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The Most "Under-rated" Strings
- Thread starter Fender4Me
- Start date
GHS Brite Flats, I have read nothing but negative reviews about them but I personally love 'em.
Right out of the package they're very clanky with a lot of overtones but no finger noise, and after a few months of playing they lose that edge and gain a massive mid/low-mid quality.
Right out of the package they're very clanky with a lot of overtones but no finger noise, and after a few months of playing they lose that edge and gain a massive mid/low-mid quality.
Planet Boulder
Hey, this is a private residence...man
- Nov 10, 2001
- 4,014
- 65
- Disclosures
- I once had impure thoughts. Oh, and I pluck my ear hair.
I'm a DR guy all the way around, but Ernie Balls have always been a good, cheap alternative for me. They seem to hold up well and, while they may not be "underrated" to some, they aren't considered to be one of the sexier brands.
No one has mentioned Sfarzo yet. I liked the sets I've played.
No one has mentioned Sfarzo yet. I liked the sets I've played.
I don't know if I'd call them underrated, but it seems like Ernie Ball Slinkys -- my roundwound of choice -- get slagged a lot.
I know string choice is wildly subjective but for me at least, they're the right blend of sound, feel, longevity and price. I know I could easily spend twice as much for a higher-end set but it just seems like diminishing returns for my situation anyway. Plus they offer the heavier gauge (.110) which I occasionally want but can't seem to find from a lot of other brands, at least locally.
I know string choice is wildly subjective but for me at least, they're the right blend of sound, feel, longevity and price. I know I could easily spend twice as much for a higher-end set but it just seems like diminishing returns for my situation anyway. Plus they offer the heavier gauge (.110) which I occasionally want but can't seem to find from a lot of other brands, at least locally.
+1 I also love the Hex Core.
Let's me set my action up so much lower than with round core.
Alvaro Martín Gómez A.
TalkBass' resident Bongo + cowbell player
For lots of string musicians in my country (or at least in my town), the La Bella brand is a synonym of bad strings. I can tell for sure that the Hard Rockin' Steels are really great.
I used to be all over D'Addarios until the changed the length of the silks on their strings. Exact same model I always bought (same color package even). Too short for my Ovation Magnum. Taht was back when DR strings had just come out. So I swtiched over to them.
In the last 15 years they have become the =C= of bass strings. Popular and overpriced, for no reason.
I have recently dabbled in Dunlops, but am finding them to be a bit uneven in quality. They also dont really retain that midrange zing very long. Not that they go dead. But they lose the zing faster than DR strings ever did for me.
In the last 15 years they have become the =C= of bass strings. Popular and overpriced, for no reason.
I have recently dabbled in Dunlops, but am finding them to be a bit uneven in quality. They also dont really retain that midrange zing very long. Not that they go dead. But they lose the zing faster than DR strings ever did for me.
I've tried SIT a couple of different times and had troubles with longevity and actually .... tuning! I've recently tried Curt Mangan strings and really like them so far. Haven't seen too much about them anywhere yet, but seem good and far priced as well.
I would have to say SIT strings. I've used DR high beams for about 3 years and finally switched to SIT strings and I couldn't be happier. I have not had one issue with them yet
+10000
ive been using S.I.T. for years. will not even look at other strings anymore.
Oddly enough, D'Addario and Ernie Ball are the most OVERrated strings out there. I've never understood why people use them!
Anyway, SIT definitely are some of the most underrated strings but it looks like they are getting a little love here..thankfully! They kill D'add and EB and cost about $5 less for a set.
Curt Mangan is the best kept secret in the string world. Top notch strings that cost about the same as the popular brands.
I'll mention Fodera strings too. Completely hand made, sound great, and I love the warmth and playability that you can only get from a round core string.
BUT the king of underrated strings?? D'Aquisto. My go-to for cheaper strings. Cost about $10 for a set ($13 for 5 string) and outperfrom D'add and EB in every way possible.
Anyway, SIT definitely are some of the most underrated strings but it looks like they are getting a little love here..thankfully! They kill D'add and EB and cost about $5 less for a set.
Curt Mangan is the best kept secret in the string world. Top notch strings that cost about the same as the popular brands.
I'll mention Fodera strings too. Completely hand made, sound great, and I love the warmth and playability that you can only get from a round core string.
BUT the king of underrated strings?? D'Aquisto. My go-to for cheaper strings. Cost about $10 for a set ($13 for 5 string) and outperfrom D'add and EB in every way possible.
Alvaro Martín Gómez A.
TalkBass' resident Bongo + cowbell player
Not sure about Ernie Balls, but I absolutely agree about D'addario XLs. Those are (or used to be) the most expensive strings that can be found in my town and the really nice tone they have when fresh disappears extremely fast for my taste.
