The AXE Files

My guitar tech Brian Hill of Bubble Up Guitars told me he had a new set of strings for me to try. He put a set of Blue Magic Rock Max Output strings on my Strat. I have tried all the major brands of strings and have struggled to find something that feels and sounds perfect. Until now! This set of strings lasted almost 20 shows!!! They were still holding a tune; the tone was still amazing, and I didn’t break a single string! I will now ONLY use Blue Magic strings on ALL my guitars!

Jake is a young rocker out of the Orlando area by way of Nashville, TN where he has played tons of shows on Broadway, at The Ryman Auditorium and the Bridgestone Arena. His band Driven is taking Florida by storm and quickly becoming one of the top sought after bands in Central Florida!

Damn! I decided to give the Sonorous Bass Strings a try because of how everyone is raving about Blue Magic guitar strings. I’ve been using the same string company for almost 30 years and swore I would use nothing else…………until now!

Great feel, output, punchy, clean and REALLY last! I get nothing but compliments on my tone, especially from the band members. I’m hooked! These are the only strings I will ever use from now on. Do yourself a favor, get a set! You won’t regret it!!

Bassist for The Jerry Outlaw Group / Bad Boy Elroy / Session Player / Hired Gun.

Pete is a man of few words and lets his actions speak for themselves.

I’ve played a lot of strings over the years. These are truly one of a kind. No other string deliver the feel, tone, longevity and vibe like Blue Magic

Brighter, Stronger & longest lasting string on the market ! We play in excess of 170 shows a year & the entire band has converted to Blue Magic guitar & bass strings.

Our sound is organic, Guitar + Cable + Tube Amp & nothing in between. We keep the brilliance of Blue Magic Strings IN YOUR FACE !

Long Story

We have all heard or read the hype every time we try a new brand of bass strings and typically settle for one brand for whatever reason. A lot of manufactures make strings that sound good right out of the pack. In my experience they either quickly go dead or have tuning stability issues. I play indoors and outdoors in the heat and string longevity and tuning stability has always been a problem for me.

I received and installed a set of Blue Magic bass strings about 8 weeks ago on the recommendation of a friend. Initially they felt and sounded fantastic on my Spector, like any high end nickel round wound. Smooth and bright with no harshness and a mid-focus that finds a great spot in the mix. For the first few shows I noticed great sound and fantastic tuning stability song to song. During the next 10 shows I kept waiting for them to sound dead at sound check and it never happened. I am now 20 shows and 1 week of recording in with the same set and they still sound incredible and stay in tune. The search is over, these are my strings.

Short Story

Killer brilliant tone without harshness and smooth feel. 20 shows in and they still have the same brilliant tone and superior tuning stability. The search is over, these are my strings. The best sounding and longest lasting bass strings I have ever used.

I take a minimalistic approach to my guitar sound, relying solely on a well-crafted guitar and a tube amp with nearly no effects.

With such an unforgiving signal chain, I endeavor to incorporate only the best components contributing to my sound. That all starts with the right strings.

Blue Magic strings have quickly become a notable element of what I consider to be an inspiring tone and feel.

Blue Magic strings feel great, their sound is balanced, and they can be simultaneously warm and clear. They last 2-3x longer than other brands I have used for decades.

I absolutely love the Vintage sets and am very excited to be amongst the early adopters of a string company that, in my opinion, may set a new standard others will strive to meet.

They say the tone is all in the fingers but it is not 100% true! Playing these strings being a proprietary blend, has a more articulate tone and feel! The tone doesn’t run out after a few sessions like other strings do!

Blue Magic strings to me are the top tier strings in the business! Typically I would change strings every 3-5 shows, but with Blue Magic strings, I can get a solid 2 months out of them before I need to change them! They can handle humidity, blood, sweat, aggressive playing and are unbreakable!

