Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

[papersoul]

Hi guys,

Any opinions on DM strings? I am getting a little tired of buying individual or custom sets from my local shop because it is a little more expensive. Problem has always finding the sets with the correct gauge strings. My LP runs GHS Boomers 11 14 18 30 42 54 in dropped C#. The closest I have found is the Dean Markley Nickel Steel 11-52. I am thinking of just dealing with the .52 which won't feel as tight but it might save some money in the long run.

Anyone have experience with DM strings for consistency and feel? I usually find that string sound about the same between brands though.

Thanks.

 

[kill your scene]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

Markley makes excellent strings. I love them because they have long life, are cost-effective and give great tone. I have at least a minor beef with most other string companies.... D'Addarios are too bright for my liking, Elixers cost too much, Fenders don't last long enough.... in fact, the only strings I use are DM and from time to time, Ernie Ball.

I prefer the Light Top Heavy Bottom Gauge (10, 13, 17, 30, 42, 52) because I like solid low end without it being so heavy it gives me trussrod problems, while simultaneously giving me buttery, easy to play light strings on top. The gauge you're looking for is offered in MED size NickelSteel and also that same size in BlueSteel (although I can't find BlueSteel in that size on MF). I play NickelSteel as they give you what I find to be perfect rock tone.

Incidentally, I've never tried GHS, but I've heard good things.

Good luck with your decision.

EDIT: After re-reading your post, I see you've already considered the Markley 11-52. I'd go with it.... you probably won't miss your low 54.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings?? Warmer strings??

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings?? Warmer strings??

Thanks, I am worried the low C# in .52 may be too floppy as the .54 is just on the edge of flop land. Right now I use GHS Boomers individual strings from my guitar shop and he gives me a good deal. Sometimes I find them metallic sounding but not sure. D'Addarios sound warm which I like, but can't find good prices individually. I am looking to save money by buying full sets for my LP and McCarty.

I may look into 12-54 sets also.

I basically want warmth, thickness, nice feel, longevity, etc. Don't we all? I hate when strings feel un-even like when one string feels much larger than the others. I like an even feel across the board with consistent tension. That is why I went with individual strings.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

There are only about 3 string manufacturers in the world, so regardless of what it says on the package, you're getting one of those three. I also would recommend the Skinny Top Heavy Bottom set by Ernie Ball. I use a stainless steel set of those. The thing is, they don't actually manufacture a stainless steel set by that name anymore, so I have to buy sets of individual guages that match the STHB set. There's a lot of punch in those low end strings.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

There's a Zakk Wylde set of guages that go down to a 60. He doesn't seem to have any problems with floppiness....

 

[papersoul]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

Who are the three string manufacturers? How does Dean Markley, GHS, D'Addario, Ernie Ball, and DR fall under these?

I just bumped my strings on my McCarty from D'Addario 10 13 17 26 36 46 to GHS Boomers 10 13 17 28 38 50 and noticed that the GHS Boomers don't feel as broken in as the D'Addarios did out of the box....but they break in fast. I am in E standard tuning. I have heard that GHS strings can sound metallic but they seem just as nice sounding as the D'Addarios and feel fine once worn in like the D'Addarios. I did notice that things got bassier, hence a little muddy but I assume an adjustment of the pickups and amp will fix this. I was worried because it had been mentioned that McCarty pickups are muddy with strings over 10 gauge. I am going to change them to 11-50 or 11-52 later thios week and drop down to Eb tuning. I'll see how that goes.

Then again, I am familiar with GHS strings. I was just making a comparison since I had D'Addarios installed.

Anyone notice large differences between GHS Boomers and D'Addario? I have stuck with the GHS Boomers for the last 2-3 years because I can get them individually from a local shop owner who I happen to be friends with....this helps. Plus, I have yet to break one.

The thing is, I have 11-54 on my LP Standard with Burstbucker Pros and with the same settings it is tight and crisp. I am thinking I'll have to re-adjust the pickups on the McCarty, raise some mids and highs on the amp since I have heavier strings on the guitar.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

I must admit that I don't know who they are. I'm relaying information from my music store's pro shop, and they gave me names but I don't remember the three. The way the brands that you named fall into those is that they're made by one of those three.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

My local shop was saying that D'Addario and GHS are made by different companies.

 

[msplines]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

I use only DM strings because they feel great, keep their brightness longer than all the other major brands and have an excellent tone. I do however use standard tuning except on my baritone where I need to go to 60+ on the bottom to get away from the flops.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Dean Markley strings?? Individual strings??

Doesn't Ernie Ball make an 11-54 set?