TEST: Framus Blue Strings

Who would have thought that electric guitar strings and their specific compositions would one day become so hip? From a mere vicarious agent for woods, pickups and amplifiers to an important component of the personal sound. It was about time. Rarely has a direct sound generator been so long criminally reduced almost only to the pure listing of the string strength, without once looking beyond the edge of the plate, which has changed in recent times, however, properly. Hardly a magazine, whether physical or online nature, which in recent months with an extensive special about the wires that mean the sound, swaggering. Good stuff!

However, what all strings must inevitably name as a shortcoming is, analogous to the car in the form of tires, brake pads or piston rings, wear. Even if all kinds of high-priced coatings postpone the decay, as a guitarist you can friendly shake hands with your colleague from the drums, because he knows the same problem with his sticks. It is in the nature of man, detached from his personal relationship to a piece of musical inventory, to keep the price of wear parts as low as possible without significant loss of quality.

This is where a very successful name from the instrument sector now comes in, but for whom the production of strings means new territory. We are talking about "Markneukirchen's Finest" Framus, which with its Framus Blue Label Strings is preparing to sell high-quality strings for a very low retail price. In addition, the company specifically focuses on downtuning, over 7-string to the Djent faction, where the 8-string surfboard fingerboards have become a commercial standard.

How much, where?

If you study the online offers of the music store Thomann, you can roughly summarize the offers of a standard 010 set in 3 categories. On the one hand, there are the high-priced coated strings, all of which break the €10 mark and sometimes climb up to the €15 segment. The second segment is dominated by the big brands like D'Addario, SIT, GHS and many others, which range between about 6 and 9 euros. The third segment is in the lower range below 4 euros and was dominated until recently by the German manufacturer Pyramid, until Thomann with its house brand Harley Benton Value Strings called an almost unfathomable fighting price of under 1.50 euros for a complete set.

To what extent the VK called up stands for a(n) accompanying sound / quality / durability is not to be debated here, especially since the tastes are in no relation to the retail price, it remains to be noted, however, that the Framus Blue Label Strings with a retail price of just over 3 euros for a standard 010 set take second place in terms of dispensing price. It should be clear to everyone that such a price can no longer be achieved with a European or American production with corresponding ancillary wage costs, so the production in China will not surprise anyone. However, the fact that "Made in China" in the instrument sector has long since shed the 2nd choice character of earlier times is likewise.


What?

The Framus Blue Label Strings belong to the popular group of Nickel Plated Steel strings, i.e. the steel core, which is mainly responsible for the magnetic field, is wound with nickel wire to protect it against corrosion. In order to better fix the nickel wire to the steel core, the steel is hexagonal, i.e. it has a hexagonal shape in which the nickel wire can better "bite". Nickel Plated Steel strings belong to the tonal all-rounders and, in contrast to e.g. Stainless Steel strings (often used in the Hard'n'Heavy area) or Pure Nickel strings (Vintage), find their fans in almost every music style.

And the sound?

When you take the Framus Blue Label Strings out of their packaging, the first thing you notice is their even tension over the entire length of the strings. The strings hang down softly and resonate evenly, which is the prerequisite for a balanced sound. Strung up and put under tension, the first impression thickens. The strings sound pleasantly soft, without frequency peaks or holes, coupled with a balanced sound pattern that covers almost all musical styles. Details can be seen very nicely from the attached sound files, which were made with 2 different amps over 6 different speakers. The respective constellation can be seen in the name of the sound file.

Conclusion

With the Framus Blue Label Strings, Germany's most famous manufacturer of basses and guitars enters the product uncharted territory with great and successful steps. Equipped with a very attractive price and a large selection of 7- and 8-string sets, the inclined user can treat himself to one or the other additional string change without straining the available budget too much.

Additional Informations:

- Framus is a well-known guitar manufacturing company based in Germany, with a long history dating back to 1946. The company was founded by Fred Wilfer, who started building guitars in his home in Erlangen, Germany, after World War II. Today, Framus is known for producing high-quality instruments that are popular with musicians all over the world.

One of the unique things about Framus is that they offer a wide variety of guitar models, each with its own unique design and sound. Whether you're looking for a classic acoustic guitar or a cutting-edge electric guitar, Framus has something to offer. They also produce a range of bass guitars and other instruments, so there's something for every musician.

Framus is particularly well-known for their electric guitars, which are used by many famous musicians. Their models include the Panthera, which is a modern take on the classic Les Paul design, and the Diablo, which is a sleek and stylish guitar with a distinct sound. They also offer a range of signature models, which are designed in collaboration with famous guitarists such as Devin Townsend and Billy Idol.

