What strings are these???

[GBassNorth]

Getting ready to replace the strings on my Warwick Thumb bass. I love the sound and feel of what’s currently on there now but they’re getting old and will need to be replaced soon. Unfortunately, I have no idea what strings these are. They appear to be round wound nickel (possibly stainless) strings with silk free black ball ends and light blue silk at the headstock end. Here’s a couple of pics…

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[michael_t]

Those look very much like an older version of the Dean Markley Blue Steels.

 

[GBassNorth]

Those look very much like an older version of the Dean Markley Blue Steels.

They may very well be just that. I’d guess that these strings have been on this bass for at least 15 years. Don’t the new DMs have red silk?

 

[BklynKen]

They may very well be just that. I’d guess that these strings have been on this bass for at least 15 years. Don’t the new DMs have red silk?

These are probably your best bet to replace those, assuming they are in fact old Blue Steels.

STC TRADITIONAL CRYOS – Apex® Strings

apex-strings.com

 

[michael_t]

They may very well be just that. I’d guess that these strings have been on this bass for at least 15 years. Don’t the new DMs have red silk?

As far as I know, the new version of the Blue Steels have no silk, and no black ball ends.

 

[BklynKen]

As far as I know, the new version of the Blue Steels have no silk, and no black ball ends.

If I remember correctly, the current ones have two blue, one black, and one white (for 4-string)? Sort of how Rotosound has the two red on either end.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Old Blue Steels. Would have said Roto nickels if the ball end was brass.

 

[BklynKen]

If I remember correctly, the current ones have two blue, one black, and one white (for 4-string)? Sort of how Rotosound has the two red on either end.

Ah, Two blue and two black.

 

[michael_t]

Ah, Two blue and two black.

View attachment 7125418

Are these actually current?

I know they used to come either all-black or black-blue, depending on whether stainless or nickel. (Can't remember which is which.)

They've also gone through a few changes over the years in terms of the silk color.

 

[michael_t]

Paging @GTHintz ...

You're a fan of the DM Blue Steels. Have you tried the latest version? Do they still have silk? What about ball end colors? Thanks.

 

[BklynKen]

Are these actually current?

I know they used to come either all-black or black-blue, depending on whether stainless or nickel. (Can't remember which is which.)

They've also gone through a few changes over the years in terms of the silk color.

At least as of a few years ago, the SS Blue Steels had the black and blue ball ends, no silk. I haven't used them since. I've been very happy with the SIT Power Steel. But not able to leave well enough alone, I'm curious to try the Apex strings.

 

[GTHintz]

Paging @GTHintz ...

You're a fan of the DM Blue Steels. Have you tried the latest version? Do they still have silk? What about ball end colors? Thanks.

The most recent set I've used has been about a year ago and they don't have silk anymore. If it's blue and black and has a coarse taper end similar to a rotosound silk end but no silk chances are it's a blue steel. Also SR2000 used to have gold silk but they got rid of it too. They are still good strings though. I'm kinda using both. SR2000 is more flexible than blue steel and I have a 35" scale Dean edge bass that sounds great with them. The flex was a good match for me.

 

[michael_t]

The most recent set I've used has been about a year ago and they don't have silk anymore. If it's blue and black and has a coarse taper end similar to a rotosound silk end but no silk chances are it's a blue steel...

So, are you saying the latest Blue Steels have no silk, but still have black and blue ball ends?

 

[GTHintz]

So, are you saying the latest Blue Steels have no silk, but still have black and blue ball ends?

Precisely. Black& blue ball end, no silk, spiral outer wrap over the tuner end before the taper. Same length as always.