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MarkBass strings coming..
- Thread starter SJan3
- Start date
FYI; Back in April Markbass distributor in UK offered a 35% discount for Members of Bass Chat for a limited time.
So I am sure TB Admin is working on a deal with Guitar Center as I speak for members here [as I type]
So I am sure TB Admin is working on a deal with Guitar Center as I speak for members here [as I type]
$30 for a set of roundwound strings? I really hope these the best things since sliced bread if they hope to sell these in the US.
30 bucks seems a lot in the US where you readily have standard big brands (GHS, D'addario, Dunlop, Ernie Ball) as well as smaller US based brands (DR, LaBella, Fodera, SIT, etc.).
However considering that those are made in the US, US residents get them for a fair price and EU made strings (Pyramid, Thomastick, and now those Markbass) are proportionally more expensive.
On the other side of the ocean, we get our big name strings (ex: a set of d'addario nickels 4 strings) for around 20 to 25 euros (23 to 29 bucks) and the small-key makers such as DR at 30 to 40 euros (35 to 45 dollars). And I cry when I see you getting a set of DRs for less than 20 dollars on some websites, that I could order from, but shiping + taxes would kill the benefits.
Markbass are entering the market around a 29 euros price point here, which make them lower than a regular set of DR, d'addario NYXLs, or Elixirs. At that price point I'm completely willing to give them a try.
However transport + import fees to bring them in the US may of course make them much more expensive for you.
I also have on my target list a relatively new set of strings put out by French brand Savarez (best kown for nylon strings for classical guitars). Even cheaper than the Markbass, and my guess is no-one in the US ever heard of them making bass strings. The cost for you to import them from a FR based website would be astronomical.
To each of us, the opportunity to buy what is the more local to us, our wallet thanks us and less strings travel by plane. Sounds to me like a win/win type of thing ...
However considering that those are made in the US, US residents get them for a fair price and EU made strings (Pyramid, Thomastick, and now those Markbass) are proportionally more expensive.
On the other side of the ocean, we get our big name strings (ex: a set of d'addario nickels 4 strings) for around 20 to 25 euros (23 to 29 bucks) and the small-key makers such as DR at 30 to 40 euros (35 to 45 dollars). And I cry when I see you getting a set of DRs for less than 20 dollars on some websites, that I could order from, but shiping + taxes would kill the benefits.
Markbass are entering the market around a 29 euros price point here, which make them lower than a regular set of DR, d'addario NYXLs, or Elixirs. At that price point I'm completely willing to give them a try.
However transport + import fees to bring them in the US may of course make them much more expensive for you.
I also have on my target list a relatively new set of strings put out by French brand Savarez (best kown for nylon strings for classical guitars). Even cheaper than the Markbass, and my guess is no-one in the US ever heard of them making bass strings. The cost for you to import them from a FR based website would be astronomical.
To each of us, the opportunity to buy what is the more local to us, our wallet thanks us and less strings travel by plane. Sounds to me like a win/win type of thing ...
That's a good point. I guess what I should have said was that at that price, I can't see them making much of a dent into the US market.
Every current available set is hex core. But I see they've just added Longevo coated strings and Baalanced sets, and they're not out yet, and I don't know what the cores are.
Yeah, I'd guess Savarez is mostly known to classical guitarists in the US. Their do have a big presence in the orchestral string market, including among TB double bassists, but that's under their Corelli brand.
I happen to be a big fan of Savarez classical contrabass guitar strings, and those, for some reason, are even more affordable Stateside than in Europe, actually:
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Just a counterexample to the pattern you outlined (which does hold true, in general).
I just installed handbuilt Markbass Ultimate Nickle Rounds 45-105 on my Fender Ultra Precision. [Had Fender 7250M from factory]
First impression out of package;
The soft touch claim is accurate and although being HEX core they are pliable and bend nicely with a well balanced tension. Slightly less than Fenders.
Fresh the overall sound is somewhat smoother/warmer than Fenders when new.
They are very coherent and articulate E string tone is deep, tight and focused all strings have a nice grind and bite.
I will see how they progress during break in but as of now I am pleased, are they worth more than twice the price as some excellent production strings [$40] maybe not looking at it that way but for $2-4 a month depending on how long they last I am fine with that; a small investment if it makes my playing experience a tad better.
First impression out of package;
The soft touch claim is accurate and although being HEX core they are pliable and bend nicely with a well balanced tension. Slightly less than Fenders.
Fresh the overall sound is somewhat smoother/warmer than Fenders when new.
They are very coherent and articulate E string tone is deep, tight and focused all strings have a nice grind and bite.
I will see how they progress during break in but as of now I am pleased, are they worth more than twice the price as some excellent production strings [$40] maybe not looking at it that way but for $2-4 a month depending on how long they last I am fine with that; a small investment if it makes my playing experience a tad better.
Hi Jon, I did buy some Markbass Ultimates just put them on, Happy so far; will see
But reason for post I also bought GHS Pressurewound Bronze for my Takimine AEB.
Why are you keeping these a secret in fact your video has them on an Electric Bass.
I am more than pleased with these strings great feel, Bright, loud, articulate etc.
string noise minimized to very acceptable Fresh.
I don't plan on using bass plugged in; for couch only so keeping it loud and clear is important as opposed to using flats or general population Nickles that may lessen string squeak of typical Bronze [awful when plugged in or not]
I did plug them in and great sound also. At $27 a gift for AEB users.
- Sep 9, 2007
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- 4,977
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Eventide, GHS Strings, G&L Guitars, NS Design, Tsunami Cables
We're not keeping them a secret at all; they're selling quite well.
We made a change last summer to pull all marketing from the archaic print mags and focus on digital, getting people to visit our website (that has an online store) over "likes" and "follows" on social media, etc.. The ROI from this shift has been monumental.
That's probably why you're not "seeing" them promoted in the traditional ways.
Good to hear their selling well.
I took Bass and strings to Guitar Center to be put on; I have long time friend that works there in Service Dept. [Guitar Player] Had him do it since I have never messed with Bridge Pins before and was uneasy about doing it myself [Good thing it took him about 10-15 Minutes to remove E string pin]
He was very impressed to point of gushing with feel and sound of string's; ran down and forced 2 Bass players there to play and test them out; everybody smiled
That said he is a GHS supporter; only uses GHS on all his Guitars and 1 Bass
How do you like the MB Ultimate strings? Have you tried any other model?
Thinking of trying the Balanced 45105 set instead of a set of NYXL or Dunlop super bright nickels but can't quite decide yet.
Looking forward to your comments on the MB Balanced strings!
Comparing the tension of the individual strings, as posted on the MB site, it must be quite a balanced and low tension set indeed.