One of the things that sets Framus apart from other guitar companies is their commitment to using high-quality materials and traditional construction techniques. They use only the finest woods and components in their guitars, and they take great care to ensure that each instrument is crafted to the highest standards. This attention to detail is evident in the sound and playability of their instruments, which are known for their rich tones and excellent feel.

In addition to their standard guitar models, Framus also offers a range of custom options. Customers can choose their own woods, finishes, and other details to create a truly unique instrument. This level of customization is rare in the guitar industry and demonstrates Framus' commitment to meeting the needs of every musician.

Overall, Framus is a highly respected guitar manufacturer with a long history of producing quality instruments. Their commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in every guitar they produce, and their wide range of models and custom options ensures that there's something for every musician.

- Warwick Basses is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality bass guitars based in Markneukirchen, Germany. Founded in 1982 by Hans-Peter Wilfer, the company has since become a go-to brand for bassists looking for instruments that offer superior sound, build quality, and playability.

One of the key factors that has contributed to Warwick's success is the company's focus on innovation. From the very beginning, Warwick has been committed to pushing the boundaries of bass guitar design and technology. This has resulted in a range of groundbreaking features and designs that have helped to set Warwick basses apart from the competition.
One of the most significant innovations introduced by Warwick is the use of exotic woods in their bass guitar construction. The company is known for its extensive use of high-quality woods such as bubinga, wenge, and ovangkol, which are chosen for their unique tonal characteristics and stunning visual appeal. This commitment to using only the best materials has helped to establish Warwick basses as some of the finest instruments available.

Another key innovation introduced by Warwick is the use of active electronics in their bass guitars. Unlike traditional passive pickups, which rely on the natural magnetic field generated by the guitar strings to produce sound, active pickups require a battery-powered preamp to boost the signal. This allows for greater control over the tone and volume of the instrument, resulting in a more versatile and expressive sound.

Warwick has also introduced a number of other innovative features over the years, such as the Just-A-Nut III adjustable nut system, which allows for precise adjustment of string spacing and height, and the two-piece bridge system, which offers superior sustain and tonal clarity.
In addition to their focus on innovation, Warwick is also known for their commitment to quality craftsmanship. Every Warwick bass is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, using only the finest materials and components. This attention to detail is evident in the sound and feel of each instrument, which are known for their rich, resonant tone and smooth, effortless playability.

Warwick offers a wide range of bass guitar models to suit every player's needs and preferences. The company's signature series includes models designed in collaboration with famous bassists such as Bootsy Collins and Adam Clayton, while their RockBass line offers more affordable options for players on a budget.

Warwick also offers a range of custom options, allowing players to choose their own woods, finishes, and other details to create a truly unique instrument. This level of customization is rare in the bass guitar industry and demonstrates Warwick's commitment to meeting the needs of every player.

Overall, Warwick Basses is a highly respected and innovative bass guitar manufacturer with a long history of producing quality instruments. Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and superior materials has helped to establish them as one of the top brands in the industry, and their wide range of models and custom options ensures that there's a Warwick bass out there for every player.

- Markneukirchen is a picturesque town located in the Vogtland district of the German state of Saxony. Known for its long history of instrument making, Markneukirchen has become a hub for musicians and music enthusiasts from all over the world.

The town's history of instrument making can be traced back to the 17th century, when local craftsmen began producing violins and other stringed instruments. Over the years, the industry has grown and expanded to include a wide range of instruments, from brass and woodwind to guitars and basses.

Today, Markneukirchen is home to a thriving community of instrument makers and musicians. The town's streets are lined with shops and workshops where visitors can see firsthand the process of crafting these beautiful and intricate instruments. The town is also home to a number of museums dedicated to the history of instrument making, including the Musikinstrumenten-Museum Markneukirchen, which features an impressive collection of antique and modern instruments.

One of the most notable aspects of Markneukirchen's instrument making industry is the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each instrument. Many of the town's instrument makers are trained in traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each instrument is made with the same level of care and expertise as those that came before.

In addition to its musical heritage, Markneukirchen is also a beautiful town with a rich cultural history. The town's picturesque streets and historic buildings make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Visitors can explore the town's many shops and restaurants, sample the local cuisine, and take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside.
For music enthusiasts, Markneukirchen is a must-visit destination. The town's annual International Instrumental Competition draws musicians from around the world, while the Markneukirchen International Music Festival features a wide range of concerts and performances showcasing the talents of both local and international musicians.

Overall, Markneukirchen is a town with a rich and vibrant cultural heritage that continues to thrive today. Its history of instrument making has helped to establish it as a hub for musicians and music lovers from all over the world, and its picturesque setting and rich cultural offerings make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region.