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Trying out Apex Strings...

BrentSimons

BrentSimons

Mar 4, 2004
5,896
5,490
Vergennes,VT USA
#1
Hey Y'all,
I have some time off for the holidays so I thought I would check out a new set of strings. I ordered a set of Apex stainless steel Cryos 45-105. I'm looking forward to trying them on my Spector Euro. They will be going up against DR Hi Beams. Ill try to get some clips up. @ApexStrings I hope to hear from you!
Happy holidays all and stay safe!
Brent
 
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#6
Vinny_G said:
Great, I can't wait to hear that :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Pimpernel Smith said:
Well, I certainly would like to know about them as a replacement to Dean Markely Blue Steel stings. Do keep us informed. My Jack Casady bass is very interested.
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Hey Guys,
So the Apex Cryos arrived a few days ago. I just put them on and did a quick recording. Please excuse the terrible playing!
If memory serves, these feel very much like Dean Markley Blue Steels. Gauge 45-105. They definitely feel rougher on my fingers than the DR Hi Beams which wasn't surprising.I find Hi Beams to be very smooth for a stainless steel string. The Apex strings while rougher are not horribly so. Close to the feel of Dunlop Super Bright stainless, maybe? I'm glad to report they don't feel "sticky" or "grabby" as I used to find Dean Markley Blue Steels. No silks but pastel colored ball ends. :) They are stiffer than the Hi Beams and I will need to adjust the truss rod just a smidge on my Spector Euro to compensate but I want to wait a day. They feel somewhat flexible. Not as flexible as the Hi Beams which is fine. Sometimes I feel the DR's can be too flexible when I'm digging in. The Apex seem to have more mid content than the Hi Beams and sound grittier or growlier to my ears. More lower mids and mid mids not hi mids like the Hi Beams with less treble extension. The Apex do have a nice "new string" twang to them.
STC45105.jpg





I did have a slight problem trying to find a flat setting on my Euro but I think I'm close. I didn't use any compression or additional EQ or processing, so you are hearing just the bass and the strings. After the 2 minute mark you are hearing a GK800RB and Hartke 4x10 sim from my Line 6 Bass Pod XT. I do a little slap, finger style and some pitiful pick playing. Again this is just a quick, rough recording so be merciful! :)
Happy New Years all!
Brent
 

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#8
@BrentSimons, I found a workaround for my phone issue. Sounded good, bro! I swore I heard some Queensryche in there, as well. Between the Cyros and the DRs, I'll take the Cyros. Balsy with grind... like the ole burlesque shows!

I may have to pick up a set! Thanks for sharing the review, too!
 
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#9
Spidey2112 said:
@BrentSimons, I found a workaround for my phone issue. Sounded good, bro! I swore I heard some Queensryche in there, as well. Between the Cyros and the DRs, I'll take the Cyros. Balsy with grind... like the ole burlesque shows!

I may have to pick up a set! Thanks for sharing the review, too!
Click to expand...
" Jet City...Whoooman!". :)
Thanks Bro!
Brent
 
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#11
eriky4003 said:
Brent,
At the 1:00 mark, loved the tone! Definitely sound Blue Steely from my recollection. I'll keep an eye out for them. Good playing, Bud.
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Thank you @eriky4003 ! I hope you're doing well! Happy New Year!
Thank you. That's just the strings and the bass. No EQ or other processing. I'm really digging these strings. I've reached out to Apex but haven't heard anything. I remember trying out the Blue Steels in my youth but not really liking them? They were super expensive back then. I want to say between $30-$40 and they felt very rough (Rougher than Rotosound!) and sticky if my hands were sweaty.

Stay safe!
Brent
 
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#12
Happy New Year to you too. Good work with the pick. More recently, I've reintroduced pick playing but I'm very staccato. Will keep working at it. I don't recall Blues being overly expensive and I definitely re-tried them in the last ten years - maybe they were more expensive when they first came out and they were advertising with Will Lee. I did like them but maybe moved to the Fat Beams and didn't look back.
 
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#14
I used DM when younger then stopped when I wasn't playing much. Bought a couple sets Blue Steels in recent years and still like them. Much underrated string IMO. As a result I'm very curious about Apex and will try a set when one of mine dies.
 
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