What brands of strings and hammers do you recommend? (was dough...prices)

[Stephen Airy]

I would like to know what brands of bass strings, tuning pins, treble
wire, and hammers you all would recommend.  I have something in the
ballpark of $500 to $525 to spend.  I would be willing to wait a little
on the hammers in order to get better strings.  However, most of the
hammers are badly worn, with some hammers in the bass section having
grooves as deep as the strings are thick.  Also, what are the prices of
those brands?  I've heard people complain about Mapes, but I've heard
good things about Arledge bass strings.  It also seems Sanderson makes
strings, and (I forget, is it Abel or Isaac something?).  The brands of
hammers I would be considering would probably be Renner or Ronsen.  I
haven't heard enough about Abel to make a judgment.
-- 
  Stephen Airy
  stephenairy@fastmail.fm

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