Super Steps - not as bright as expected?

[Iristone]

I'm looking for the long-lasting bright and sensitive response of the contact-core Rotosound RS99. Unfortunately these are out of production, so I decided to try some La Bella Super Steps.
The exposed core isn't long enough for my Rickenbacker with Hipshot bridge, so I tested on my Thunderbird. It fits, but barely:

The strings intonate fine, but they don't seem as bright or lively as the Rotosound 66 I've replaced. The dreaded dead E string is still present, just a bit less severe than a normal Rx stainless set. Is it normal for the Super Steps? I think I'll go back to Roto 66's if that's the case.
FWIW it's the older version with the typo on the back of the pack:

 

[michael_t]

The exposed core isn't long enough for my Rickenbacker with Hipshot bridge, so I tested on my Thunderbird. It fits, but barely...

What's the exact measurement of the exposed-core on them?

 

[michael_t]

And what's the length of the exposed core needed for the Rick?

 

[jTrolt]

Tough call. I have been a fan in the past, for all the reasons you reached for them.
Exposed cores brightened the heck out of my old 80's chapman stick, and I quickly learned they were Super Steps (marketed by/for Warr Guitars), and began buying Super Steps for my old Toby Pro5, as they gave that dark voiced instrument a more articulate voice/bright overtones.
Like many strings, you get a duller set, now and then. Would love to know why this randomness, but it seems evident it is the nature of the beast in dealing with strings, industry wide. Maybe you did get these from a "duller" run.
EG: I just put a set of Chapman's OEM Stick strings (DAddario) on an instrument, and immediately took the .117 off and replaced with the old one, as it was clearly brighter than the new one. By a MILE. But then, that's been my experience, in 40 years playing, that DAddarios are more prone to premature dulling, especially in this case, right out of the package. I avoid them for bass guitars anymore.

Alternative I've tried for bass: GHS Contact Core.
These left me feeling the exposed core was just a pointless gesture. They do not go straight to the single strand core, but have a very fine wrap over it that they designate as the "core". Not terribly bright to start, followed by a quick demise into mudville in just a few hours of playing. Never even made it to the stage with those. Maybe that set was a factory fluke dull set like your Super Steps?

Okay, but any good news about strings?

As of late, I've found MTD's (manufactured by La Bella, BTW) to start as bright as I like, at least as brilliant as the best new set of Super-steps I've ever used, and staying quite true for probably 2-3 more gigs than I anticipate needing a change. They only taper the B a bit on the 5 string version, but my romance with tapered strings has gone as dull as a set of cheap DAdd's.
I've gone through ~ 8 sets of the stainless steel MTDs over the last 12 months (55 shows) and find them to be probably the best strings I've ever used, based on bright, lively overtones, highly responsive under the fingers and a life span of 6-8 gigs, easily. Fret nation (no affiliation) has very reasonable pricing on them.

Yes, the instrument contributes (MTD KZX5 w/Bart system), but man, strings mean everything when it comes to nailing your tone.

 

[Iristone]

I understand - I used to have Roto 66s that were dark out of the box, too.

What's the exact measurement of the exposed-core on them?

I think it's 2.25", while the Hipshot Ric bridge needs at least 2.5". I've seen people reporting using Super Steps on Rics, but maybe they use a different bridge.

 

[michael_t]

I think it's 2.25", while the Hipshot Ric bridge needs at least 2.5". I've seen people reporting using Super Steps on Rics, but maybe they use a different bridge.

DR Longnecks are taperwound, not exposed core, but the tapered portion is 3" as they're designed for thru-body.

 

[ajkula66]

GHS Contact Core Super Steels may be what you need sonically, but I've got no idea whether these would fit physically.

FWIW, Super Steps were one of the most polarizing string sets I've ever used. Hated the feel, loved the way they sounded on the recordings.

Happy hunting.

 

[michael_t]

GHS Contact Core Super Steels may be what you need sonically, but I've got no idea whether these would fit physically...

The exposed core on them are 2", not including the ball end itself. I do use the Contact Core .125 for the low B to go with the regular Super Steels 40-58-80-102.

 

[ajkula66]

The exposed core on them are 2", not including the ball end itself. I do use the Contact Core .125 for the low B to go with the regular Super Steels 40-58-80-102.

Well, there goes my suggestion...right out of the window. My fiver's not here otherwise I would've measured it myself.

Thanks for the info...

 

[Ggaa]

I learned a lot about technique and muting with Super Steps on a Ken Smith. Noisy(bright) and lots of harmonics every set but sounded great out front. Lasted a long time. Not using them any more though, Dadds now with a tapered B. With Super Steps I had the saddle screws run out about as far as they could go to get enough string height especially B and E.

 

[Iristone]

Seems that the Super Steps (and GHS Contact Cores) work the best with standard Fender-style bridges. It may need some modding to fit it on my Ric, but I'd be glad to be able to replace Rx (terrible string balance) and Roto 66 (not the longest live) with Super Steps.
I wonder if the "tapered but not exposed" strings would yield the long life of a fully exposed core?

 

[Iristone]

The Schaller 3D bridge seems to fit a Rickenbacker with minimal drilling. It should help me fit Super Steps on the bass.
The Super Steps are not as mid-forward as Roto 66's - making it a perfect fit for the hot, mid-forward Thunderbird pickups. They don't "seem" as bright at first, but the clarity and top-end are amazing, as is the sustain.