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Circle K strings...

I got my .136 balanced 5 string set on Friday, but didn't get a chance to put them on until today. What a step up from the factory strings that were on my Streamer $$! The B is so tight and clear sounding, and there's no rattle or anything.
I always hear people talk about how the B on most 5ers sounds just like an extra string added onto a 4-string, almost like it's not a natural part of the instrument, and I've felt at least a small amount of that on every bass I've played so far. These strings totally eliminated that feeling on my Warwick (although this issue was very minor in the first place compared to most basses).
My first impression of these strings is clearly a good one. I can't get over how much difference the balanced tension makes in the sound and feel.
 
I got my .136 balanced 5 string set on Friday, but didn't get a chance to put them on until today. What a step up from the factory strings that were on my Streamer $$! The B is so tight and clear sounding, and there's no rattle or anything.
I always hear people talk about how the B on most 5ers sounds just like an extra string added onto a 4-string, almost like it's not a natural part of the instrument, and I've felt at least a small amount of that on every bass I've played so far. These strings totally eliminated that feeling on my Warwick (although this issue was very minor in the first place compared to most basses).
My first impression of these strings is clearly a good one. I can't get over how much difference the balanced tension makes in the sound and feel.

It's going to be an ongoing and increasing trend of seeing players start to take notice of these, which are strings done right. And not just from the br00tz/downtune crew either.
I usually steer clear of TB-hyped products, but I knew Skip from another forum and as an OG I trusted him and a few others I know review things properly and am so glad I did. Can't hype these enough.
 
I just ordered 2 sets:

Qty Name SKU Each Subtotal
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 4 String Set - Balanced Standard 096 CKS-096S4B $25.00 $25.00
1 4 String Set - Balanced Standard 092 CKS-092S4B $25.00 $25.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I will first try them on one of my Cirrus basses and I know I will also try them on my 32" Alembic. This should be interesting. And, next step will be to try another balanced set with some 'bottom end'.

I've read this entire thread tonight and have determined that it is probably a good endeavor to experiment with these strings. I hope I am pleased with the outcome!

What I am seeking is balanced feel, versatility in sound, durability and compatibility with my preferred bass setup (low-low action).

I expect to be ordering two more sets (heavier) if I like these.
 
Really wanna try a set of these out but 20 bucks shipping to Canada is crazy! Specially when Strings & Beyond do it for 7 bucks or so.

:(

I am not sure but part of that may be that he actually has to go to the post office to fill out the customs form instead of being able to ship from his shop.

He is a very honest and humble guy. He actually refused to take an extra quarter from me when I was buying strings directly from him at his shop.
 
Really wanna try a set of these out but 20 bucks shipping to Canada is crazy! Specially when Strings & Beyond do it for 7 bucks or so.

:(

Yeah, that was the crappy part for me. I'm absolutely loving the strings, but 20 bucks for shipping might turn me off from future orders... We'll see. I'm just hoping he'll figure out a cheaper shipping method to Canada, because clearly they exist.
 
Priority and Express international service allow delivery confirmation - and as such, insurance should sets come up missing. That does happen, and far too often.

Priority is $12, and Express is $27. If I were to offer First Class US Mail I can ship to Canada for $5, but the buyer then takes the risk if they get 'lost'.

Is the better rate worth the risk of being out a set of strings should something go south?
 
Priority and Express international service allow delivery confirmation - and as such, insurance should sets come up missing. That does happen, and far too often.

Priority is $12, and Express is $27. If I were to offer First Class US Mail I can ship to Canada for $5, but the buyer then takes the risk if they get 'lost'.

Is the better rate worth the risk of being out a set of strings should something go south?


Very good points. I'm surprised that they're really getting lost so frequently. I'm assuming no other shipping companies offer better options? DHL, UPS, FEDEX, etc.? I know that bodybuilding.com uses DHL, and I've ordered similar sized packages to your strings from them with minimal shipping costs. My order from you through priority mail was $21.25 for shipping. Through DHL the bodybuilding.com order was $9.26. Perhaps something to consider.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time, btw. I'm extremely pleased with your product, I'm just hoping there can be a better shipping method in the future, since the cost is a huge deterrent for future orders :hmm:
 
I didn't take it as criticism - this is my biggest conundrum in all of this.

I am in talks with potential EU distribution, and would love to have Canadian and Australian distributors as well. This would cover the vast majority of customers to this point.

Well, I'll be keeping my eye on this forum. If anything works out for cheaper Canadian shipping, I'll be purchasing some more of these strings (actually to be honest, I might just bite the bullet again with shipping costs and buy more anyway... time will tell). :bassist:
 
One major flaw hasn't been addressed as far as I have seen:

These strings are so tasty that even though mine are a year old I have no desire to change them whatsoever. Usually I get to a point where I start hating my old strings, but not so far with these.