Anyone using/try Dean Markley Bass Helix Strings?

[Lorenzini]

How much tension on these?

Blue Steels are a very tight string to me, and I prefer Dunlops and DR Beam strings, which is to say I like a supple, flexible string.

 

[testing1two]

The Helix strings have taper core E and A strings so they aren't overly stiff. The tension is more in line with DR round core and Dunlop strings.

 

[mmbongo]

The Helix strings have taper core E and A strings so they aren't overly stiff. The tension is more in line with DR and Dunlap round core strings.

-String tapering should not have an effect on string tension. A tapered string is not lower tension than the same string non-tapered.

-Dunlop does not make round core strings.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

-String tapering should not have an effect on string tension. A tapered string is not lower tension than the same string non-tapered.

-Dunlop does not make round core strings.

Not Dunlop, Dunlap

 

[testing1two]

The Helix strings have taper core E and A strings so they aren't overly stiff. The tension is more in line with DR round core and Dunlop strings.

For those who have not played these strings and have nothing to contribute to the discussion but feel the need to type something anyways, I have revised my original statement and corrected the spelling. You can sleep well tonight.

 

[Turlu]

I installed them on my Lakland DJ4 last evening.
They feel very nice, have tons of midrange growl and the bottom end t hat the other strings don't have in my opinion. Mind you, I had ProSteels before and those were very crisp sounding strings, very bright. These Helix have excellent bottom end and definitely more midrange growl compared to the other one in my humble opinion. Not the same price either being twice as expensive ! Dean Markley has always been delivering great strings and is a company that stands behind its products. I can attest to that personnally and will always support them as long as they continue putting out great strings like they do.

 

[Moving Pictures]

I just installed them on my MIA Jazz and all I can say is WOW! They really woke that bass up, adding more bottom and low mids. I really like how they growl on this bass. These are the first round wound strings I have liked on my 4-strings that weren't DR's. I am really interested to see how long they last. From what I have heard so far tonight it should be a good ride. I think I am a fan.

 

[BWB]

Very interesting grasshoppers. Interesting enough that I just ordered a .045 .065 .085 .105 set for my Precision Plus. My tone is arena Stevie Ray Vaughan-blues rock P-bass traditional and it sounds like these might do the trick. I need the E string to sound like a cannon - My last set was Rotosound, which I've played on and off with GHS Boomers over the past few years.

Always willing to try something new. Especially $21 worth.

 

[Moving Pictures]

Very interesting grasshoppers. Interesting enough that I just ordered a .045 .065 .085 .105 set for my Precision Plus. My tone is arena Stevie Ray Vaughan-blues rock P-bass traditional and it sounds like these might do the trick. I need the E string to sound like a cannon - My last set was Rotosound, which I've played on and off with GHS Boomers over the past few years.

Always willing to try something new. Especially $21 worth.

I was told by one of the techs that my Jazz had "unbelievable punch" with these strings. These are definitely the new standard for this bass. I want to try them on a Precision now.

 

[Turlu]

Tried them at my rehearsal this evening. They do sound great with tons of mid growl. They do feel stiff to my personal liking. I prefer the DR's to that matter. Great strings, but I don't think they are for me.

 

[BWB]

OK - I put them on the P bass about a week ago -

Good mid-range growl and they have a snappy feel to them - they're higher tension than some other strings I've used, but I don't like flappy bass strings so this suits me well. Nice low end response. They're keepers. What I'll be interested to see is how much I like them when they deaden some - I like dead sounding strings (I play blues rock mostly).

 

[BassPlayer900]

Wow, the descriptions of these strings make them seem like they're exactly what I'm looking for (more bass and mids, less finger noise, smooth feel, punch, growl)! But I'm guessing that since the E and A are tapered, I'll have to get my bass setup. Too bad I don't have any tools I can set it up with!

