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Cobalt alternative

onefallinghope

onefallinghope

Nov 25, 2012
113
9
Groton, CT
www.1428systems.com
#1
I've been running cobalts on my SCPB, and I love the "new" sound... But my last two sets (and first two sets actually, since I've only used two sets) started sounding dead after about two weeks.

There is still plenty of life left in the string, but that punch and brightness is gone.

Any suggestions for something tonally similar with longer life?
 
#2
Cobalts definitely die quickly! I found Elixir Steels to be very similar to a 'few day old' Cobalts. They don't have quite the snap as a brand new set of Cobalts, but the Elixirs will stay the same for a long time and the feel is quite the opposite of Cobalts. They are very smooth and slick feeling, unlike the sandpaper like feel of Cobalts.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/elixir-steels-vs-eb-cobalts-my-little-review-865137/

GHS Super Steels or SIT Power Steels may also be a good alternative. I didn't get a chance to A/B them, but they are nice snappy sounding strings as well.

You can get any of these at www.bassstringsonline.com
Just buy them all and test them out! :)
 
#5
I also found the Cobalts to go dull very suddenly after a couple weeks. Right now I'm using Cirle K's and I'm very happy with them. Prior to trying Cobalts I was using mainly Dunlop Trujillos and Rotosound Sheehans which I snatched at -50%. They're in the same ballpark of rough feeling, bright strings.
 
#7
MoeGJBeener said:
I clean mine after every gig and they last an easy 6-8 weeks. And I play every Friday and Saturday night with some Thursdays and Sundays thrown in. Maybe my hands are just nicer sweat/acid wise?
Click to expand...

I do that with strings too, and for guys that don't want zingy brand new sounding strings that great. However no roundwound string is going to sound factory fresh after even one four hour set, much less two months of two nighters :) IME, Cobalts do die very quickly and also start turning black.
 
#8
Yeah, I think I'm just going to have to keep buying cobalts and replacing them regularly.

Coated strings don't sound "right" to me.

And the Cobalts do wear quickly for me. I play 4-5 hours per day, about 4 days per week, so about two weeks seems to be the window of "good sound" for me.

I don't mind the "rough feel" at all.

I was just hoping there was an option where I could "have my cake and eat it too" :)
 
#9
king_biscuit said:
I do that with strings too, and for guys that don't want zingy brand new sounding strings that great. However no roundwound string is going to sound factory fresh after even one four hour set, much less two months of two nighters :) IME, Cobalts do die very quickly and also start turning black.
Click to expand...

I had the same issue on Fenders although mine had very little playtime and been their cases for a few weeks.
 

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