I have always been known for being a chronic whammy bar abuser. I really put strings through a serious workout with my Floyd Rose vibrato system on my early 80s Kramer Pacer guitars. I’ve had these Blue Magic Strings on here a while now and I must say, these things are amazing!!! I bend and stretch my strings like a crazy person and no matter how much I do it, they snap right back in perfect tune every time.

It’s like these strings were made for my Floyd Rose. They feel and sound like brand new slippery, shiny strings every day!! I’m a Blue Magic Strings man from now on!!

Jerry Outlaw has been an active part of the Tampa Bay music scene since 1984. He has performed many different types of music all over the world with groups like The Genitorturers, Bogus Pomp, Jon Oliva’s Pain and currently The Jerry Outlaw Group.

I play 3 different string instruments, bass, electric and acoustic guitar. I use  Blue Magic strings on all my instruments and they don’t disappoint!

They are reliable, long-lasting, and have a brilliant sound that goes perfectly with my heavy metal style. The electric guitar I use has a Floyd Rose and I use the whammy bar a lot, so the strings must stay tuned under more tension than the regular strings, and the Blue Magic Strings are ideal for my style. 

NOTES:

For almost 30 years, lead guitarist, arranger and composer of the Cuban Rock band Tendencia, one of the most important bands on the metal scene in Latin American. With an extensive discography and countless European tours and throughout the American continent, his music Groove Metal with Afro-Latin percussion has given him an international recognition, based in the USA (Tampa) he continues his concerts in the area and has been invited to important festivals in Florida. Tendencia has shared the scene with high-level bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Body Count, Hatebreed, Madball, Soulfly, Judas Priest, Ditte Whal, Parkway Drive, Crowbar, COR, God Dethroned, and Apocalyptic, Cradle of Filth among others. 

Bassist Chris Ryals has had the opportunity to play all over the US as well as a few stops in England and China since he started performing in the late eighties. Some of the past bands include The Toads, Groovy Cool (aka Butch Ryan), and Edge of Red to name a few. You can currently catch him in either of the Blue Magic powered bands The Supply Chain or Live Without A Net.

Here is what Chris had to say about Blue Magic Strings:

“I’ve played nothing but Rotosound since the mid 80’s. But from the first touch on these Blue Magic Bass Strings I was immediately drawn in by the tone and feel. Ten gigs later and I’m still hooked and even more impressed by the longevity of the tone. I’m looking forward to using these on all of my basses from now on.”

As a songwriting guitarist, I need strings that allow me the nuance to say the things there are no words for. These strings are about TONE and FEEL, giving me more performance creatively than any other string ever.

Blue Magic Bass strings have won my heart! Being a pic player 90% of my playing, I am very conscious of the tone my strings produce and have been loyal to the coated strings until now. I put these strings to the ultimate test in a live performance that received an unbelievably positive response from the crew to the audience. My tone cut through, had a bite, and inspired me to play my best as I got an incredible action, tone, and feel. You got to try these strings!

Musician/ bassist for In The Light of Led Zeppelin and Led Zep Live

I’ve recently tried some new strings called Blue Magic Music. The tone and playability is amazing! A lot of strings after a few shows tend to lose the zang, not these.  If you’re looking for some great strings, give them a try, you’ll love them!

I’ve been chasing tones for over 35 years in genres ranging from rock to metal to jazz. Maintaining a daily practice regimen can be tough, but Blue Magic Strings makes it easy to deliver the goods day and night. They stay in tune, help unleash your tone, and can withstand the stress of a regular gig schedule without the worry of breaking strings. You will simply notice the difference and experience world-class customer service when using Blue Magic Strings.

I’m better known for my vocals, but I’m passionate about playing guitar. Blue Magic strings are the best I’ve ever played! When I saw all the incredible guitarists using Blue Magic, I had to try them. Needless to say, I won’t be going back to those inferior strings!

I’m all about these Blue Magic Sonorous bass strings. Now that I’ve had them on my main axe for a significant amount of time, I can truly attest to their resiliency and tone on live gigs, and I can’t wait to use them on my upcoming recordings.

