Did Fender do something different with their strings?

[Big Hoss]

My Affinity Jazz shipped with Fender® USA Bass 7250ML, NPS, (.045-.100 Gauges) strings...

Now my last Squier was a 2003 PJ with the factory strings, I believe that bass as well was an Affinity.

I absolutely despised the strings on that old PJ...

I have had the Jazz now going on a month, and the more I play it, the more I like these strings on it... And I used to swear AT not BY Fender strings...

So what gives? Did fender make a major change in strings between then and now?

Both instruments were purchased new, the PJ from a local shop, still sealed in box, the Jazz from MusiciansFriend new sealed in factory box... So no shenanigans were taken with the strings I think...

I was seriously considering stabbing a set of D'Addario nickel rounds on this, but those Fenders just tickle my ears...

 

[Pier_]

so what gives? Did fender make a major change in strings between then and now?

yes, in 2010 they changed strings, with a new package ad new design of strings. they now are similar to D'Addario's, but not the same. probably made by D'Addario on Fender specs.

consider that many users hate the new Fender, because now they sound like D'Addario others like them because od this. however, they changed in 2010.

 

[Big Hoss]

That explains a LOT...

I admit it, I absolutely despised Fender strings that I experienced from back then. What was strung on my old Squier, what was on the basses in various shops, always felt rough and sounded bad. I strung the Squier with GHS Bass Boomers in less than a month after getting it. I planned on throwing D'Addarios on the Jazz when I ordered it, but dangit... these strings feel and sound good, so why bother?

 

[Pier_]

Fender are even cheaper, if I'm not wrong

 

[Big Hoss]

Actually, no...

At least not today through BassStringsOnline.com

Invalid Link Removed $13.95 a set for the D'Addarios.
Invalid Link Removed $16.95 a set for the Fenders.

That isn't counting any sort of discount, just showing the listed prices...

 

[Linnin]

I was very pleasantly surprised by the stock Fender 8250 NPS rounds that came on my 2012 Am Std Jazz. D'Addario EXL170BT Balanced Tension Nickel Wound Light Bass Strings | Sweetwater.com

Right now I am running D'Addario EXL-170BT's that I am very pleased with. $30 for a twin pack shipped from Sweetwater. Invalid Link Removed

 

[Pier_]

Actually, no...

wow! here in Europe the Fender are the cheapest strings on the market, and D'Addario cost two Fender sets... strange thing... I thought that "at home" they would cost even less!

 

[Big Hoss]

Nope. They are close in price here. Honestly bassstringsonline.com has the best prices on D'Addario strings I have found anywhere...

 

[Linnin]

Beginning to make a little headway here.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Linnin]

 

[mmbongo]

I was very pleasantly surprised by the stock Fender 8250 NPS rounds that came on my 2012 Am Std Jazz. D'Addario EXL170BT Balanced Tension Nickel Wound Light Bass Strings | Sweetwater.com

Right now I am running D'Addario EXL-170BT's that I am very pleased with. $30 for a twin pack shipped from Sweetwater. Invalid Link Removed

They are much cheaper at Bass Strings Online, PLUS the TB user discount on top of that.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Linnin]

Fender Ensenada, Mexico, 2006

 

[Big Hoss]

Those photos make me cringe. Long hair, loose clothing, and rotating machinery... BAD combination... Those women really need to have their hair tied back and secure the clothing when working with those machines... Sorry for digressing, but I have witnessed long hair lathe accidents. NOT prettty...

 

[mmbongo]

Those photos make me cringe. Long hair, loose clothing, and rotating machinery... BAD combination... Those women really need to have their hair tied back and secure the clothing when working with those machines... Sorry for digressing, but I have witnessed long hair lathe accidents. NOT prettty...

Long, loose hair is a plus. How do you think they put silks on the strings?