• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Name those SS strings! (again)

Salem6127

Salem6127

Jan 7, 2021
231
299
Canada
#1
Yet another string ID thread, but I really gotta know what these bad boys are...

I bought this bass from Japan last March, and these strings still have zing and clarity for days.

The pickups are also dark as heck (I have 'em in other basses) so that's really saying something.

20230727_191431.jpg
20230727_191559.jpg
 
#3
michael_t said:
What make and model of bass is it? Did you buy it new? Are they supposed to be the factory strings?
Click to expand...

It's a used ESP bass from 2005. At the very top of this page:
ESP Original Series -BOTTOM LINE-

I've heard tales from folks on here buying overseas basses and having the same experience, only to ask the seller and hear something back like "Oh those are cheap local strings, not sold out of the country"

The shop I bought online from was rather unfriendly, doubt they'd answer if I inquired.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#4
Salem6127 said:
It's a used ESP bass from 2005. At the very top of this page:
ESP Original Series -BOTTOM LINE-

I've heard tales from folks on here buying overseas basses and having the same experience, only to ask the seller and hear something back like "Oh those are cheap local strings, not sold out of the country"
Click to expand...

One unique feature on the strings in question is how they're finished at the tuner end with loosely wound spirally wire. The last time I saw a set like that, they turned out to be Warwick Red Labels, which, as far as I know, are made in China. They could possibly be some unknown Asian-made strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: staurosjohn, SteveFromBerlin, DJ Bebop and 1 other person
#8
GTHintz said:
To me they look like Warwick strings. If they feel kinda grabby and rough but sounds better than they feel then id presume its red labels. Black labels are smoother, dont have loose spirals and sound much different.
Click to expand...

Yeah definitely red labels, I actually really like the grabby feeling. Always avoided Roto's because folks said they're too rough, but now think I might go pick up a pack since that seems to be my cup 'o tea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GTHintz, BrentSimons, DJ Bebop and 1 other person
#9
Salem6127 said:
Yeah definitely red labels, I actually really like the grabby feeling. Always avoided Roto's because folks said they're too rough, but now think I might go pick up a pack since that seems to be my cup 'o tea.
Click to expand...

It's been a few years since I played the red labels my if my memory serves be right the Rotos will feel like cotton balls by comparison! I don't think I've ever played any rougher feeling strings than the red labels. I absolutely hated them!

I love Rotos though, but they're bright in a different way than other ss strings. They do have quite a bit of zing when they're fresh but this won't last long. Rotos are more about a kinda "dirty" mid presence IMO. If you want zingy Rotos you'll have to replace them almost weekly (depending on how much you play of course). Luckily I prefer the tone of broken-in Rotos (but I have a feeling I'm in a minority here...).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Salem6127, trothwell and Vinny_G
#11
The red label's came installed on a USA Peavey Millennium I recently acquired. I couldn't take them off fast enough. Rough, stiff and look like they are unraveling from the tuner end. Even if they felt and sounded good, I don't think I could live with what looks to me like the outer wrap separating from the core at the tuner end.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GTHintz
#12
Tubehed said:
The red label's came installed on a USA Peavey Millennium I recently acquired. I couldn't take them off fast enough. Rough, stiff and look like they are unraveling from the tuner end. Even if they felt and sounded good, I don't think I could live with what looks to me like the outer wrap separating from the core at the tuner end.
Click to expand...
Too bad they didn't have peavey elements on there. They arent bad strings at all.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back