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Seeking opinions - 5 string sets w/Tapered B

Scott Lynch

Scott Lynch

Supporting Member
Nov 27, 2002
1,490
1,884
#1
Hi everyone! I am a big fan of Elixir rounds and have had the same set on my bass for, I kid you not, over 2 years! They have held up exceptionally well but are finally starting to lose a little something, and I'm ready to replace them. I have been holding out in the hopes that Elixir would start producing their tapered low B strings again, but they still don't appear to be in stock. While I hope they will start making them soon, I am ready to try some other sets for the time being.

Specifically, I am looking at nickel rounds in the gauge of 45-65-85-105-130T. Two options I know of are:

Sadowsky - my bass came with a set of the blue label stainless rounds. A little zingy for my taste, but I'd love to try the nickels.

Dunlop - they also make a set in the exact gauge I am looking for.

What are your thoughts on these, and what other recommendations do you have?
 
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#2
Scott Lynch said:
Specifically, I am looking at nickel rounds in the gauge of 45-65-85-105-130T. Two options I know of are:

Sadowsky - my bass came with a set of the blue label stainless rounds. A little zingy for my taste, but I'd love to try the nickels.

Dunlop - they also make a set in the exact gauge I am looking for.

What are your thoughts on these, and what other recommendations do you have?
Click to expand...

Between the two mentioned, I would go with the Sadowsky. I know they're more expensive than the Dunlop, but they do get good reviews.

Dunlop regular nickel rounds do come in 45-65-85-105-130T (DBN45130T), but not the Super Bright Nickels.

Do they have to be factory 5-string sets with those specific gauges? Or, are you willing to go the route of getting a 4-string set (45-105) and a single tapered 130B?
 
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#3
michael_t said:
Between the two mentioned, I would go with the Sadowsky. I know they're more expensive than the Dunlop, but they do get good reviews.

Dunlop regular nickel rounds do come in 45-65-85-105-130T (DBN45130T), but not the Super Bright Nickels.

Do they have to be factory 5-string sets with those specific gauges? Or, are you willing to go the route of getting a 4-string set (45-105) and a single tapered 130B?
Click to expand...

Thanks! Definitely does not need to be a factory set. I had to do the 4 string + tapered B thing with the Elixirs.
 
#7
Solarmist said:
They also have a sets of Super Bright SS which I have on my basses (DBSBS45130T), but I don't see it listed at Fret Nation anymore. Hmmm, and it's almost time for new strings again. They're $45 from Dunlop ... I'm not paying that much!
Click to expand...

Jason at Fret Nation can order anything you want even if it's something that's not officially listed on their website as long as it's something that's available from the manufacturer.

You can get in touch with Jason at [email protected] and ask him about them.
 
#11
Scott Lynch said:
Hi everyone! I am a big fan of Elixir rounds and have had the same set on my bass for, I kid you not, over 2 years! They have held up exceptionally well but are finally starting to lose a little something, and I'm ready to replace them. I have been holding out in the hopes that Elixir would start producing their tapered low B strings again, but they still don't appear to be in stock. While I hope they will start making them soon, I am ready to try some other sets for the time being.

Specifically, I am looking at nickel rounds in the gauge of 45-65-85-105-130T. Two options I know of are:

Sadowsky - my bass came with a set of the blue label stainless rounds. A little zingy for my taste, but I'd love to try the nickels.

Dunlop - they also make a set in the exact gauge I am looking for.

What are your thoughts on these, and what other recommendations do you have?
Click to expand...
I have tried the Sadowsky Nickel Rounds (Blue & Black label) and the Sadowsky Steel Rounds (Black label) & yes the steels are probably a bit brighter than I prefer. But the nickels, either Black or Blue label in my opinion are perfect. Sonically, I honestly can’t tell the difference between the Blue & Black label nickel strings.

My biggest gripe w Sadowsky strings is that they don’t make 6 string sets; yes I realize they don’t make 6 string instruments. All my 5s are strung w Sadowskys.

I’ve used DRs, Smith etc but my clear favorite are Sadowsky Nickels.
 
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#14
Your gauge selection is pretty standard as go to gauge for medium. Off the top of my head I can think of Ken Smith, Sadowsky, MTD, having tapered b strings. If you count exposed core then Dean Markley. In terms of matching elixer I'm not sure. I've tried thier guitar strings but not bass strings. I have tried Dean Markley, Ken Smith, Sadowsky and all are really nice strings. Since you're after nickel Ken Smith burners could work and maybe Dean Markley has some tapered b strings for the signiture series which are nickel steel.
 
#16
Dean Markley SR2000. Here's an example of mine with a TRB-5II bass...

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#19
My search for favourite 'tapered' strings lead me to the F-bass Exposed-Core roundwounds. Admittedly - stainelss steel not nickel, but not painfully bright at least to my ears.

Dean Markley SR2000 were another pleasant experience, already mentioned above :)
 
#20
Dunlops…a set will last me 3 or 4 gigs before starting to lose their tone. After that I’ll soak the set in Denatured Alcohol for 24-48 hours, and then restring. I can get a few more gigs out of them, and I can re-soak the strings a few times. Great tone, my go-to’s these days.
 

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