Thinking about getting back on the alloy 52 train

I'm a big fan of Alloy 52 and the Pressurewounds myself. So, I've always been curious about the Progressives, but one thing that kept me from trying them is the "saddle hugger" feature (exposed core) on E and B. Too bad they're not offered any other way.

 

I do not favor the exposed core on the Progressives, but I think they are good strings, and if you like them, perhaps worth putting up with it.

Labella also makes an Alloy 52 string:

La Bella Strings

I have not tried it, but the description does not say anything about a tapered/exposed-core string. I suspect they are not tapered/exposed.

 

You could also try E.B. Cobalts.

 

I didn't even know these existed.

By the way, are the "Super Alloy" by TI also Alloy 52?

 

Never tried those. I had read a review of them a couple of years ago that sounded pretty dismal. But someone brought them up in a recent thread in a very positive light. Might be worth trying! Also would be interested in trying the Labellas...

 

Roundwounds? Roto!

 

You mean Roto offers Alloy 52 rounds?

 

Nope. Stainless or nickel roundwounds. Builds character.

 

Gotta like that "High strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures" feature...

 

And what does that have to do with what the OP is asking about? I think you're being irrelevant here.

 

Yes, TI Infeld Superalloy, are also Alloy 52.

They are by far the best Alloy 52 strings that I've used. Especially for 5 string sets.
I have a set on a Fender Roscoe Beck V, and what a nice feeling and sounding set they are- very uniquely voiced.
One of the few 5'vers that I often receive comments about it 'sounding so good' from other players, and it's due in large measure to the Infeld's.

I have another backup RBV, that came strung with D'Addario nickle xl's and the Infeld's simply just kill, no contest.

 

Yes, bassstringsonline was the only other place I have seen them listed. Seemingly even less popular than the fabled Labella quarter-round strings... which might suggest that we shouldn't get too attached to them? :-/

 

What is the Alloy 52 "sound"? Compared to the typical nickel or SS roundwounds?

 

Alloy 52 = Nickel-Iron = Magnetically more active than SS or NPS = Meaty lows with extra punch and mids with extra crunch.

(NOTE: This is based on my experience with the GHS Pressurewounds.)

 

I love the TI Super Alloy on my '64 T-Bird. Don't even consider trying another string. On a few other basses I've not had the same result. Not bad, just not that magic "wow" tone. Some may not like them because they are not bright as rounds tend to be. Thus those seeking that might be disappointed. Also, cabs have to be considered before saying a string "sucks" or is perfect for that matter. I know depending on the cab I'm using it makes a huge difference. Another good think about the TI SA's is that they last forever. They are the longest lasting round I've ever played.