Blue Magic are the best strings I have ever played. No joke, I cannot usually tell a difference between brands. These just sound BETTER…I can’t even really explain it!!

Through the mud, the blood and the beer and everything I put them through Blue Magic Strings always stand strong! If you’re looking for strength, dependability and of course long lasting tone these are the strings for you!

As a guitarist, I find myself replacing strings regularly. Blue Magic Strings changed the game for me entirely. From their beautiful tone to their long-lasting durability, they always stay in tune. These are the best sounding strings I’ve ever played on a six string.

I’ve been playing guitar for over 45 years, and gigged the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years in various bands. Since 2020, I had been doing mainly fill-ins for several bands in the Tampa Bay area until moving to Virginia in mid 2022.
I’m currently in the Tampa-based Judas Priest tribute band, The Priest, but moved outside of the Richmond, VA area in August 2022 and joined the Judas Priest tribute, Priest Unleashed. So, Yes, I am currently in 2 Judas Priest tributes! As well as joining a local well known cover band, Sweet Justice.

I was in Tampa Bay for a gig last September and was in need of some strings at rehearsal, so the other guitarist threw me a pack of his Blue Magic strings. I’ve been a life-long EB strings user, but I absolutely loved these! They remained on my guitar for that show, and several rehearsals afterwards. I’m a heavy trem user, and these stay in tune and handle the stretch very well. Will be staying with Blue Magic from here on out.

I heard about Blue Magic Strings through the local “musician’s grapevine.” As one who is always looking to improve my tone and sound, I recently took the plunge and put a set of Blue Magic’s Sonorous Bass strings on each of the three basses I use to play live in the various classic rock tribute bands I work with.

To say the difference in tone was immediately noticeable would be a drastic understatement! These strings have a sonic character and vibe very different to the old stand-by brands I have been using forever. While sitting in my studio running scales and exercises, I heard the air on top, growly beef in the middle and a punchy tight low end that seemed to be a few notches above the sound I was used to.

I couldn’t wait to try them out onstage, and when I did, it wasn’t just me that noticed how great these strings sound. I had many comments from my bandmates… your bass sounds incredible tonight…did you get a new amp?…THAT sounded great…have you been practicing? Audience members and musicians I know that happened to be in the audience those first few nights using the Blue Magic strings also commented on the punch, clarity and cojones of the sound of the bass.

Suffice to say that I have found my new bass strings for life!

Welcome to the Drag Line. One is going to win and one is going to lose, my money is always on Blue Magic strings.

They are the only guitar strings that come with 6 Superchargers built into them!!!’

Blue Magic is guaranteed everlasting tone with never ending relentless defeat to the competition!!! Blue Magic Strings have changed the way I play and have the endless horsepower and tone necessary to blow the competition away. Feel the power, stay in tune, night after night.

Singer/Guitar Slinger for Sixgun Republic – Lead guitar session studio musician for countless other Punk rock Legends!

I’ve been playing bass for 28 years, and I was always reluctant to change strings because I hate the harshness of high notes on new strings. I want my high to cut through, but be mellow at the same time. I also hate the string whistle associated with new strings. So I typically only changed them when I had to. I never developed any brand loyalty to strings either, I went by whatever was in stock, or cheapest. A few months ago, a friend told me about these Blue Magic strings and I decided to give them a try. I play outside, in Florida, in the summer, at mostly waterfront venues. Sweat, humidity, salt air. All things bad for strings. These strings take it like a champ. They are smooth and mellow but still have a huge bottom end when you need it. They stay in tune. I used to recheck tuning in between every song. Now I don’t even think about it. They’re always where they need to be. I play fingerstyle and play very aggressively, many times, literally beating the strings against the fretboard. I am as hard on them as I can be. They’ve never let me down. I am a Blue Magic fan for life!

Having played guitar for over 50 years and being a blues artist, the four most important things I look for in a set of strings are tone, reliability, endurance and balanced sound. I have finally found the strings that deliver all four of those: Blue Magic Rock Strings. These strings give me great tone, stay in tune and last longer than any other strings I’ve ever played.  And they have great balance in their sound. These strings are truly amazing.

