Strings to Replace Sadowsky Blue Labels

[bigjames]

Hey all,

I have been a devoted user of Sadowsky Blue Label SS strings on my Sadowsky NYC 5 since I bought it in 2012. Earlier this year, I wanted to try the nickel version to see how they sounded. As near as I can tell, Warwick is now solely distributing Sadowsky strings and the only place I can seem to order them is ridiculously expensive in my opinion ($90 CAD for one set including shipping)

So, my question is, does anyone have a suggestion for a string I might try that has a similar fit, feel, tension, and tone to the Sadowsky Blue Label strings? I am thinking nickel this time as I think I will prefer the warmer tone and don't do much slapping. Any NYC users that have swapped for something and swear by it?

 

[michael_t]

If I were you, I would get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation by email, [email protected], and ask him what he might be able to do for you. He's always been very good to deal with for flexible pricing for me as a Canadian to offset the added cost of international shipping.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[bigjames]

If I were you, I would get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation by email, [email protected], and ask him what he might be able to do for you. He's always been very good to deal with for flexible pricing for me as a Canadian to offset the added cost of international shipping.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

This worked like a charm...I actually just paid the rate on the website as it seemed far more reasonable to me than the Warwick option. Thanks!

 

[ShawnG]

Plz report back with your thoughts on the Blue Nickel Rounds! Thx

 

[bigjames]

Plz report back with your thoughts on the Blue Nickel Rounds! Thx

First off, the nickel vs stainless debate is quite literally part of TalkBass legend. Here is one of numerous threads on the topic for anyone interested: Nickel vs stainless and Stainless Steel vs. Nickel Plated Steel – Sound Demo

I got my @Sado Sadowsky Blue Label Bright Nickel Rounds (SBN45B-Blue 45-65-85-105-130T) in my hands today. These are the same "line" (Blue Label) and gauge that came stock on my Sadowsky NYC PJ. First impressions: I cannot recall how old the stainless set on my bass were...I would guess at least 1 year, maybe older...but these Nickel strings are much brighter visually and the wrapping on the string is royal blue (compared to the navy blue wrap on the stainless strings). Maybe this is standard, but it looks awesome on my roasted maple headstock.

Before I swapped them, I played a little on the stainless so the feel and sound would be fresh in my mind. One of the reasons I wanted to try the nickels is that it seemed to me that the E string was a little thin (sonically) compared to the other strings and I hoped that the different ferrous properties of nickel would change that.

Installed, tuned up. As literally everyone before me as said, the nickel strings are slightly warmer and I would suggest the low end sounds fuller or maybe rounder is more accurate. I played through a few different warm up exercises.

SOUND: Warmer as I said, but they are easily as bright and crisp sounding as any new string I have played. The top end sounds different than the stainless; very clear and more bell or piano like to my ear. I tried some harmonics (Wooten's Amazing Grace). Though perhaps not as piercing as the stainless (I really need to clone my bass to do this properly), but certainly clear and again, bell-like. The "thinness" I mentioned in the E string was definitely reduced, especially on the 3rd and 5th fret.

FEEL: There is some debate as to whether nickel stings have more tension than stainless if you are interested in digging in; related to the higher mass of the winding forcing a tighter core tension to produce the right notes. The science makes sense to me, but I am not noticing this so far. I did not have to adjust my truss rod or string height and it feels the same as usual. The strings do feel smoother...which again has been endlessly debated in other threads and has been attributed to the nickel coating on the string which is smoother than the exposed stainless steel on a stainless set. All of that aside, they had the same "finger noise" that I attribute to new strings and that lessens with use.

Overall, I like these strings so far. I have a gig on Sunday and will put them to the test. Same venue I have played countless times over the last 3 plus years (no amp, bass to pitchblack tuner to radial bassbone to PA). I will update this "review" after the gig when I have 1) feedback from the band, 2) feedback from the engineer, and 3) a YouTube livestream to watch later.

If you are interested in more info on this topic, use the search. There are some very entertaining reads in there.

 

[ShawnG]

First off, the nickel vs stainless debate is quite literally part of TalkBass legend. Here is one of numerous threads on the topic for anyone interested: Nickel vs stainless and Stainless Steel vs. Nickel Plated Steel – Sound Demo

I got my @Sado Sadowsky Blue Label Bright Nickel Rounds (SBN45B-Blue 45-65-85-105-130T) in my hands today. These are the same "line" (Blue Label) and gauge that came stock on my Sadowsky NYC PJ. First impressions: I cannot recall how old the stainless set on my bass were...I would guess at least 1 year, maybe older...but these Nickel strings are much brighter visually and the wrapping on the string is royal blue (compared to the navy blue wrap on the stainless strings). Maybe this is standard, but it looks awesome on my roasted maple headstock.

Before I swapped them, I played a little on the stainless so the feel and sound would be fresh in my mind. One of the reasons I wanted to try the nickels is that it seemed to me that the E string was a little thin (sonically) compared to the other strings and I hoped that the different ferrous properties of nickel would change that.

