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Kalium strings

BonesawMcgraw13

BonesawMcgraw13

Guest
Jan 13, 2016
154
46
38
Louisville KY
#1
I just wanted to say I just bought a set of these a couple weeks ago and I think I may have found my new favorite strings. What got me looking was the fact that they offer a wide range of gauges and I needed something for a low A that wasn't too loose. They make guitar strings as light as .008 and bass strings as heavy as 0.266. So not matter what tuning your in you can find a set that will work.

I ended up picking up a 0.158 for that and it sounds amazing. I used their tension calculator to make a custom even tension set and I don't think I've ever been happier with my sound. They sound bright and clear and I barely have to hit them to get them to ring out. Not only that but the tension calculator on their site made it super easy to find exactly what I needed based on my scale length and tuning.

Aside from the sound and feel of the strings I have to say that their customer service is also top notch. I've e-mailed them multiple times with various questions and concerns and they've always responded quickly and helped me out. Last week they were having issues with their checkout process. I emailed them about it and not only did they respond quickly and tell me what was happening but they even gave me a coupon code for 20% off my next purchase which was pretty sweet.

I like them so much I bought a set for both of my guitar players and a set to replace the DR black beauties on my 4 string which are far from dead since I mostly play my 6 string.

Anyway, I just thought I would share my positive experience with them. I know they're not exactly unknown but I just thought they could use some more love. So if you're looking to try some new strings give them a shot.
 
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#5
@BonesawMcgraw13 how is the sound balanced among the strings? I have made myself a balanced tension set of another brand and I found that when the tension is balanced, the B string is maybe too boomy, and the D and G strings are to thin sounding. Do the Kaliums live up to the hype of fulfilling their design for each string?
 
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#6
I would say so. I was using d'addario exl 170 before and I would have issues with my higher strings not sounding quite as bright as my low strings. The .158 is real boomy for sure but it's a lot cleaner sounding than the d'addario string was. The other strings are also bright and clear. I wouldn't say any of my strings are any louder than any of the others.
 
#7
Just ordered a set of Kalium Stainless Steel bass strings. I went with the 5 string set 41,55,73,94,124 gauge. Just wanted to get some feedback from players that use Kalium strings but, seems to be some good reviews. I normally use DR Lo Riders 40,60,80,100,120. If anyone has tried both brands, I'd like to hear your opinions.
Thanks.........
 
#8
I'd love to hear how the stainless steel strings sound. I went with the Hybrids and I'm really happy with them. I may get a set of the SS at some point. I haven't used the DR lo riders before but I was using DR black beauties on my 4 string and just switched to kalium hybrids for that. I always loved the Black beauties but the strings I just put on are way more punchy and crisp sounding. I just wonder how the lifespan on them is compared to the DR BB.
 
#9
BonesawMcgraw13 said:
I'd love to hear how the stainless steel strings sound. I went with the Hybrids and I'm really happy with them. I may get a set of the SS at some point. I haven't used the DR lo riders before but I was using DR black beauties on my 4 string and just switched to kalium hybrids for that. I always loved the Black beauties but the strings I just put on are way more punchy and crisp sounding. I just wonder how the lifespan on them is compared to the DR BB.
Click to expand...
Yeah,,, especially since BB are coated. The strings should arrive in a day or so. I'll write a review about the SSs in the future.
Thanks for the reply.
 
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#10
BonesawMcgraw13 said:
I'd love to hear how the stainless steel strings sound. I went with the Hybrids and I'm really happy with them. I may get a set of the SS at some point. I haven't used the DR lo riders before but I was using DR black beauties on my 4 string and just switched to kalium hybrids for that. I always loved the Black beauties but the strings I just put on are way more punchy and crisp sounding. I just wonder how the lifespan on them is compared to the DR BB.
Click to expand...
Watch the video in this thread, it nails it: Kalium Strings - Stainless Steels vs Nickel Hybrid (With A/B Clips)

I put them on my custom fiver and concur with the slight tone changes identified in the vid. When I change mine out again, I'm going back to the hybrids so as not to wear down my frets as much.

In the past I used DR's because of their bright, zingy tone, but it never lasted much longer than a couple of months. I can use Kaliums for six months or more; while they aren't initially as bright, they stay bright for much longer. Since getting an Ibanez six string I haven't played my five in six months. it's probably time for a string change (I think I changed them out last fall?? I don't remember, would have to check my past orders to confirm when) but I think I'm going to milk them for a little longer until I absolutely have to change them out.

