Ridiculously inexpensive strings

[funkmaster p]

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Anyone ever heard of these? Tempted to try them. The gauges are the same as the D'Addario EXL170s I am currently using.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I wouldn't, because the E string is too light for Drop D tuning.

 

[bunnykeeper]

As long as shipping isn't too high, why not give 'em a shot?

 

[michael_t]

Tempted to try them.

Go ahead, give in to the temptation so you can give us a review.

 

[mmbongo]

$8 shipping for one set of strings makes it not so cheap for one set of strings, but it's also $8 to ship four sets which helps...if the strings are any good.

So, let us know what you think when you get them!

 

[RattleSnack]

These are probably same as Orphee, they can be ordered on Aliexpress:
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Orphee Electric Bass Strings Hexagonal Steel nickel alloy Wire Medium Light Strong 4/5/6 Strings for Choose-in Guitar Parts & Accessories from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

I ordered one set to try them out.

 

[funkmaster p]

If you play around with the shopping cart, you will see that the $8 shipping charge goes to 0 with about 20 sets.

 

[DirkP]

I did read more than one time that there are only maybe 2 or 3 big string factories, at least only 2 or 3 suppliers of the steel for the string. Wonder again, if this is true.
Back in the '80ies Yamaha strings were very cheap and among the longest lasting roundwounds I ever tried. But they were very uneven. Kind of Yamaha wanted strings with a long lasting zing to make their basses sound better in comparison in shops but otherwise don't care much for their quality when it is possible to cut costs. Maybe it's the same here. They look uneven in diameter in the picture esp. the E-string.

 

[funkmaster p]

I did read more than one time that there are only maybe 2 or 3 big string factories.........
........... They look uneven in diameter in the picture esp. the E-string.

I've heard the same about the same factories putting out strings of different makes. And I also thought the strings had a weird inconsistency in the pic.

 

[funkmaster p]

I ordered a set, and will let people know of my findings. I was happy to see that they didn't charge any tax.

 

[Picton]

I'm a new bass guy, but I've been guitar I been for awhile. Bass strings gave me sticker shock.

 

[funkmaster p]

I'm a new bass guy, but I've been guitar I been for awhile. Bass strings gave me sticker shock.

As someone who has been playing gigs since the 70s, one nice thing is that the price of bass strings hasn't increased proportionally to say, the cost of quality instruments.

 

[Fender_Bender]

I'm a new bass guy, but I've been guitar I been for awhile. Bass strings gave me sticker shock.

They last a long time though unless you get addicted to new string zing. I personally have never broken one either.

 

[mmbongo]

I did read more than one time that there are only maybe 2 or 3 big string factories, at least only 2 or 3 suppliers of the steel for the string. Wonder again, if this is true.
Back in the '80ies Yamaha strings were very cheap and among the longest lasting roundwounds I ever tried. But they were very uneven. Kind of Yamaha wanted strings with a long lasting zing to make their basses sound better in comparison in shops but otherwise don't care much for their quality when it is possible to cut costs. Maybe it's the same here. They look uneven in diameter in the picture esp. the E-string.

Not sure about the wire part but I can think of at least 10 separate string factories in the USA alone. That does not count the ones in China where these strings are made.

 

[michael_t]

Not sure about the wire part but I can think of at least 10 separate string factories in the USA alone. That does not count the ones in China where these strings are made.

I spent quite a few years in retail business, where I learned "cheap" doesn't always mean "good value".
Nothing against the "Made In China" sticker, but I tend to proceed with caution when something is "ridiculously inexpensive".

 

[comatosedragon]

It would be interesting to know the quality of these strings. You wont be out much money, but in my experience, you do get what you pay for (most of the time).

 

[mikewalker]

A good place for 'no-name' bass strings is ALLPARTS

45-105 Round Wound Nickel Plated Bass Strings | Allparts.com

Generic 45-135 Bass Strings | Allparts.com

 

[edencab]

I spent quite a few years in retail business, where I learned "cheap" doesn't always mean "good value".
Nothing against the "Made In China" sticker, but I tend to proceed with caution when something is "ridiculously inexpensive".

ever tempted to try the $13 Long & McQ strings? (Canada's Guitar Centre for non-Canucks)....I remember someone saying they were made by D'addario or someone and not a bad deal

 

[michael_t]

ever tempted to try the $13 Long & McQ strings? (Canada's Guitar Centre for non-Canucks)....I remember someone saying they were made by D'addario or someone and not a bad deal

L&M branded strings are actually by Dean Markley. Never been interested in trying them regardless of the price.

 

[gregmon79]

I don't know if it was this thread or a different one that stated they got some really cheap strings on ebay. I followed a link that someone left and bought 2 sets. I figured, hey, for $5 a set, worth a shot right? I got them over last weekend. Strung my P bass with them. Good God they were not good at all. The output on them was horrendous. They came off after 10 min of playing. IDK if these are the same ones you are referring to in this thread, but I'll stick with my D'Addarrio Pro Steels.