Fender 9050CL back again?

[vera]

I went to order a new set of 9050L's this morning and was surprised to see a new Fender flatwound string on Sweetwater's website, labeled Fender Subsonic Electric Bass Strings. Moving right past the questionable branding of "Subsonic," I saw that the model number of these strings are 9050CL. Confusingly, Fender's website doesn't have the CL gauges listed with the other 9050 strings--I imagine that they just haven't updated the website yet, as these are brand new. Does any one else know if these are indeed the same construction as the other 9050 strings, just rebranded as Subsonic strings?

And a second question: I do really like the 9050Ls, after having switched from the 9050M, but was always curious about the CL's which had been discontinued. Does anyone who has experience playing both the CL's and the L's think they might switch to the CL's now that they are back on the market?

 

[vera]

It looks like the gauges are actually slightly different from the previous 9050CL set: 45-65-85-105 now, as opposed to 45-60-80-105 previously.

 

[michael_t]

And a second question: I do really like the 9050Ls, after having switched from the 9050M, but was always curious about the CL's which had been discontinued. Does anyone who has experience playing both the CL's and the L's think they might switch to the CL's know that they are back on the market?

I was one of those who were disappointed (and even upset) when Fender decided to discontinue the "CL" set for the second time. That being said, I've been perfectly happy with the 9050L set as the difference between the .100 and the .105 is not that significant either in tone or in feel.

Something I've learned over the years is, when it comes to a flatwound E, I actually prefer .100 or .095 over .105 as they seem to retain clarity and definition longer. So, I have no interest in switching back to "CL" even if it's brought back to life.

 

[vera]

I appreciate your response. I don't think I'll be brave enough to experiment with the new CL's myself, especially because of the heavier D and A strings. I also never found the .100 E string lacking in any way, either. A bit of a pointless thread, alas! If anyone does find their find way to trying these, I'd been curious to know what they think.

 

[silky smoove]

Does any one else know if these are indeed the same construction as the other 9050 strings, just rebranded as Subsonic strings?

I'll be curious to see if anyone has thoughts on this as well. The 9050L set has become my all-time favorite flatwound by a significant margin. They're really nice strings. Hopefully these new CL models are just as good.

 

[michael_t]

I'll be curious to see if anyone has thoughts on this as well. The 9050L set has become my all-time favorite flatwound by a significant margin. They're really nice strings. Hopefully these new CL models are just as good.

This subsonic thing is something new. They have nothing to do with the old 9050CL set.

 

[Yahboy]

I went to order a new set of 9050L's this morning and was surprised to see a new Fender flatwound string on Sweetwater's website, labeled Fender Subsonic Electric Bass Strings. Moving right past the questionable branding of "Subsonic," I saw that the model number of these strings are 9050CL. Confusingly, Fender's website doesn't have the CL gauges listed with the other 9050 strings--I imagine that they just haven't updated the website yet, as these are brand new. Does any one else know if these are indeed the same construction as the other 9050 strings, just rebranded as Subsonic strings?

And a second question: I do really like the 9050Ls, after having switched from the 9050M, but was always curious about the CL's which had been discontinued. Does anyone who has experience playing both the CL's and the L's think they might switch to the CL's now that they are back on the market?

Medium scale here. ....

Long scale here ....

Actually, who makes mistakes there......


If it is mediums scale, it could be Mustang string.......

 

[SharpCat]

I have a set of these, still in package. They look thru the bag the same as 9050Ls. Same color silk.

 

[michael_t]

What made the old 9050CL set special was the gauges, 45-60-80-105, which was designed as being "balanced tension". If the new 9050CL is made up of 45-65-85-105, then it's not the same thing. Just an old name used for a new set of gauges.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Sub Sonic seems to be a old brand name that's being revived and rolled out to cover different pre existing products. Doing a Google search just produces a lot of confusion that I won't try to sum up here!

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Here's one retailers listings mid-rebrand — new artwork for the UltraCore, old artwork for the SubSonic

 

[Yahboy]

Here's one retailers listings mid-rebrand — new artwork for the UltraCore, old artwork for the SubSonic

View attachment 7456530

Well , seem FMIC love do rebranding/renaming thing even on their accessories ...

 

[Root 5]

I’ve always been pleased with Fender bass strings. I use the 7150 pure nickel sets, the stainless rounds and love the silky smooth feel of the flatwounds.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

View attachment 7456398
Medium scale here. ....


View attachment 7456403
Long scale here ....

Actually, who makes mistakes there......


If it is mediums scale, it could be Mustang string.......

Aha....a bit off topic but I have a set of 9050s on my 32 scale Aria BUT the E was bad so I have a nickel round E and it matches just fine.

It's probably my 32 Aria but these 9050s are bright for flats and no doubt it's the pickups and the bass it self but they don't sound like flats traditional sound ....not even close fwiw.

I should probably put on GHS Precision flats given the super bright nature of this bass because the 9050s sound like rounds but are way too scooped like a J bass on the 32 scale Aria.

 

[Swerve]

Just noticed the 9050CL's on Amazon. 105-80-60-45

I think I will order these. I always liked Fender flats but never cared for any of the other gauged sets. I need a 105 E but don't like going any larger than 45 G with flats.

Amazon.com

 

[iiipopes]

Just noticed the 9050CL's on Amazon. 105-80-60-45

I think I will order these. I always liked Fender flats but never cared for any of the other gauged sets. I need a 105 E but don't like going any larger than 45 G with flats.

Amazon.com

Don't kid yourself. I saw it also. Old file picture. Not the new series of strings. Think about it: Ford has called their sports car a Mustang since it was introduced in the middle of 1964. But does the 1964-5-6 Mustang look anything like the late model versions? Or any of the other series in between? Other than four wheels and a space for the driver to operate the vehicle? Same thing with this "new" 9050 CL set: four strings to put on a conventional bass guitar, with a new marketing slogan. Not much else in common.

 

[hasbeen]

This is the set (and packaging) I designed. Different spec than the new set.

 

[iiipopes]

View attachment 7484584
This is the set (and packaging) I designed. Different spec than the new set.

And this is the set I still wish Fender would sell. I have one slightly used set left, waiting for the appropriate application. Thanks.

 

[Stan_da_man]

I'm a recent convert to 9050L strings. Really like this gauge with the slightly bigger 'G'. Have them strung on my Jazz bass and it's a really nice combination. These and EB Group Flatwounds have a lot in common in my opinion; both are great strings.

 

[andare]

Aha....a bit off topic but I have a set of 9050s on my 32 scale Aria BUT the E was bad so I have a nickel round E and it matches just fine.

It's probably my 32 Aria but these 9050s are bright for flats and no doubt it's the pickups and the bass it self but they don't sound like flats traditional sound ....not even close fwiw.

I should probably put on GHS Precision flats given the super bright nature of this bass because the 9050s sound like rounds but are way too scooped like a J bass on the 32 scale Aria.

The 9050s won't sound like rounds for long. After a couple of months they'll lose all the high end and will be very midrangey