Installed, tuned up. As literally everyone before me as said, the nickel strings are slightly warmer and I would suggest the low end sounds fuller or maybe rounder is more accurate. I played through a few different warm up exercises.

SOUND: Warmer as I said, but they are easily as bright and crisp sounding as any new string I have played. The top end sounds different than the stainless; very clear and more bell or piano like to my ear. I tried some harmonics (Wooten's Amazing Grace). Though perhaps not as piercing as the stainless (I really need to clone my bass to do this properly), but certainly clear and again, bell-like. The "thinness" I mentioned in the E string was definitely reduced, especially on the 3rd and 5th fret.

FEEL: There is some debate as to whether nickel stings have more tension than stainless if you are interested in digging in; related to the higher mass of the winding forcing a tighter core tension to produce the right notes. The science makes sense to me, but I am not noticing this so far. I did not have to adjust my truss rod or string height and it feels the same as usual. The strings do feel smoother...which again has been endlessly debated in other threads and has been attributed to the nickel coating on the string which is smoother than the exposed stainless steel on a stainless set. All of that aside, they had the same "finger noise" that I attribute to new strings and that lessens with use.

Overall, I like these strings so far. I have a gig on Sunday and will put them to the test. Same venue I have played countless times over the last 3 plus years (no amp, bass to pitchblack tuner to radial bassbone to PA). I will update this "review" after the gig when I have 1) feedback from the band, 2) feedback from the engineer, and 3) a YouTube livestream to watch later.

If you are interested in more info on this topic, use the search. There are some very entertaining reads in there.

Excellent review. Thanks!
SPG

 

[Dave rosener]

Thanks for the detailed review. What was the info from the gig? I am trying to figure out the best strings for a bass I just bought (2016 Sadowsky NYC, J Bass in 60s position) and would love to know how this story ends...

First off, the nickel vs stainless debate is quite literally part of TalkBass legend. Here is one of numerous threads on the topic for anyone interested: Nickel vs stainless and Stainless Steel vs. Nickel Plated Steel – Sound Demo

I got my @Sado Sadowsky Blue Label Bright Nickel Rounds (SBN45B-Blue 45-65-85-105-130T) in my hands today. These are the same "line" (Blue Label) and gauge that came stock on my Sadowsky NYC PJ. First impressions: I cannot recall how old the stainless set on my bass were...I would guess at least 1 year, maybe older...but these Nickel strings are much brighter visually and the wrapping on the string is royal blue (compared to the navy blue wrap on the stainless strings). Maybe this is standard, but it looks awesome on my roasted maple headstock.

Before I swapped them, I played a little on the stainless so the feel and sound would be fresh in my mind. One of the reasons I wanted to try the nickels is that it seemed to me that the E string was a little thin (sonically) compared to the other strings and I hoped that the different ferrous properties of nickel would change that.

Installed, tuned up. As literally everyone before me as said, the nickel strings are slightly warmer and I would suggest the low end sounds fuller or maybe rounder is more accurate. I played through a few different warm up exercises.

SOUND: Warmer as I said, but they are easily as bright and crisp sounding as any new string I have played. The top end sounds different than the stainless; very clear and more bell or piano like to my ear. I tried some harmonics (Wooten's Amazing Grace). Though perhaps not as piercing as the stainless (I really need to clone my bass to do this properly), but certainly clear and again, bell-like. The "thinness" I mentioned in the E string was definitely reduced, especially on the 3rd and 5th fret.

FEEL: There is some debate as to whether nickel stings have more tension than stainless if you are interested in digging in; related to the higher mass of the winding forcing a tighter core tension to produce the right notes. The science makes sense to me, but I am not noticing this so far. I did not have to adjust my truss rod or string height and it feels the same as usual. The strings do feel smoother...which again has been endlessly debated in other threads and has been attributed to the nickel coating on the string which is smoother than the exposed stainless steel on a stainless set. All of that aside, they had the same "finger noise" that I attribute to new strings and that lessens with use.

Overall, I like these strings so far. I have a gig on Sunday and will put them to the test. Same venue I have played countless times over the last 3 plus years (no amp, bass to pitchblack tuner to radial bassbone to PA). I will update this "review" after the gig when I have 1) feedback from the band, 2) feedback from the engineer, and 3) a YouTube livestream to watch later.

If you are interested in more info on this topic, use the search. There are some very entertaining reads in there.

 

[bassclef04]

Getting good results with DR Pure Blues on my Sadowsky metro.

 

[bigjames]

Thanks for the detailed review. What was the info from the gig? I am trying to figure out the best strings for a bass I just bought (2016 Sadowsky NYC, J Bass in 60s position) and would love to know how this story ends...

Thanks for asking! This completely fell off my radar with everything else going on in the world. Here are my thoughts having played for people and been able to listen to it myself as well as having about 6 months of playing on the nickels in general.

The tone of the nickels sounds bigger and fuller to me. Perhaps a bit warmer, but I noticed that all the notes from D string down to low B were rounder and packed more tonal punch, if that makes sense. The engineer at the gig had mixed my bass with SS strings previously and made the same comment about this. Fuller low end off the bass for sure.

