Thomastik IN345 Superalloy

I first used the IN345s on a Spector NS-5, but I wasn't completely convinced. On that bass I was probably looking for a more aggressive and brighter sound.

Then I tried them on a Fender Jazz Bass and on my Fender MonoNeon Jazz Bass V, and that's where I really started to love them.

The feel of the Superalloy strings on these basses is amazing to me. They feel very smooth under the fingers, almost like a good nickel string, but at the same time they retain a modern, clear and very well-balanced tone.

What I particularly like is the balance between warmth and definition. They are not excessively bright or metallic, but they still have enough attack and clarity to keep every note well defined. The low B is controlled and articulate, while the higher strings remain full and musical rather than thin.

For me, they work especially well on a fully passive Jazz Bass. I particularly like the sound with the bridge pickup dominant: focused, defined and slightly growly, but never harsh. Fingerstyle sounds smooth and detailed, and they also respond very naturally to dynamics.

I think these strings are ideal if you want something smoother and more refined than a typical stainless-steel set, but still more modern and defined than traditional warm nickel strings.

They might not be my first choice for a bass where I want a very aggressive, cutting tone, but on my passive Jazz Basses they have become one of my favourite sets.

I will definitely keep using them.