The .045 to .125 light gauge 2678 Blue Steel Bass Guitar Strings from Dean Markley are made of stainless steel, making them stronger than normal nickel-steel strings. Each guitar string is wrapped at the end with nylon thread to keep its outer winding from unraveling. During production, Blue Steel strings are cryogenically frozen down to -320°F with a blast of liquid nitrogen in order to tighten the molecules, minimizing microscopic gaps. This process is designed to create a guitar string more consistent, more durable, and that stays in tune longer than conventional strings. The treatment also results in greater sustain and louder, more versatile tone.