Glad you are enjoying yours, you should get longer life out of them than DR's.

Raz
 
#11
On a different note, how has their shipping been lately? Last few times I ordered the shipments went out ASAP. This time I only ordered one set, I didn't get the shipping info for 11 days! They'll be here tomorrow, but two weeks?? That's not like them (according to my past experiences.)

Raz
 
#12
JLee said:
Just ordered a set of Kalium Stainless Steel bass strings. I went with the 5 string set 41,55,73,94,124 gauge. Just wanted to get some feedback from players that use Kalium strings but, seems to be some good reviews. I normally use DR Lo Riders 40,60,80,100,120. If anyone has tried both brands, I'd like to hear your opinions.
Thanks.........
Click to expand...

SS Low Riders are my favorite strings, but for my five string, I want a bigger low B than what they offer (135) so I've been trying other brands. I've gone through D'Addario XLs, Roto Swing 66, Ken Smith SS, and recently the SS Kalliums - went with a 142 balanced set. They are my favorite of the bunch - they aren't as grindy as the Low Riders, but they are very balanced overall and sound great with both pick and fingers, so I'm very pleased. They aren't as stiff either (I like high tension), but they feel great. Definitely give them a shot.

I have a reverse headstock on my PJ fiver so the lengths are fine. That said, I also have a set on my four string jazz (they sound great on that too), BUT the untapered portion of the E is way too long which makes it somewhat unusable - I crimped it and cut a portion off, and then unwrapped a section so that I could insert in into the tuner, but I can't help believing it compromises the integrity of the string. Not sure why the winding is so long on a 34/35 set.
 
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#16
JGR said:
SS Low Riders are my favorite strings, but for my five string, I want a bigger low B than what they offer (135) so I've been trying other brands. I've gone through D'Addario XLs, Roto Swing 66, Ken Smith SS, and recently the SS Kalliums - went with a 142 balanced set. They are my favorite of the bunch - they aren't as grindy as the Low Riders, but they are very balanced overall and sound great with both pick and fingers, so I'm very pleased. They aren't as stiff either (I like high tension), but they feel great. Definitely give them a shot.

I have a reverse headstock on my PJ fiver so the lengths are fine. That said, I also have a set on my four string jazz (they sound great on that too), BUT the untapered portion of the E is way too long which makes it somewhat unusable - I crimped it and cut a portion off, and then unwrapped a section so that I could insert in into the tuner, but I can't help believing it compromises the integrity of the string. Not sure why the winding is so long on a 34/35 set.
Click to expand...

Edit: turns out I got a long scale E somehow. Will be remedied soon.
 
#17
The Ryantist said:
@BonesawMcgraw13 how is the sound balanced among the strings? I have made myself a balanced tension set of another brand and I found that when the tension is balanced, the B string is maybe too boomy, and the D and G strings are to thin sounding. Do the Kaliums live up to the hype of fulfilling their design for each string?
Click to expand...

I'd say so, I got the 11-70 set for a 27 scale length in Drop F and I have to say. These strings sound great and also are very durable. I played for 17 hours straight in hopes of recording a guest solo and I have to admit that these strings still have a push to them. They aren't too bright but just right. As for feel they bend very nicely as well. Definitely worth the money and I love the ability to customize string gauges.
 
#18
I've used DR Sunbeams for years,more recently tried a set of Pure Blues,and they're great strings.
I've got 3 basses strung with the balanced Kalium hybrids,and they are my favorite strings. Never tried the SS ones,the hybrids are plenty bright on my Ricks and my 8-string Fernandes basses.
Plus they last forever. I am pretty easy on strings in general,but i've had the same Circle K set on my Laredo bass for close to 5 years now.
 
#20
Didn't feel the need to create a new thread for this, but I just had a great customer service experience with Kalium strings!

I made an order last night for a set of strings, I got a call this morning from Skip, he wanted to clarify something about my order. I had ordered a Long B-string, and it turns out it would have been too long for the bass that I was using. But I didn't know that. He asked me about the scale and what instrument I had, and suggested that Medium would be better, as it's about 37" which is just what I need. Great service! I wasn't expecting that at all
 
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