For decades Ive been searching for bass strings that have a growling, thunderous bottom end with a crisp and cutting high end. Playing in Florida, they also need to withstand the heat and humidity. Blue Magic Sonorous bass strings have all of those qualities – in a huge way. Never again will I have to compromise.

Blue Magic Strings have finally solved the tonal matrix for me! As a touring/session guitarist who puts strings through strenuous playing, sweat, humidity, and various environments, I needed strings that could achieve my tonal landscape while maintaining clarity without sacrificing durability. These are the strings to do it!

With the Rock Set (10-46 gauge), I’m able to get tones that I never thought were imaginable with my telecaster style guitar. I’m able to get a “spanky” high end that isn’t harsh, a controlled mid-range with plenty of bark, and a tight low end response that maintains a consistent EQ amongst all the strings.

For guitarists that rely on durability with the best consistent tones…look no further…Blue Magic Strings have solved the matrix and I’m proud to endorse them!

As a bassist who plays in multiple bands in very different genres, I am always on the lookout for strings that will hold up under many different playing conditions and support my style of playing. I can say I’ve finally found exactly what I was looking for….they tune up quick and stay in tune…they’re responsive and just sound flat out amazing no matter what style of music I’m playing. Whether it’s country, rock, or top 40 these strings give me exactly what I need as a performer and the gauges on the 5 string set are FIRE! If you’re a working bassist or a “weekend warrior” you NEED these strings! Proud to endorse Blue Magic!

I discovered Blue Magic Strings while recording my album “Nasty Crime.” Producer, Master Engineer and great audiophile George Harris was using them all of his dozens of guitars and as I was laying down tracks with some of his axes, I commented on the playability and great tone I was getting; he then introduced me to Blue Magic Strings and handed me a pack to try.

I put them on my guitar and put the strings through their paces at a show that night and was hooked. They not only sounded great but stayed in tune during a long night of big bends. I went out bought them for all my guitars. I am a tone fanatic and have tried just about every string out there.

For durability, playability and classic rock tone nothing beats Blue Magic.

I’ve been using a well-known string brand since I began playing in bands over four decades ago. Occasionally I would try the latest trendy brand and invariably be disappointed, returning to my “tried and true” and vowing to never again buy into “string hype.”

So I was beyond skeptical when heard about Blue Magic. I assumed if they had feel, they’d lack tone… or if they had high output, they’d sound fizzy/blurry.

I WAS WRONG ON EVERY COUNT! Not only do they sound great (which honestly is the only real consideration), they hold their tone TWO TO THREE TIMES LONGER, which means they’re actually less expensive than my “cheaper” brand. I’m sold!

These are the best strings I’ve ever played!!

These strings have a tight low end that is perfect for the fast rhythms that I love. Also there is no sign of deterioration at all after one month!

I am blown away with how long these strings hold their tone and stay in tune. One of the first things that happens as strings age is the intonation goes out and some strings begin to sound dull. The fact that they’ve been on my guitar for over 3 months and I just played them again last night and they literally sound and play the same as new is incredible.

Normally, I get really nervous about playing a guitar that has strings that are 3 weeks old, much less 3 months. I’ve lost count of how many gigs I’ve played with this guitar with THAT same set of strings. I actually didn’t even think about it. Wasn’t worried about breaking a string or anything. These are magic strings indeed.

Love em! I am completely satisfied. Best strings I have played yet.

These strings are awesome! Even output from all strings. Smooth feel on the fingers; Very responsive to touch..

Dig in, and they growl without being too harsh..
Lighten up the touch and you get a smooth and deep bass tone..
Once they settled in, stayed in tune damn good..

