• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What is the most expensive strings you have seen?

#5
Well, its totally INSANE.

One time, i spent 133 US DOLLARS ON A SINGLE 4 STRING SET OF ELIXIRS!!!! .

In comparison, a set of D'Addario XL's costs only 70 US dollars. But it is totally insane anyways compared to the "american prices". I'm gonna buy a truckload of strings from [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] next, that will save me alot of money.

(and also, a standard MM Stingray costs 2900 US dollars new here in norway...:mad: )

Be happy for beeing an american!

-Erlend :bassist:
 
#6
I use those Velvet strings. Actually they have lowered the price, I paid over $300 when I got my first set.

Just think how I felt when the E string broke as soon as I strung the bass up and tuned it to pitch :eek: Velvet was kind enough to replace the whole set no questions asked.

To be honest, these are upright bass strings. Even the cheapest upright strings out there are $60 a set (and those totally suck). Most steel upright strings are about $100-200 a set street price. Gut strings like the Velvets start at $200 and I've heard of some that are over $400 a set.
 
#7
Originally posted by Erlend_G
Well, its totally INSANE.

One time, i spent 133 US DOLLARS ON A SINGLE 4 STRING SET OF ELIXIRS!!!! .

In comparison, a set of D'Addario XL's costs only 70 US dollars. But it is totally insane anyways compared to the "american prices". I'm gonna buy a truckload of strings from [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] next, that will save me alot of money.
)

Be happy for beeing an american!

-Erlend :bassist:
Click to expand...

I've been buying all my strings from the US via the internet for about 4 - 5 years now! I get them from :

Invalid Link Removed

So - a really good 5-string set used to cost me about £50 in England - but that same set from sheetmusic plus was about half that price - even including shipping, p&p etc. from the US!!
 
#8
Of course, as has been mentioned already - by far the most expensive strings are for Double Bass.

So - the most expensive set I bought were Pirastro Flexocors at 168 Euros a set from :

Invalid Link Removed

But they were certainly worth it - sounded so much better on my EUB!! :)
 
#10
Originally posted by carl-anton
Erland! Remember to check with your tax authorities before getting at ****load of strings from the US. I live in Denmark, and every time I've bought something from the US, I had to pay tax, VAT, fees and what not which ended up making the strings just as expensive as in DK.
Click to expand...

Whenever I've bought sets of strings, sheetmusicplus have put a customs sticker on - saying something like "worth less than $30" and I haven't paid anything at all.

I suppose if you bought a load of sets together, then it would be hard to justify this?

Books/sheetmusic from the US don't attract duty either!

I find my string sets last 6 months+ - so I'm only buying individual sets occasionally - but I've never been charged duty on anything except a Parliament boxed CD set - where £12 was added -about 15 Euro?
 
#11
Here in the US, Pyramid strings are pretty expensive. A set of Pyramid flats from Just Strings is $50.49 usd. The five string set is $67.32. Probably worth it if you like them, they're not my cup of tea. An acquaintance of mine has them on a Rickenbacker 4001 V63, and he pretty much nails the McCartney sound, which is what he wants. Maxima Gold strings were pretty expensive while they were still availabl, but I never tried them.

But I think Erlend gets the prize.

Also, Erlend, what if a friendly TB'er mailed you some strings from the US? Would that avoid all that tax/customs/whatever?
 
#14
Originally posted by Erlend_G
Well, its totally INSANE.

One time, i spent 133 US DOLLARS ON A SINGLE 4 STRING SET OF ELIXIRS!!!! .

In comparison, a set of D'Addario XL's costs only 70 US dollars. But it is totally insane anyways compared to the "american prices". I'm gonna buy a truckload of strings from [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] next, that will save me alot of money.

(and also, a standard MM Stingray costs 2900 US dollars new here in norway...:mad: )

Be happy for beeing an american!

-Erlend :bassist:
Click to expand...

:eek: I just paid $50 US for 4 sets of XLs..
 
#16
Most expensive round wound strings are generally going to be exposed core strings.

Flat Wounds are generally going to last longer than Rounds so the price is more reasonable knowing this... however the most expensive "electric bass flats" have been mentioned ITT.

Acoustic Bass Guitar strings the same manufacturer as the flats mentioned are even more up there. They are Nylon wrapped with Round Wound phosphor bronze.

Getting into upright string pricing that is a whole other world... especially with the Gut wrapped strings. That is a totally different pricing structure all together, plus those strings are changed far less often than any electric bass / abg.
 
#18
Gsxtasy99 said:
I got a set of Tomastik Jazz Flats for my jazz bass, definately the most expensive strings i've bought. I don't remember the price, but they were worth it. they'll last forever, and the sound is just what i needed.
Click to expand...

+1

I use to think flats were expensive, that is, until I looked at how often you have to change them...;)
 
#19
Bruce Lindfield said:
Of course, as has been mentioned already - by far the most expensive strings are for Double Bass.

So - the most expensive set I bought were Pirastro Flexocors at 168 Euros a set from :

Invalid Link Removed

But they were certainly worth it - sounded so much better on my EUB!! :)
Click to expand...

I recently acquired an Azola EUB, and would enjoy hearing more about the characteristics of the Pirastro Flexocors that you find makes them particularly well-suited to EUB. :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back