Earlier in this thread I reported (as a beta tester) that, although these strings sounded excellent, they didn't make a big enough improvement to really warrant the almost doubled ticket price of my regular EXL170's. I also didn't do the change in set up "tweaks" I probably should have (even though the beta 4 string set was the same gauge as my 170's).
Well........
I've severely changed my opinion on these. What did it?
When they started offering tapered strings down to .085 (A) I decided to put a set together for my Spector 6 string.
So I ordered (individually-big ups to bassstringsonline.com) a tapered .130 B, tapered .105 E, tapered .085 A, .065 D, .045 G and a .032 C.
And so....WOW!!! Clarity, depth and openness in the B, E, and even the A that I've never had before. Making them much more a tonal match with the upper strings.
I was so impressed with the improvement from the tapered strings I decided to put the same E to G set on my Spector 4 string. Same improvement. I love the depth and openness that the tapering adds to the E and A string.
Of course, some tweaking of the bridge saddles height and intonation was needed. But the tension didn't seem to change, not requiring any truss rod adjustments.
Yes, they are more money. But since I only buy strings about once every couple of years (I have a cleaning technique that gets the used ones like new, rotating 3 or 4 sets per bass) when fret dents and metal fatigue finally starts to set in, the improvement in tone in the lower strings is worth it.
