ProSteels - undesirable mids?

[HeavyGroove]

I recently switched over to D'addario ProSteels on my fiver and thought they were great for the first two weeks. Now, not so much. I'm guessing that they are settling in now but the A string has developed some serious honk / quacking mids. This is very apparent when played in the 3-7 fret range. I'm usually a fan of mids but these are actually distracting when I play and don't seem to fit the other strings.

I tried to search around and saw people mentioning scooped mids with ProSteels if anything so this is a surprise to me. Anyone else experience this? I want to keep this level of tension (or more) so I might try out EB edit: cobalt next if these don't work out.

Thanks!

 

[Lesfunk]

Yeah, not my favorite strings, but I’ll use them in a pinch. On the plus side, they usually last a long time and are pretty consistent
And not expensive!

 

[Moving Pictures]

That’s why I stopped using them. Switched to DR Hi Beams and Lo Riders. Much happier.

As mentioned above, the Pro Steels do last so they have that going for them.

 

[tindrum]

That’s why I stopped using them. Switched to DR Hi Beams and Lo Riders. Much happier.

As mentioned above, the Pro Steels do last so they have that going for them.

I tried them about 6 months ago and liked them but went right back to DR’s. Well worth the extra $4 a pack.

 

[michael_t]

I want to keep this level of tension (or more) so I might try out EB chromes next if these don't work out.

You mean Ernie Ball Cobalt Rounds? They do have a very different tonal character compared to any SS rounds.

If I were you, I'd try the DR SS Lo-Riders first.

 

[HeavyGroove]

You mean Ernie Ball Cobalt Rounds? They do have a very different tonal character compared to any SS rounds.

If I were you, I'd try the DR SS Lo-Riders first.

Yes, thank you for the correction! How would you compare them? I'm looking for controlled lows, which is one of the reasons I tried the ProSteels.

Also, I'm glad I'm not the only one that's noticed this and it seems more or less unanimous that I should give the DR SS lo riders a try next.

 

[tindrum]

Yes, thank you for the correction! How would you compare them? I'm looking for controlled lows, which is one of the reasons I tried the ProSteels.

Also, I'm glad I'm not the only one that's noticed this and it seems more or less unanimous that I should give the DR SS lo riders a try next.

The lows on the Lo Riders are focused and not boomy at all. Very balanced set.

 

[michael_t]

How would you compare them? I'm looking for controlled lows...

... it seems more or less unanimous that I should give the DR SS lo riders a try next.

EB Cobalt Rounds are all about aggressive mids with lots of growl. I would describe the LRs as being "crisp and clear with tight punchy lows".

 

[HeavyGroove]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

[SteveCS]

I recently switched over to D'addario ProSteels on my fiver and thought they were great for the first two weeks. Now, not so much. I'm guessing that they are settling in now but the A string has developed some serious honk / quacking mids. This is very apparent when played in the 3-7 fret range. I'm usually a fan of mids but these are actually distracting when I play and don't seem to fit the other strings.

I tried to search around and saw people mentioning scooped mids with ProSteels if anything so this is a surprise to me. Anyone else experience this? I want to keep this level of tension (or more) so I might try out EB edit: cobalt next if these don't work out.

Thanks!

I've been using ProSteels on my fretted bass for about 5 years now, and really like them. My experience is that they age gracefully, developing a modern full-range tone without significant top-end loss. I find them articulate and easy to control, so capable of a wide range of tones through technique alone. I also like the piano-like top-end extension when playing in the upper registers. Of course the fashion right now seems to be for more 'traditional' thicker tones that can be easily buried in the mix, so ProSteels might well disappoint if that is the goal.
YMMV

 

[HeavyGroove]

I've been using ProSteels on my fretted bass for about 5 years now, and really like them. My experience is that they age gracefully, developing a modern full-range tone without significant top-end loss. I find them articulate and easy to control, so capable of a wide range of tones through technique alone. I also like the piano-like top-end extension when playing in the upper registers. Of course the fashion right now seems to be for more 'traditional' thicker tones that can be easily buried in the mix, so ProSteels might well disappoint if that is the goal.
YMMV

No, I'm more with you re: string tone. I normally play Dunlop Super Bright Nickels but they were just too loose on my short scale 5 string.

 

[SteveCS]

No, I'm more with you re: string tone. I normally play Dunlop Super Bright Nickels but they were just too loose on my short scale 5 string.

I tried nickel strings back in the mid '80s and discovered three things. The tones were just a little too mellow and one-dimensional, any brightness did not last and, most importantly, I have a nickel allergy. So nickel is a no-go for me.

 

[HeavyGroove]

I tried nickel strings back in the mid '80s and discovered three things. The tones were just a little too mellow and one-dimensional, any brightness did not last and, most importantly, I have a nickel allergy. So nickel is a no-go for me.

I was going to suggest you try them b/c they really do live up to the, "SS brightness with a nickel feel," but yeah, the allergy is a no-go.

 

[SLPimp]

Nope. Love them.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I recently switched over to D'addario ProSteels on my fiver and thought they were great for the first two weeks. Now, not so much. I'm guessing that they are settling in now but the A string has developed some serious honk / quacking mids. This is very apparent when played in the 3-7 fret range. I'm usually a fan of mids but these are actually distracting when I play and don't seem to fit the other strings.

I tried to search around and saw people mentioning scooped mids with ProSteels if anything so this is a surprise to me. Anyone else experience this? I want to keep this level of tension (or more) so I might try out EB edit: cobalt next if these don't work out.

Thanks!

I do not care for Pro Steels for the same reason you are not happy with them.

I have EB Cobalt Flats on my PJ and couldn't be happier. Strongly recommended.

 

[HeavyGroove]

I do not care for Pro Steels for the same reason you are not happy with them.

I have EB Cobalt Flats on my PJ and couldn't be happier. Strongly recommended.

I loved those strings when I was predominantly playing finger-style. The only reason I don't go back is the lower tension - I need high tension for my short scale.

 

[Vinny_G]

I would describe the LRs as being "crisp and clear with tight punchy lows".

It's funny because that's exactly how I would describe the D'Addario ProSteels.

 

[sawzalot]

I really like ProSteels on a fender jazz style bass. I didn’t like them on my MusicMan. The reverse is true for me with EB Cobalt rounds.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I loved those strings when I was predominantly playing finger-style. The only reason I don't go back is the lower tension - I need high tension for my short scale.

My bad. I guess I missed the short scale part of your post! Lol.

 

[Tubehed]

I've read pretty often about Pro Steels being "mid scooped". Are we talking about low mids? If anything, I think Pro Steels sound like they have somewhat boosted upper mids like the XL's. I really like them after they settle in a bit. They lose some of the top end zing but stay bright and punchy for a long time. They also lose that sticky feeling pretty quickly and don't feel as rough to me after a few hours of break in. Nice tension, too.