 

[BWB]

Wow, the descriptions of these strings make them seem like they're exactly what I'm looking for (more bass and mids, less finger noise, smooth feel, punch, growl)! But I'm guessing that since the E and A are tapered, I'll have to get my bass setup. Too bad I don't have any tools I can set it up with!

I might clarify my above post - there are a LOT more mids, they have a nice growly tone to them - but the punch of the E string is probably not any more or less than anything else I've strung on the P bass. Finger noise is low, yes, and they do have a smooth feel to them.

I like them, but I can also see (hear) why they'd probably REALLY be zingers on a Jazz bass. They have that right tonal quality for a Jazz, if that makes sense.

I hate trying to describe the sound of something with words, it just never comes out the way I want. Which is why I'm a musician and not a writer, I suppose.

 

[Moving Pictures]

I like them, but I can also see (hear) why they'd probably REALLY be zingers on a Jazz bass. They have that right tonal quality for a Jazz, if that makes sense.

They sound awesome on my Jazz. Even the band noticed. I still plan on putting them on my Precision when it is time to replace the strings on that bass.

 

[Tunaman]

I ordered the Helix & Prosteels & am going to compare em to the DR XLs Nickel Medium lights too

Order from Bass strings online:

DADDARIO_EPS170-5 D'Addario ProSteels ROUND WOUND - 5-String Set
Type: EPS170-5 - Long Scale 45-130: .045 .065 .080 .100 .130

DM_2614B Dean Markley Helix HD Stainless Steel Bass Strings - 5 String Set
Gauge:: Medium Light: .045 .065 .085 .105 .128

We will see!

 

[kris pung]

Has anybody tried these on a bright graphite necked bass? I’ve got a homemade Moses necked 5 string that’s pretty scooped that I’d love to get more mids out of.

 

[FuManChu]

I put a set of the SS .50-.128 gauge on my 5 string stingray. I recorded the gig with a Zoom H2 and I really like what I heard listening to the tracks the next day. Defined low end, full sound with some zing but not clanky. Sounded good switching from finger to pick to slapping without making any EQ adjustments. There are some upper register stuff that I play and the notes have a tendency to get buried in the mix previously. They really stood out in the recording last night with everything set the same as always on the board, amp, bass EQ. These strings are a perfect fit for my stingray and I don't have to order custom strings to cure the weak G string which I do believe can exist with typical gauged string sets.

 

[rockinrayduke]

These sound great on my 4001, really bring out that snarly Rick tone, the 100/45 set. I put them my Modulus, also good there but my biggest complaint is the .45 G string is too big and has too much tension on that bass. If those guys at Markley would put a 40 in that set I'd be a lot happier with them. But for whatever reason they work fine as is on the 4001.

 

[Toptube]

Just put some Helix SS on my Fender Jaguar Bass. I've only had them on for about 24 hours, but I felt the need to talk about these already.

Compared to other strings on the same bass, they seem to be fairly low tension and more flexible than some.

The tone is super cool. Tight and throaty lows and lo-mid. Very articulate, maybe the most articulate strings I've had on this bass. I thought GHS progressives were articulate! The Helix SS have a lot of nice zing and growl, but very little of the dreaded SS clank. I'm a believer in exposed core/taper core, I bought these strings for that feature and have no doubt its a winner, here.

While they do feel smoother out of the package than Rotos, these are not "smooth" strings. GHS progressives or Elixirs are "smooth" feeling roundwounds. and actually, I think progressive might be a pressure wound...

The slight roughness, combined with the zing and articulation means a little more finger noise than GHS progressives or even Roto nickels.

 

[Moving Pictures]

Great comments toptube. I have them on my Jazz and on an older Ibby SR800. Your description is bang on. I have Progressives on my G&L JB2 and they also deliver exactly as you describe. I think I now prefer the Helix SS over the DRs I played for years simply because the are more punchy in addition all the great attributes you list. I do like the smooth feel of the Progressives but either string is a win IMO.