The strings do feel "smoother" or "softer" to the touch than the SS. Less grippy, but this is not a hugely noticeable thing after a while of playing. Less string noise on slides I think, but that might be my imagination. The tension is higher and the strings feel a little stiffer...not as much as a true high-tension string, but enough that I was able to drop my string height at the bridge. Sadowsky's generally play well with an almost dead straight neck. I did not have to adjust the truss at all, but I think I dropped all 5 strings a quarter turn on the bridge saddles (maybe less and maybe not all strings, I cannot recall now)...not because they pulled the neck forward, but rather because the string tension could support lower action, which I generally like.

There is some discussion on TB re: SS vs Ni brightness and a comment that Ni strings are less bright in the high end or become so more quickly than SS. I am not noticing any issues like this at this point. One of the tunes we played was Crush by Bob Reynolds which intros with Am chord played at the 14th / 17th frets and the notes rang out beautifully.

My 2 cents for your J-bass would be to give the nickels a try. The 60s position PUPs will be a little further from the bridge than the 70s position (as I recall), but with the inherent brightness in J bass PUPs I would think the Ni strings warmth might allow you to add some fullness that I personally like. My NYC is a PJ for that reason (I like the option of the P bass fullness) and I believe my J PUP is closer to the bridge than yours would be, but I am not sure.

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any specific questions.

 

[bigjames]

Oh, and you can take this or leave it, but my 17 year old daughter is a multi-instrumentalist and loves stealing my NYC to play in her room...after I swapped from SS to Ni, she didnt like it anymore. She has more delicate hands than I do and perhaps there is something in the feel she senses that I do not, but since the swap, she prefers to steal...err...play my Warwick Corvette, which has SS strings.

On that note, the Warwick was also very popular at the same venue mentioned above because it cuts through the mix like nothing else, but that is pretty much what Warwick's do so I am not sure it counts.

 

[JamAdd85]

I know this thread is old, but I feel I have to comment because I have just used a set of the Sadowsky Blue Label NPS with taper B for the first time, and I think this is the best set I have had on my Yamaha TRBX605 so far. Very defined and clear fundamentals, nice mid growl if you want it, and plenty of brightness for me. They also have a relatively smooth feel and nice flexibility. The B string in particular has been a challenge on this bass, and it is so clear and defined, it was very enjoyable to play; it also blends well with the rest of the set. I have a strong preference for NPS in general because I like the smoother feel compared to SS. I also prefer less tension vs more tension as a general rule, and this set works well for me so far. While they are more expensive than most strings (in fact I think this was the most expensive set I have ever purchased), I am very happy to say that the quality and tone justify the price.
I read a lot of threads about the Sadowsky Black and Blue label strings and after seeing how many times Roger is actively involved on this forum, including his giving free sets of strings to forum members in exchange for them posting honest reviews, it really got my respect for the way he operates his business. I was initially put off by the relatively high cost, but I am really glad I decided to try a set. I will have to wait and see how long they last, but already I feel like this was money well spent.

 

[bigjames]

I know this thread is old, but I feel I have to comment because I have just used a set of the Sadowsky Blue Label NPS with taper B for the first time, and I think this is the best set I have had on my Yamaha TRBX605 so far. Very defined and clear fundamentals, nice mid growl if you want it, and plenty of brightness for me. They also have a relatively smooth feel and nice flexibility. The B string in particular has been a challenge on this bass, and it is so clear and defined, it was very enjoyable to play; it also blends well with the rest of the set. I have a strong preference for NPS in general because I like the smoother feel compared to SS. I also prefer less tension vs more tension as a general rule, and this set works well for me so far. While they are more expensive than most strings (in fact I think this was the most expensive set I have ever purchased), I am very happy to say that the quality and tone justify the price.
I read a lot of threads about the Sadowsky Black and Blue label strings and after seeing how many times Roger is actively involved on this forum, including his giving free sets of strings to forum members in exchange for them posting honest reviews, it really got my respect for the way he operates his business. I was initially put off by the relatively high cost, but I am really glad I decided to try a set. I will have to wait and see how long they last, but already I feel like this was money well spent.

I agree with you. I was able to get a few more sets and still love them...but...I recently tried DR Sunbeams and on my bass, I think I might like them more (plus cheaper and more readily available in Canada). A little less tension and softer feel, but for me that means I can play faster. My Sadowsky bass has some chambering in the body and I found the tighter strings created a sort of thumping type sound that I didn't really like...the Sunbeams dialed that sound back and I think I like the sound better. I will very likely go back to the Blue Labels eventually as a comparison and standby, but for now, they are staying in the drawer. All of that aside, Roger is awesome.

I was building a 6 string bass back in 1992 or so with parts from Warmoth. I got it all put together and done, but the headstock angle on the Warmoth neck was not pulling the strings against the nut hard enough. I installed two Fender-style string trees, but it was not quite right. I emailed Roger to ask about the issue and his response was to mail me a string tree (no charge) with basic instructions on installation. Above and beyond. 20 years later I was in the market for a high end bass and Sadowsky NYC was a no-brainer.