Framus Blue Label Strings Set 09-74

for the longest time, a lot of bigger companies just didn?t get the balance of their string gauges correct for 8 strings guitars with a 27" plus scale length, and finding a balanced set was almost impossible without having to just make up your own. I would say this particular set is pretty much perfectly balanced for keeping an 8 string set up in standard tuning (I use the 74 as a low E), and at a non-ridiculous price point, like some other brands.

Pros

- The pricing on these is fair for what you get
- String gauges are balanced, and so won't leave you in a scenario where you have super heavy strings on the high end, and flubby low strings (Exactly what Earnie Ball used to put out).
- The low string is tapered to allow it to pass through a standard sized tuner, which is an issue that anyone who's ever put a .80 bass string on their 8 string will be all too familiar with.

Cons

- There really is nothing to criticise about this product. They do the job adequately and sound as bright and balanced as any other string I've ever used.

Who are these for?

I recommend these to anyone looking to tune their 27" scale length 8 string to standard tuning. With the high string only being a .9, I wouldn?t recommend tuning these down, even on a slightly extended scale length.

I've been using these for about a week now and given the choice, I'd still pick these versus more established brand of string.

Great price for a budget set for your 8 string guitar.
A bit slinky so maybe not the best choice if you drop tune to E, but if you have a lighter touch (or are not djent-obsessed) then these will do. I actually like and want the bwoaow sound sometimes though, and can play these perfectly fine with a light touch when needed.
Much better than factory strings anyway (which is why I got them), but I will stick on some Daddarios or EB's once these are dead.

After several months of testing I can definitely say you can't compare the quality of these strings to the big brands. Yes, this set has a good balance which is not present (yet) with other (big) brands. However, you can feel that the quality is not quite there - the strings feels sloppy and on the non-wound I could see residues or rust, not sure.

For experimenting with 7 string tunings it is worthwhile considering these strings. For long-term use I wouldn't recommend them though.