GHS Rene Martinez 5 String Roundwound Taper Core Bass Strings Reviews 5

Standard nickel roundwound extra long scale strings for 5-string basses, taper core on the E and B strings. Gauges .45 through .130. I've been playing bass for 45 years.

Looking for a replacement for Lakland nickel roundwounds for my Lakland 55-94 35' scale bass. I had been buying the strings direct from Lakland but they were out of stock. Lakland strings are made by GHS. Juststrings.com recommend these Rene Martinez customs taper cores as a substitute. At only $29 a set, I thought I'd take the chance.

http://www.justtsrings.com

I don't like the zing of stainless strings -- much prefer the nickel rounds. These strings have a very balanced sound -- not too much top end, nice midrange punch and plenty of bottom. Sustain is excellent. They are also about $15 a set cheaper than the Lakland strings they replaced. Although the .120 B is a bit heavier than the Lakland B, the taper core helps it to site well in the saddle and it has plenty of tight bottom end.

No problems so far.

Very consistent from string to string. Haven't had them long enough to know how reliable they are. Players of 34' scale basses that string through the bridge might find them too long. They are just right on my 35' Lakland through the body.

These GHS Rene Martinez Taper Core nickel rounds are very nicely priced -- only $29 for a five-string set, $20 for four strings. They are long enough to go through the body on my 35' scale Lakland. Nicely balanced tone -- nice punch and bottom but not having the extreme clank/zing of stainless.

Laklander rated this unit 5 on 2010-03-09.

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