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Sadowsky strings: black label vs blue label

#221
I did read through this whole tread a couple months ago, but didn't want to do it again earlier. I put in some keywords in a thread specific search but didn't find what I was curious about. In other words, I'm not that lazy. I have a new bass that I want to pick up some different strings that I haven't used before. I'm tired of researching so many brands, and Sadowsky is a name I know can trust for quality and customer service.

Are these black and blue [nickel] strings hex?

The bass I'm shopping for is a fretless 5, and I'd like to know if the blacks or blue nickels have higher tension if both are the same gauge.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
#222
Everybody seems to be into the blues, but count me in the black category. I've tried a 5 string set of the steel blues and a 4 string set of the nickels -- neither worked for me the way the blacks did. Particularly the black steel regulars, which to me is one of the great 5-string sets on the planet. They're a tad course on the fingers but they're just ultra solid with great tone in the mix. The blues didn't have the same magic to me, particularly on the B string which is still good on the blue set, it just isn't that magical focused pitch to the 12th fret wonder that the black steel .130 is.

I also love Hi Beams like Ken does -- but the B string isn't quite there for me on most basses. When I want to use a pick and really play the B string, it is either sadowsky blacks or labella hard rockin steels for me (though they ruined that set by making the E string nontapered :( )
 
#223
pickles said:
Everybody seems to be into the blues, but count me in the black category. I've tried a 5 string set of the steel blues and a 4 string set of the nickels -- neither worked for me the way the blacks did. Particularly the black steel regulars, which to me is one of the great 5-string sets on the planet. They're a tad course on the fingers but they're just ultra solid with great tone in the mix. The blues didn't have the same magic to me, particularly on the B string which is still good on the blue set, it just isn't that magical focused pitch to the 12th fret wonder that the black steel .130 is.

I also love Hi Beams like Ken does -- but the B string isn't quite there for me on most basses. When I want to use a pick and really play the B string, it is either sadowsky blacks or labella hard rockin steels for me (though they ruined that set by making the E string nontapered :( )
Click to expand...


I can see where the blacks would just kill for the type of playing and tone you are talking about, especially on the B string with a pick. +1 there. The B string on the Hi Beams is smooth and refined, which is a good thing for me and my tone, but I agree, if you really pound on it, it can wuss out a bit. The Blacks just had too much upper mid content for me to dial out for my tone. The blues are just a tad bit less aggressive up there. I guess that's why Roger still sells both models. All good stuff!
 
#225
Going back again, I was still confused because of all the contradictory statements [from poster to poster] and missing info in posts [steel? nickel? gauge?]. I came across this post which I must have missed before:

RS said:
Just for the record, both the Blacks and Blues are hex core.

It looks like a consensus is developing that the Blacks are brighter with higher tension and the Blues have a more focused "center" and a looser tension.

Roger
Click to expand...

I assume he means both steels and nickels. Good enough for me.
 
#227
I went back to Sadowsky Blue Nickels on my RV5. I have played it at church in a more subdued format and also in a loud rock / blues setting. I have never been more satisfied with the sound and flexibility I am getting from the RV5 with these strings. These strings are fat, clear, and warm. The low notes are hanging in the mix with great definition. Higher register runs are clear and warm. With the Sadowsky treble boost I can go sparkly if I desire.
 
#228
How different sounding are Blue Label Nickels compared to Blue Label Stainless? I tried a set of stainless and really liked them after the initial sticky stainless feeling went away. They lasted a LONG time and still had life in them, but I wanted to swap back to my former brand of Nickels to refresh my aural memory.

I have another set of Sadowsky blue label Stainless strings, but wonder about trying their nickels instead. Does anyone prefer the nickels over stainless or vice versa?
 
#233
jmain said:
I only know cuz I went through the same thing. Wanted to try the Blues (b/c they'll come on my new bass) but went thru body with some SS LoRiders. Usually a nickel guy, but digging this set on my JO5.
Click to expand...

Jesse, try the Blue Nickels when you get a chance. I picked up a set two weeks ago and they sound great. The Sad nickels are amazing. Stainless zing with a full bodied nickel warmth.
 
#234
CElton said:
Jesse, try the Blue Nickels when you get a chance. I picked up a set two weeks ago and they sound great. The Sad nickels are amazing. Stainless zing with a full bodied nickel warmth.
Click to expand...

Chris, I'll have to do that man. I tried the Black Nickels on a bass and it just wasn't a good fit for it. I've been waffling b/t getting the SS or Nickel on my new bass. Been leaning towards the SS, but might have to do the Nickels.

I've run DRs so long on this JO5, that it might seize up on me if I try something else. :p
 
#235
I doubt I could feel or hear/feel any diff b/t string thru body and string thru bridge anyway.

Well, except for when I strung thru the bridge on a Tribute G&L L2500, and the bridge ripped off. I could sure tell the diff then;)
 
#236
Chef said:
I doubt I could feel or hear/feel any diff b/t string thru body and string thru bridge anyway.

Well, except for when I strung thru the bridge on a Tribute G&L L2500, and the bridge ripped off. I could sure tell the diff then;)
Click to expand...

:D

I prolly couldn't either. Just going with what has worked and being a little superstitious about it. In the words of Yogi Berra, "If it aint' broke, don't break it."
 
#239
Chef said:
I doubt I could feel or hear/feel any diff b/t string thru body and string thru bridge anyway.
Click to expand...

Unless you have extremely low saddle heights and are not getting enough down-pressure on the saddle ... string through body does nothing once the strings have a chance to properly bend over the saddle. For the first week you have higher action due to the arc of the string, then after that it is identical. String-through is a placebo.

Oh yea, we're supposed to be talking about Sadowsky strings ...

I like the blue nickels! I'd never really liked the Black nickels. So for me, for stainless its the blacks and for nickel its the blues. I still did swap out to hi beams on my MV4 and am loving it. It is a nasty little funk machine with those strings on it. The blue nickels would be my choice if I wanted to go back toward mellow support with this bass.
 
#240
You can press down on the string right after the saddle to "enforce the witness point."
This helps in some cases where strings are wobbly on your scope during intonation...
 

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