Pyramid 7 String Bass Set SSSL 022-128

I bought this 7 string bass set for the first time after having heard many positive evaluations of Pyramid as a renowned bass string manufacturer. I must say that this string set is great - even if I am not a stainless steel string fan but more to the nickel plated string type. Apart from that the string set is fantastic and the set has very usable string dimensions for a regular 7 string bass configuration and the .022 F-string is wound (not plain) and the F-string appears quite strong when tuning it up to high F and feels firm and stable when playing.

I have tried several 7 string bass sets and the Pyramid 7 string sets has all I want: the right string dimensions from low B and up to the .022 F-string. It fits 35" scale basses and the strings are non tapered, including the Low B.

Please note that the string length of all strings are not too long (for 35" scaled basses) so you do not need to cut them before putting them onto the bass, except the low E and low B string.

Please also note that Thomann has a wide selection of single bass strings from Pyramid so that you can customize you setup.

The price reflects the quality 1:1 and this string set is top notch.

I have been using Pyramid SSSL .022w-.128 in a variety of musical settings for a while now and so far I am thoroughly impressed. A great starting point for creating a variety of finger-style or pick tones, these strings are chameleon-like, working well for any tone you have in mind. Some simple shaping from your controls will yield anything from waves of sub-driven synth-like bass, to an authentic aggressive metal tone.

===== FIRST IMPRESSIONS =====
The first thing I noticed was that, fresh out of the pack, these stainless steel Pyramid's are harmonically rich and very bright while still maintaining an open and natural sound in the rest of the spectrum. That richness helps them to deliver focused bass and a balanced, euphonic mid-range. Chords sound balanced, with all the strings producing an even volume. Even a full 7-string chord translates surprisingly well.

===== TENSION & FEEL =====
On a 35" scale bass they are reasonably pliant. Fretting in 1st position is easier than with some other brands and doesn't feel like a wrestling match between you and the string. I personally would like 5-10% more flexibility, but am willing to adjust due to the high-quality sound these Pyramids produce.

They also respond well to altered tunings. Tuned down a whole step they still sound solid. And at this tension it feels like playing a guitar with .009's. And a .128 that will produce an A0 (27.5Hz) cleanly impresses the hell out of me. With a correct installation they hold their tuning very well over the course of an hour.

===== DUTY CYCLE =====
I practice for a few hours a day, rehearse 2-3 times a week and gig regularly. By the end of 1 month they are starting to sound noticeably dull, and in altered tunings begin to lose some clarity in the bass. By 2 months, they sound like a high-quality but dead string set.

===== THE .022w 1st STRING =====
This was the deal breaker for me. Having tried other sets with a plain 1st string, I can say that having the 1st string wound makes a large difference. Instead of the timbre suddenly becoming brittle, piercing and generally unpleasant for just one string, a wound .022 slots in nicely with the other six. Additionally, it has proven to be quite robust. This is good because you only get one per set. But I have not, in spite of my best efforts, managed to break a single one!

===== SUMMARY =====
In summary, I can confidently recommend these strings to anyone looking for a quality set of articulate, reliable strings with a balanced timbre.