Stringjoy Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings? Any thoughts?

[ajkula66]

Agreed.

I can get a 4-string set of SIT Power Wound Nickels or GHS Bassics for $18. Are Stringjoy good strings? Maybe... Are they worth $30? Probably not...

It depends on one's perspective.

I'd say that SIT nickels are way underpriced for what they are, which is a top shelf string IMO. GHS Bassics are fine but much lower on my personal totem pole.

To me Stringjoys are worth it because I was able to order them in a custom gauge and their longevity is outstanding in my experience. Obviously I like their sound and feel as well.

My $0.02 only...

 

[michael_t]

To me Stringjoys are worth it because I was able to order them in a custom gauge and their longevity is outstanding in my experience...

Yes, Stringjoy can be a viable option for someone who needs custom gauges for alternate tunings, etc. That's one of their advantages for sure.

 

[Dincrest]

@dagrev Thanks. I wouldn't say I'm having a bad experience with Stringjoy, but more a disappointing one. I'm a total string-GASer. I've played (and continue to play) more than my fair share of strings over the decades. I've spent more money on strings than any other bass-related thing. And for me, Stringjoy is a middle-of-the-road string. I've played better, I've played worse. I simply expected more for the price.

But, yeah, as someone said, Stringjoy is excellent if you want to get a custom gauge at a reasonable price, especially if you use drop tunings and such. Buying individual strings from GHS or D'Addario is more expensive and more of a hassle than ordering a custom set at Stringjoy.

Still, I'm glad I tried them. I'd never tried them before, had an opportunity to do so (a local independently owned music store near me sells them), and now I have. I'm still enjoying the string hunt. I feel like the bass chooses the strings and I'm still looking for that magic match.

 

[forrestlaw]

I had a set of the coated nickel guitar strings a few weeks ago. Sounded fantastic when I first put them on and was looking forward to trying the bass strings, but the A and low E strings died to a total thud very quickly. I'll be sticking to EB Slinky's and D'Addario.

 

[One Way]

I just received and installed my first set of String Joy Signatures, 45-105, on my Ric 4003. They held tuning perfectly during this weekend’s gig, felt good under my fingers, exhibited no finger squeak, and are very articulate with note clarity when playing hammer on and pull-off notes. I really like them so far. I typically get 6 months or more use from round wounds and look forward to seeing how long these last.

 

[Lo-E]

To me Stringjoys are worth it because I was able to order them in a custom gauge

Yes, Stringjoy can be a viable option for someone who needs custom gauges for alternate tunings, etc. That's one of their advantages for sure.

But, yeah, as someone said, Stringjoy is excellent if you want to get a custom gauge at a reasonable price, especially if you use drop tunings and such. Buying individual strings from GHS or D'Addario is more expensive and more of a hassle than ordering a custom set at Stringjoy.

For what it's worth, both GHS and DR will make custom gauged sets at no extra charge if you order a minimum of three sets. I've done this through Jason at Fret Nation and also through a local retailer many times. I'm not sure if other manufacturers would do the same because I've never asked.

I've never tried Stringjoy's strings so I don't really have a horse in this race but I wanted to point out that, if custom sets are the reason one is ordering from Stringjoy, there are other options.

 

[ajkula66]

For what it's worth, both GHS and DR will make custom gauged sets at no extra charge if you order a minimum of three sets.

News to me. Thanks for the info.

Stringjoy made me a single custom set at regular price, and once I had decided I liked them I ordered a bunch more.

Short scale 50-110 from DR could possibly be an interesting option indeed. If I were still residing in the States, that is.

 

[dagrev]

It depends on one's perspective.

I'd say that SIT nickels are way underpriced for what they are, which is a top shelf string IMO. GHS Bassics are fine but much lower on my personal totem pole.

To me Stringjoys are worth it because I was able to order them in a custom gauge and their longevity is outstanding in my experience. Obviously I like their sound and feel as well.

My $0.02 only...

This is a valid and good point, if that is something that really matters. I’m not that picky, but it is important to many.

 

[TapyTap]

My favorite strings!

 

[KB5]

I like them a lot. They are hex core and stiffer than most which is what I like for low buzz free action. I order the balanced tension set below and the B string has the best feel and sound of anything I have played. I wish they would do the custom sets in SS but the nickles work for me.

 

[HowieD72]

Thread Resurrection!

I'm buying a set of these to try. I love nickels on my p-bass & I see Stringjoy Nickel are on special for $17 USD in my neck of the woods. So, I guess that's cheap enough to give them a try!