Review: Dean Markley Blue Steels

Hey all!

I decided to change bass string brands recently.  I wasn’t unhappy with my last strings, but I just wanted to try something new.  So, I picked up a set of Dean Markley Blue Steels.  I changed my strings tonight, and I think I’m already in love.  I absolutely love the sound of the Blue Steels.

I was playing with D’Addario extra light nickel wound strings.  The difference between these two brands is mostly in the metal.  The D’Addario strings are made out of nickel, and the Dean Markleys are made of steel.  The nickel strings deliver a VERY bright sound, which might have been exaggerated on my bass due to its maple neck.  However, if you prefer deeper tones, steel is for you.

The Blue Steels deliver a crisp, clean sound, while retaining a powerful bass punch.  Also, I’m using the Medium Lights, which include a slightly larger gauge for the E-string than D’Addario provides in their comparable set.  This helps deliver that extra punch on the bottom.  Blue Steels are also known for their extended life… and who doesn’t love changing their strings LESS often?

So, if you’re looking to experiment with your tone or with a different string brand, I would definitely recommend giving the Blue Steels a try!

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Bassists You Should Know: Joe Fick

While I was in Nashville, I ran into an EXTREMELY talented bassist. His name is Joe Fick, also known as “Slick” Joe Fick.  He has been playing for 17 years and is an amazing “slap” bassist, working primarily with an upright bass.  He plays seven days a week on Lower Broadway in Nashville with two bands, the Don Kelley Band and The Silver Threads.  He, also, starred in the Johnny Cash Biopic “Walk the Line“, in which he portrayed one of his idols, Bill Black.

I definitely recommend checking out Joe Fick.  You can learn more about him at his website,  www.slickjoefick.com or follow him on twitter. If you live in or around Nashville, you can catch him with the Don Kelley Band on Wednesdays – Saturdays from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at Robert’s Western World.

Joe Fick

Joe Fick and his Engelhardt Upright Bass