the tone starts to dull down a bit, I still like the way they sound. They are my go-to roundwound strings, and they are not that expensive.
 
#10
I use Blue Steel Nickel and they are my favorite strings by far. Love the feel, sound and tension. Have tried Nickel strings from Fender, DR, Warwick and numerous others and I find nothing comes close to the tone I am after, I play a Jazz (Most gigs these days) and Thunderbird basses.
Give them a try, great worn in sound.
Love to see any comments on the new helix strings also.
 
#11
I've been tempted to by a set for ages - but I've never actually spoken to someone who uses them...

I use Bass Centre Stadium Elites and I've never been disappointed, but the Blue Steels seem to have a wonderful rapport, so I may give 'em a try.

What are these Helix strings you speak of?
 
#14
The HELIX strings are new. They were announced at NAMM originally in just NPS 4 string sets and the Nikki Sixx Signature 4 String Stainless Steel.

They started shipping early in April and to my surprise, they also released 5 string sets as well as a full selection of Stainless sets besides the Nikki model.

Unfortunately haven't had a chance to give these a try yet. Looking forward to it. There is a graphic representation of their "Hyper Elliptical Windings" on the link in the OP's post. Should make for an interesting feel flexibility wise as well as a "faster to the feel" touch similar to a string with smaller diameter windings.
 
#15
I've used Dean Markleys in the past, the old SuperRounds and they were good for that Rotosound grind when you counldn't find Rotos. Recently, I wanted to try the Blue Steel nickels but couldn't find them and wound up buying their Nickel Steels. These seem to be good, basic nickel strings that are meaner than D'Addarios but more polite than Ernie Balls with very good life. They are currently on my P bass and when they go, I still plan on buying some Blue Steel nickels from Jason to replace them. I like the way I can build my own set using his site!
 
#20
I have spent WAY too much money over the years on trying out different strings that sound good and last. I sweat an abnormal amount, hyperhydrosis, when I play and the Dean Markley SR2000 series strings with the tapered core are AMAZING. They last and don't dull nearly as fast as many other manufacturers. Suprised that you don't hear much more about these strings.
 

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