Dean Markley SR2000 (RIP)?

pdbass

pdbass

Jan 2, 2007
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www.paulthompson.us
#1
I’ve been lamenting the downfall of my favorite EB strings. I’ve loved the SR2000’s for many years and I know I’m not alone here. Unfortunately, the ‘newer’ version of the string in recent years hasn’t come close to the original (IMHO). I’m stuck scouring the interwebs for older versions being auctioned off (like hunting for treasure) and my six has been wearing the same set for going on a decade.

I’m getting close to moving on here. My question: has anyone found a reasonable facsimile of these strings that can compare with the feel/construction/brightness/sustain? Any die-hard SR2000 users finding satisfaction with another string? I’m not necessarily polling for favorite strings/brands. Rather, I would love to know what the OG string fans are playing NOW and why.

Thanks in advance!
 
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#3
HOLY CRAP they did it. I ordered a set and put them on today and THEY DID IT. I'm back home again. Apex strings are the real deal. Slicing highs, punchy lows, great fundamental, excellent feel, brilliant harmonics. I had a dead 'A' string problem for 2 years with another brand and it disappeared when I put the Apex set on. ***? I'm so happy right now.
 
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#4
pdbass said:
HOLY CRAP they did it. I ordered a set and put them on today and THEY DID IT. I'm back home again. Apex strings are the real deal. Slicing highs, punchy lows, great fundamental, excellent feel, brilliant harmonics. I had a dead 'A' string problem for 2 years with another brand and it disappeared when I put the Apex set on. ***? I'm so happy right now.
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Awesome!
 
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#6
FRoss6788 said:
Which set is the replacement for the S2000's?

Different product names....
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As far as I know, there's no direct SR2000 replacement. Definitely no Apex string with the tapered design (yet). I'm just overjoyed with the zing, the brilliance, and the feel. I've also been an OG Dean Markley Super Round (black & yellow sleeve) hunter on the 'net for years and these tick every box.
 
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#11
Are these the old ones that are supposedly no longer made? I keep seeing the Blue/gray artwork sets popping up, but just got these on Amazon Dean Markley store. They are fantastic. I just ordered another set.
IMG_20240211_192239028.jpg
 
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#12
Pyrrho Epoche said:
Are these the old ones that are supposedly no longer made? I keep seeing the Blue/gray artwork sets popping up, but just got these on Amazon Dean Markley store. They are fantastic. I just ordered another set.
View attachment 5349250
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If they have silks they are the old original ones. If no silk then they are the most recent iteration.
 
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#14
Pyrrho Epoche said:
No silks, but looks like old stock of newer ones, the package looks really worn. I dunno, they sound awesome, interested in trying the Apex, if they even sound better.
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Well im curious too about apex. Ive only tried older sr2000 and those were good and long lasting. I wish they still made them like that. The gold silks were really nice too.
 
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#17
GTHintz said:
I wonder how close they get to blue steels in the mid character. Ive always found them to have low mids and just the right balance of thick but articulate tone.
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Never used Blue Steels, but definately low mids and a nice thick tone. The more I play them the more they remind me of T.I. Powerbass strings-- a very thick tone(especially the E). The tension is what I like--low action and zero clank.
 
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#18
GTHintz said:
I wonder how close they get to blue steels in the mid character. Ive always found them to have low mids and just the right balance of thick but articulate tone.
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Just played again. Exactly, a thick articulate tone. The T.I. Powerbass are JUST a thick tone. My Gravity acrylic picks catch on the Apex strings, but the E.B. Prodigy picks glide smoother. Now I am interested in the Cryos.
 
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#19
Pyrrho Epoche said:
Just played again. Exactly, a thick articulate tone. The T.I. Powerbass are JUST a thick tone. My Gravity acrylic picks catch on the Apex strings, but the E.B. Prodigy picks glide smoother. Now I am interested in the Cryos.
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Me too. I think I'll try them while i have blue steels on another bass so i can really compare. All my basses have pretty fresh strings right now so im going to be a while. I tend to keep with strings for a while especially when i like the tine im getting. Ive learned to be patient with strings when im getting a tone i like. Tone right now cones 1st. String binge comes 2nd.
 
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#20
Good to know about Apex! I've had a lot of great Dean Markley strings over the years. I think the first flats I ever tried in the '80s were DMs, and I've enjoyed Blue Steels, SR200s, and Nickel Plated Steel.

In the late '90s I had a set with full round windings over the pickups and I think pressurewound over the fingerboard.
Idea was to reduce noise and fretwear, never caught on but I liked them on my fretless Peavey Patriot.
 
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