Careful with Dean Markley strings!

Bill C. Buntin · Post by **Bill C. Buntin** » 31 Oct 2001 1:04 pm

FYI. I was given a couple of Dean Markley E9 sets to try out. If anyone out there gets a set, check the gauging on strings 1 through 4. All 4 were in the wrong packages on both sets I tried. I'm sure whoever is packaging these for Markley will correct it. Otherwise they seem like your average good quality string. Regards.

B Bailey Brown · Post by **B Bailey Brown** » 31 Oct 2001 1:42 pm

Interesting! I had no idea that Dean Markley even put out a set of packaged steel guitar strings. I have used Dean Markley’s “light top heavy bottom” package sets on my 6 string guitars for years, and they are great.

In reality, I have never found a “packaged” set of steel guitar strings that suited me. Some have been OK, but after years of trying various sets I have some to the conclusion that custom sets are the way to go. I use a couple of non-standard strings on the E9th, ie: a .012 on the 3rd and an .018 on the 5th. After a while you just tired of trying to get guys in music stores to make substations for you! They are not steel guitar players and their attitude is, “ Hey fool, give me my money and get out of my face!”

To me it is so much easier to find a type of string that works for you and get it from a steel guitar shop. I get my strings from Frenchie up in New Mexico. I use a semi-flat wound string I get from him, and he knows what I use. One simple phone call and they are in the mail!

B. Bailey Brown

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 31 Oct 2001 2:07 pm

What about Martin acoustic strings. They come packaged with 1 and 6 in one package, 2 and 5....etc. That always irritaed me when in a hurry to change a string. How much can they possibly save not having to use three paper packages?

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 31 Oct 2001 2:32 pm

My Gibson Vintage Reissue pure nickel strings come like this. Two 009s in one envelope, two 011s in one envelope, and the 16, 24, 32 and 42 all in one envelope!

I've been using Bobbe's Cobra Coil stainless strings on my Derby and they are great. And he'll make two substitutions if you like, and give you four sets for $25. Not bad!

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 31 Oct 2001 4:26 pm

I've been using George L's that I get from Scotty. They will substitute as needed to make your custom sets.

Charlie Hunter · Post by **Charlie Hunter** » 31 Oct 2001 9:09 pm

I buy strings in bulk from Musicians Friend. I don't know who makes em but they work.

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Swampwater Smyth

Post by **b0b** » 1 Nov 2001 7:15 am

Moved to Pedal Steel section