I compared real Ernie Ball Bass strings with AliExpress bass strings

Let's talk about bass strings from AliExpress! They keep popping up in the search, real brand names: Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Elixir, for incredibly low prices. But are these bass strings the same quality, I am going to compare them head to head. I compare the packaging, put the strings under under a magnifier. I present my first impressions if they sound or feel different, and finally I do proper recordings and run them side by side. The same thing again after I have played and worked them for a week. The result is... watch the video the end. I hope this video helps you make a choice if you should buy strings from AliExpress.

[@michaelsymons7975]

I never knew how much I wanted to hear Werner Herzog talk about bass strings until just now

[@BassCave7]

... I take this as a compliment. :) Cheers

[@michaelsymons7975]

@@BassCave7 Oh, I very much mean it that way; your voice was made for narration!

[@dh1474]

Prefer the sound of the fakes!

[@BassCave7]

All feedback welcome. In all honesty the sound was not the annoying bit. The feel was not quite right.

[@sasha-fe2bl]

I'd take the fakes I have a nickel allergy 😅

[@BassCave7]

:) Yep the good old nickel allergy. DR Fatbeams are stainless steel, but play as smooth as Nickels. Must be the price tag.

[@annihilation777]

Instead Chinese products have other carcinogens

[@sasha-fe2bl]

@@BassCave7 I'll have to try those sometime

[@BassCave7]

Scary! Lucky the AliExpress ones they are in the bin already.

[@MistaMahoney]

cool, thanks for taking the time and money to do this

[@BassCave7]

Money spent: $8. Time spent was more. But I wouldn't do it if I wasn't interested myself and enjoy the process. And your feedback.

[@Nugmania1]

At some point, they will sound kinda of the same.
Feel wise is a big seller for me, but how would sound in a live mix? Would anyone notice, deep question I think…..,…

[@BassCave7]

Probably nobody will notice. But they will see the missing smile on your face :)))

[@Nugmania1]

@@BassCave7 so, another good option is to buy a house brand from a major music chain.
Not sure who makes them? but I’m using Long and McQuade 45-90 on all my basses, $16.99cdn

[@CedricRussowEsquire]

I havent tried them for years but the aliexpress ones remind me of the lowest quality warwick red strings, would be alright on a 3rd choice bass. Be interesting how long they keep that tone lol cant say i will be trying them but not as bad as i expected

[@BassCave7]

Yes I remember the Warwick Red, not my finest hour. The AliExpress ones were worse, but a lot better than I expected. I have spare set of the AliExpress ones lying around. I am no hurry to put them on :)))

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Does AliExpress emulate other string makers such as GH#, Renė?

[@BassCave7]

I don't have the slightest idea. I imagine a lot of brands are producing in China. They could have their "spin-offs" for the local Chinese market.

[@Afterthoughtsmusicstudio]

You should get a lead test kit and test the counterfeits.

[@BassCave7]

Now you are scaring me, lead? Lucky they are in the bin already! :) The metal itself was different.

[@polarbear3427]

I hear a plastic like attack withbthe Aliexpress.

[@BassCave7]

You could be right. There is that sound when the strings hit the frets, slightly not so good :)