"Inexpensive" strings

[FretlessOwl]

So I decided to see what $14 bass strings were like, and I ordered Warwick Red Labels. With that name, how bad could they be? Well..... they're the roughest-feeling nickels I've ever played, and check out the windings. There was no mention of scale length anywhere. Have you guys seen this before? Is this just what happens when you spend $14 on strings?

 

[michael_t]

Is this just what happens when you spend $14 on strings?

There are "cheap" strings like the Warwick Red Label, and there are quality strings that happen to be inexpensive.

No quality issues with these for only a buck more: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[getBAK]

There are only a handful of string winding machines in the world. Everything comes from them.
Use this to information as you see fit

 

[GTHintz]

You're not the first one to say that these are rough. Most of the complaints are that they are rough, wear out too fast, and are on the stiff side. If it were me I'd try galli strings. I've seen some really cheap sets around the same price. I tried them and I'm actually impressed with the tone. I got the drop tune set and they were too stiff for me but it's not their fault because they are designed that way so you can go down really low and still have definition. I keep thinking about getting a pack of Warwick's to try but I already have too many others on my try list.

 

[michael_t]

A bassist buddy of mine recently gave me several sets of strings he won't be needing anymore.

Look what I found in the stash...

 

[GTHintz]

A bassist buddy of mine recently gave me several sets of strings he won't be needing anymore.

Look what I found in the stash...

View attachment 4602686

If you end up trying them I wonder how you'll like them. Won't be as smooth as the pressure wounds but once they mellow out you might like the tone.

 

[michael_t]

If you end up trying them I wonder how you'll like them. Won't be as smooth as the pressure wounds but once they mellow out you might like the tone.

I have no intention of trying them for myself. I've read enough about them to know they're not for me.

 

[GTHintz]

I have no intention of trying them for myself. I've read enough about them to know they're not for me.

They definitely don't sound like your cup of tea but I had to mention it. If I end up trying flats or some other obscure string that's opposite of my usual bright steel rounds I'll definitely give it a go just so I can say I've tried them. You pretty much know what you're getting with those red labels. A cheaper rougher version of Roto swing bass strings that aren't as nice. And don't have red silks anymore which is a crime against humanity. Hahaha

 

[Killing Floor]

Never tried Warwick strings but you can get Slinkys for about that cost.

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I buy Daddario on Amazon. EXL230's are usually $20 or a little less. The flat wounds are another story but considering the life of them $40 to $45 for several years of use is reasonable to me. I just get in trouble when I choose to experiment with gauges and tunings. Then nuts have to be changed out to match the new strings and this is partly why I have more than a few Basses.

 

[FretlessOwl]

A bassist buddy of mine recently gave me several sets of strings he won't be needing anymore.

Look what I found in the stash...

View attachment 4602686

Who knows, the steels can't feel much worse than the nickels. I hope the overall quality is better.

 

[HaphAsSard]

And yet, they have their fans:
In praise of Warwick Red Label NICKELS


Me, I plan to eventually try the cheapest solution for custom gauge sets this side of the Pond:
...GHS guitar Boomers, available as singles. The largest they make is a 090, which will do on a long-scale bass, and they should be 38" long. All they need is to be threaded into old bass ball ends.

 

[trothwell]

 

[skycruiser]

There are only a handful of string winding machines in the world. Everything comes from them.
Use this to information as you see fit

I would be interested to hear what conclusions you draw from this. Please enlighten us!

 

[GIBrat51]

I would be interested to hear what conclusions you draw from this. Please enlighten us!

I can't speak for others (and won't try), but I will say that I pretty much agree with the statement. Which, in summary, is; there are many companies that sell strings under their own name. However, there are a surprisingly small number of companies that actually make strings. And, most of them do big business, making strings for many other companies to sell with that company's name on them. In addition to making strings under their own name...

 

[StayLow]

…If it were me I'd try galli strings. I've seen some really cheap sets around the same price. I tried them and I'm actually impressed with the tone.

Where’d you see them priced cheaply?

I like ‘em a lot. Typically seen them for $40+ per pack.

Dunlop Super Brights get a lot of love around here are are priced on the inexpensive side. They’re a steal when on sale. Great strings. Up there with DR.

 

[skycruiser]

I can't speak for others (and won't try), but I will say that I pretty much agree with the statement. Which, in summary, is; there are many companies that sell strings under their own name. However, there are a surprisingly small number of companies that actually make strings. And, most of them do big business, making strings for many other companies to sell with that company's name on them. In addition to making strings under their own name...

I looked up several big-name bass string makers and they each have their own factory, and it also looks like they have a lot of proprietary equipment. They aren't all using the same machines. Now I would not be surprised at all if they also rebrand some of these for small companies or for "no name" brands like strings that ship on $100 basses. Though more likely those are made in China somewhere. I thought you guys might be implying that all the big string makers are really pumping strings out of a couple of factories, the implication being "they're all the same strings". Maybe I read too much into the comment.

The ones I looked up are:
Rotosound (UK), D'Addario (Farmingdale NY), Ernie Ball (Coachella Valley CA), DR (NJ), LaBella (Newburgh NY), TI (Vienna), Dunlop (Benicia CA), Markbass (Italy) and GHS (MI).

These brands make up probably 95% of the bass strings when I search Guitar Center. I also see Fender (made by Labella I think) and a few other brands that only have a few sets. Wouldn't be surprised if some of those are made in these larger factories.

 

[GTHintz]

Gallistrings Eb40125 Regular Electric Bass 5 String Long Scale Nickel, NEW | eBay at 12.99$ for a 5string pack it's very reasonable.

 

[getBAK]

I would be interested to hear what conclusions you draw from this. Please enlighten us!

Basically, there's no secret sauce. Everyone uses the same wire, the same gauge of sizes, and pretty much have to use the same tensions. I'm sure there are some small differences in specs, but really how different can strings that are the same gauge, same materials, and come off the same winding machine really be?

Companies I know have their own winding machines
Jim Dunlop (they make lots of other brand's stuff)
Dean Markley
DR (I think this one of the oldest machines)
GHS
D'Addario

 

[michael_t]

Companies I know have their own winding machines
Jim Dunlop (they make lots of other brand's stuff)
Dean Markley
DR (I think this one of the oldest machines)
GHS
D'Addario

From what I understand, DM closed down their factory a while back.

La Bella, SIT, Stringjoy and Fodera also wind their own strings. And I'm sure a few European companies, such as T-I, etc.

EDIT: I almost forgot to mention Ernie Ball.