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Jeff Ament‘s strings

F

FretLassie

Jun 12, 2024
10
27
#1
If I look at the usual sources, I find out that he uses Dean Markley SR2000 strings. Here in Europe they are hard to get and very expensive. I used them for a while, but I'm looking for an alternative that delivers a similar sound and maybe a little nicer to the fingertips.

I play a lot of Pearl Jam, so I want the sound on my Fretless Jazz Bass to be as similar as possible.

What can you recommend me?
 
#4
I read Rotosound or Dunlop Super Brights should get you close, suppose to have similar articulation and tone. I believe Jeff uses the SR2000 medium-lights on his fretless basses.

Haven’t played the Dunlop but I don’t think either are really considered fingertip friendly.
 
#5
FretLassie said:
If I look at the usual sources, I find out that he uses Dean Markley SR2000 strings. Here in Europe they are hard to get and very expensive. I used them for a while, but I'm looking for an alternative that delivers a similar sound and maybe a little nicer to the fingertips.

I play a lot of Pearl Jam, so I want the sound on my Fretless Jazz Bass to be as similar as possible.

What can you recommend me?
Click to expand...
I have played SR2000 strings, back when the original Dean Markley company made them. If you can't get them, the closest are the GHS Super Steels: big tone, a little bit tempered on the top end, good sustain, not quite as clanky as something like Roto Swingbass.
 
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#6
I have played DM SR2000's for many years...I cant imagine there is a similar string that is easier on the fingertips. SR2000's are stainless hex core, and sound similar to Rotosounds to me, which are notoriously rough on the fingers lol....so the cheapest option that I have found are D'Addario Prosteels and the Warwick Red Label stainless...those too will be rough on the fingers but at least easier on your wallet....I wasn't a fan of the Dunlop steels
 
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#8
Thundar said:
I have played DM SR2000's for many years...I cant imagine there is a similar string that is easier on the fingertips. SR2000's are stainless hex core,
Click to expand...
So, what exactly are these SR2000‘s?

Hexcore, roundwound steel?

I can only find some marketing bla on the manufacturer‘s website which days something like they use many layers or so. They don’t even mention the material.
 
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#9
I remember playing Dean Markley SR2000s in the 1990s. They were hex core, taper-wound, steel strings. I also remember them having yellow silks back then.

Maybe try Warwick Black Label stainless steels? From what I understand, they're more readily available in Europe and cost less than they would in the US. I have no experience with those strings, though.
 
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#10
FretLassie said:
So, what exactly are these SR2000‘s?

Hexcore, roundwound steel?

I can only find some marketing bla on the manufacturer‘s website which days something like they use many layers or so. They don’t even mention the material.
Click to expand...
@Dincrest was kind enough to answer....but I can tell you that DM SR2000's are no longer made by Dean Markley, and they aren't the "same". Yes, the older ones with the gold silks are killer....somewhere about 10-15 years ago everything changed...its all been well discussed here on TB. They are still a pretty good sounding string, however their consistency is in the crapper, they are harder to find, and the price went up.
 
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#12
FretLassie said:
Are DR Sunbeams NLR-40 somewhere similar?

.040, .060, .080, .100
Nickel Plated Steel
Roundcore
Compression wound

They are not exactly cheap on this side of the pond, but easily available
Click to expand...

FretLassie said:
I’m a DR fan as well, but would suggest DR Lo Riders in the same gauge that are hex core like the Dean Marley. Stateside the go for $25 on Amazon delivered to your door.
Click to expand...
 
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#14
Alright, this sounds like good advice.

This could also be a good moment to exchange the pickups in my bass. It came with Fender's "Duncan Designed JB101". Ament uses Bartolini 94-Js which are a bit more expensive. So I consider the 'working class Bartolinis', aka DiMarzio Model J (DP123).
 

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