Dean Markley 'Black Steel'

[R Cadd]

Can anyone tell me anything about Dean Markley "Black Steel" strings? These are not the current 'Blue Steels'. I can't find anything about them on the internet...I assume they're discontinued (?). I just landed a bass with a set and am trying to figure out just what they are....composition, etc.

 

[michael_t]

I've never heard of "Black Steel"... Got any pics you can post?

One at the headstock and one at the bridge would help. Thanks.

 

[mmbongo]

That's crazy, such a thing has never exist......

...well I'll be.

 

[R Cadd]

I'll get pics of either end, but they appear just like 'normal' rounds. Here's the package.
I'm assuming they're an older, maybe discontinued product (?).

 

[arbiterusa]

I would not recommend Markley strings to anyone at this point. The last sets I got a couple of years back were terrible, and turns out were not made by them, since they no longer have that capability.

I do know a few of their old employees have the machinery and are making strings under another name, but I can't recall what that name is.

 

[michael_t]

I do know a few of their old employees have the machinery and are making strings under another name, but I can't recall what that name is.

Apex Strings.

Apex® Bass Strings - Apex® Strings

 

[R Cadd]

I'm just trying to figure out what exactly these are- stainless, nickel, etc.

 

[BrentSimons]

I would not recommend Markley strings to anyone at this point. The last sets I got a couple of years back were terrible, and turns out were not made by them, since they no longer have that capability.

I do know a few of their old employees have the machinery and are making strings under another name, but I can't recall what that name is.

Apex Strings.

Apex® Bass Strings - Apex® Strings

Yes Apex. Nice folks and really nice strings.

 

[Jon Moody]

I'm just trying to figure out what exactly these are- stainless, nickel, etc.

I would assume, given the second word in the title, that you have stainless steel strings.

Past that, it's anyones guess. I'm wondering if they weren't a standard product line of Dean Markley, but made by them for someone else? The way the logo is presented and the omission of any address/phone number makes me think it might be?

I wonder if the Apex guy would know…

 

[R Cadd]

That could be. Just funny, there's nothing on the internet at all. I got them with a recent purchase, seller wasn't sure either. They 'feel' like SS to me.

 

[GTHintz]

Interesting find!!! You should give us some sound samples and a good review of what you think when you start playing on them. Definitely are some discontinued and obscure strings. Cool post!