Especially on the RIC.It tends to be a bit more trebly.
Those strings give me more bottom end than any of the others I’ve used

What I have found with Blue Magic Strings is the gig to gig consistency that I’ve ALWAYS searched for….They FEEL good every night, They RESPOND well every night, They are DYNAMIC every night…. AND they hold tune….EVERY night, no matter what the Florida weather has thrown at them. Thank You Robert for directing your years of gigging/playing experience into being a part of Blue Magic Strings and ALSO for having the insight to throw them out there to FIRE test them with some of the best local talent/STRING critics out there…. BRAVO!!!!!”

If it’s tone that you love and maximum durability ..and that nice bouncy feel to shake them booties on the dance floor all night…Blue Magic Bass strings are what you need… I Love These Strings…….Feel the difference!!!!!!

Blue Magic Strings to me feel like the tone and feel of a bygone era. They are smooth and long lasting and really deliver the goods. Very proud to personally endorse these. They are truly a superior string!

About Jon:
Originally from Connecticut where he played with many New England Rhythm and Blues bands, he’s been a blues guitarist for 53 years. He says he owes a huge debt to BB King, Matt Murphy and a score of other blues guitarists as over the years he’s opened many shows for these Chicago and Texas legends. Jn has been working in music retail and wholesale companies, and has the perspective of seeing the music world from all sides.

He moved to Florida in 1990, and continues to play blues, and has accepted several US and European blues tours with the late harmonica legend Rock Bottom. Currently, he is working with TBone Hamilton and The Blues Allstars.

Blue Magic strings have a feel and tonality like no other strings I have used. These guys got it right! They ARE addictive!

Blue magic Rock 9.5 are by far the absolute best strings I’ve ever used. Playing 3-4 nights per week all over Central Florida, I need strings that hold their tone, stay in tune and last as long as possible. These strings are bold, toneful, stable, bright yet articulated across the fretboard. They stay in tune flawlessly Night after night of shredding abuse. They really shine on the clean tones offering chiming highs and warm lows. I highly recommend these strings to players of all levels.

For the first time in 40 years of playing I have found a string that keeps its bright vibrant tone along with their ability to stay in tune during a night of my endless assaults. Easy strumming to hardcore attack, performance after performance Blue Magic delivers.

I’ve played many strings before, but these absolutely rock! After being introduced to these I can gladly say all my guitars will have them. Endurance and tone is important especially since I play 5-6 nights a week. I would suggest them to anyone. You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve been playing the club circuit for well over 30 years. Done my fair share of live shows, touring, recordings and studio work. I know what to expect from guitar strings. I’ve used just about every brand of strings at one point or another. What I love about Blue Magic strings is what every other professional musician is looking for. Quality, endurance and tuning stability. I gotta say that once I stretch them out and get them tuned up, they stay in tune, feel great and most importantly sound great song after song. Would highly recommend them to any level musician whether beginner to professional.

“I’ve been using a major brand of strings for many years now. At least until a friend recommended Blue Magic strings. I strung a few guitars in my studio with them.
WOW! And the Angels did sing!! simply the best tone of any string I’ve ever played! It’s amazing how long they last without a coating on them…and there in lies the difference….Pure, Unadulterated Tone…..
Fantastic! I just love um!”

What I like about Blue Magic strings: First of all durability. That’s very important to me because of the large amount of shows I play. I need reliable strings I can shred on for a few hours and not have to worry about breaking them.

Second, the tuning. After I put them onto my Gibson V I stretched them for a few minutes like I always do and played a whole first set with my DIO tribute band LADY EVIL and barely had to retune at all. Very impressive. And lastly the sound of course. They’re on the brilliant side which I like and the music I play kinda requires clear and brilliant sound. So it’s the perfect string and work material for me in my bands : LADY EVIL, DEN OF THIEVES, THE PRIEST, KICKHUNTER (new album coming soon) and BAD BOY ELROY.

Tone for Months! Literally! The future of Blue Magic Strings should be loud and proud! They are doing something quite unique, I think people will be amazed and want to know the secret!

