GHS has discontinued Contact Core strings

[ad9000]

I just found this out, which is very disappointing since the Contact Core Super Steel .129 and .130's have been my go to for low B strings since around 1999. I find most other B strings to be dead sounding in relation the other strings and lacking in fundamentals. I've experimented with a fair number of others, and the only ones that come close are the MTD exposed core .130 or .135's, although they have a pretty short life span and seem to be inconsistent in their liveliness (maybe because the ones I got weren't very fresh).

I even tend to swap the Contact Core B's in with sets from other string brands (like DR). I know that is unconventional, but it works for me. I can make do without the other Contact Core gauges - I find that the lighter the string, the less difference there is between the Contact Core and non-exposed core Super Steels, but not having the Contact Core B's is a big loss.

I know there are a few threads here on the subject of B strings, like this one, which had some useful recommendations:: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/dr-fat-beams-w-tapered-b-fodera-dr.1684422/

I guess I'm mostly just venting here, but also looking for specific recommendations for exposed core or taper core B strings. I have both 34" and 35" scale 5 or 6 string basses, so I generally need strings for both.

 

[michael_t]

I did notice the absence of the Contact Core Super Steels on the GHS website a couple of months ago. I have used the .125 B in the past and liked it.

For a stainless steel low B with exposed core, you can try the SIT Power Steels .135, which is available as a single.

Power Steel Extended Range Exposed Core Bass Singles - S.I.T. Strings

S.I.T. Strings Power Steel Extended Range Exposed Core Bass Singles were designed in collaboration with the late Bill Conklin, ensuring the highest standards of quality and playability. Engineered for extended-range basses, these strings provide enhanced clarity, articulation, and sustain, with...

sitstrings.com

I just wish they came in .125 and .130 as I use the Power Wound Nickel .125 with exposed core on my Yamaha.

 

[CoughSyrup]

Sadowsky bright nickel blue labels. Best 34" B I've played. Also available in 35" scale.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

DR makes them in stainless. You should be able to get singles.
The sets are named Long Necks, and the bottom 4 strings are exposed cores.
The only other company I think would be Labella, their Steps are just that.
I love them on my Warrguitars, haven't tried them on bass.

 

[ad9000]

I appreciate the tips, I will check all of those out!

 

[michael_t]

DR makes them in stainless. You should be able to get singles.
The sets are named Long Necks, and the bottom 4 strings are exposed cores.

First, DR Long Necks are "taperwound", not exposed core. Secondly, they're specifically designed for thru-body installation with 3" of taper, which would be too long for top-loading.

The exposed core on the CC Super Steels is 2".

 

[ajkula66]

Ouch.

The only strings that I've actually liked on my fiver.

 

[tindrum]

GHS makes the strings for Ken Smith, who offers a contact core string. Maybe those are kaput now as well? Worth looking into.

 

[michael_t]

GHS makes the strings for Ken Smith, who offers a contact core string. Maybe those are kaput now as well? Worth looking into.

As far as I know, Ken Smith "taper core" are actually taperwound, not exposed core. I can't see them discontinuing them.

 

[GTHintz]

Unfortunately for the op the Ken Smith will probably be the closest thing left to the contact cores. Same materials and factory as contact cores. After that there’s mtd, labella super steps, doogal helborg strings, rotosound ps strings might still be around. Up until recently Dean Markley sr2000. Poor guy is going to have an uphill battle trying to replace those.

 

[michael_t]

I guess I'm mostly just venting here, but also looking for specific recommendations for exposed core or taper core B strings...

After I read you post, I dashed off an email to Eddie Speedy, who is the president of SIT. I asked him if he would consider adding exposed-core Power Steel .125 and .130 to the available options in the light of GHS Contact Core Super Steels having been discontinued.

As always he was "speedy" with his response:

The Power Steel .110 and .135 are part of the line of strings we developed with Conklin guitars, these are part of our Conklin signature sets. In the past we have made .125 and 130 Power Steel exposed core, didn’t get much request for them. I might put them back up on the site and see if we get any requests for them. Thanks for reaching out. ​

 

[ad9000]

Poor guy is going to have an uphill battle trying to replace those.

What makes it hurt even more is that I have an endorsement deal with GHS, so my price is 25% of list, or about $5.50 - $6.50 each for the B strings. To think about having to pay full street price ($20 or so, it appears) for other strings would be an adjustment. I know, first world problems..