Somebody finally raised the bar in guitar strings!!!! I’ve never had strings last this long after so much abuse!
I’ve tried to break these strings intentionally, and they won’t break…Not only that….but they hold their tone and vibrance unlike any string I’ve ever played…..absolutely Amazing!!!!! So much better than the top market string I’ve been playing for decades…..

Gary Schutt Band
Mr. Bella
Den of Thieves
Hairdaze
Live Without a Net

“Sexy as Fuck”

I have used a lot of strings and have always gone with a heavy bottom and lite top for years. These strings fell into my lap and I love them. I have been using the 11to 48 gauge due to our lower and alternate tunings. Great ring and tone, last a long time and are great at staying true and in tune.
Now with the capability of getting a custom set made to my 10-52 gauge, I look forward to using them on all my guitars from now on.

I would put these up against any of the big brands all day long, including premiums. Grab a pair and enjoy the sexy tones they give you!

As a master recording engineer and producer, with many years of studio experience, I have had my hands in the music industry since I was a kid from playing, all the way to recording many great acts. Cheap Trick, Rick Derringer, Brian Johnson of AC/DC as well as many other well known acts. My passion for playing music mixes right in to be the best producer and engineer for your next record or session. I have also been the lead guitarist and one of the songwriters for many bands, including Soup Bone and The Greg Billings Band.

With this experience, I have learned much about recording, tone and playing. I was fortunate to be included in the early stages of testing for Blue Magic Strings. I’ve never played a string that has the tone, the feel or the longevity of these strings. I can literally keep a set on a guitar for months, whether I play it daily or not and yet it still sounds fresh and new with vibrance. If you care about your sound at all, I highly recommend these strings, whether you are a beginner or a professional player…..when you sound better, you will play better.

“I teach guitar 5 days a week, almost 6 hours a day. Play out nearly 4 nights a week, have been doing this for ages. I’ve played one of the top brand strings for almost 25 years now. For over two weeks, I have put the Blue Magic Rock Formula to the test. Two guitars, same schedule….same two sets of strings. I would have had to change strings 2 or 3 times already with the previous brand. These strings still sound brand new.

Beyond that though, the texture, the feel is absolutely amazing and the tone….you simply have to feel and hear them to believe it. I may never play another brand of strings again.”

Blue Magic strings is the final addition to my playing that I have spent a lifetime looking for. Sometimes overlooked, the sounds of the strings we use is a huge percentage of the overall guitar sound and these are by far the best sounding strings I have ever heard.
When I broke a couple strings and quickly replaced them with Blue Magics, the difference was staggering to say the least!! The standard well known strings sounded shrilly and not warm at all, what a difference.  They easily last 2-3 times as long as the top tier manufacturers.
I would HIGHLY recommend these strings to any player serious about their tone.

_________________

Johnnie performs on the release (Guitar Wizards Vol 1&2) and (Guitar Wizards Vol 3&4) Featuring Johnnie along with such guitar virtuosos as Jake E Lee, George Lynch, Bruce Kulick, Chris Poland and many other guitar masters.

Johnnie’s new project, FOLK HEALER released their self-titled debut album in 2020. The full-length album features 11 tracks of hard rock, mixed by George Harris at Creative World Recording (Florida, USA) and mastered by Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios (Denmark).

“George and I have been using this string formula for some time with the Greg Billings Band.  Amazing feel, tone, and durability that far exceeds what I’ve found in any other string.  I won’t play anything else!”

I only use Blue Magic Strings. I finally found the strings with the tone that before I could only hope for….The Blue Magic Vintage sets are a must if you want those wonderful melodic overtones from strings with comfortable tension.  This formula is perfect.

About Me:
I was the President of Tone Fest from 2001 to 2008, and a guitar and amp junkie.  There’s just no hiding the fact.  And I have a particular penchant for old vintage gear, probably because it was “the stuff” when I was young.  I’m convinced they haven’t been able to improve on the original classics: the Stratocaster, Les Paul, Telecaster, ES-335…(you see where my head’s at).