La Bella Has Over 400 Years of String Making Experience The tradition of string making dates back to the 1640s in Salle, Italy, where the Mari family supplied gut strings to the famous violin builders of Cremona. In 1913, brothers Olinto & Emilio Mari arrived in New York bringing their family craft to the States. Over the years, the brothers shaped the landscape of the string industry with their innovative designs. Every set is manufactured using a perfect combination of traditional methods and latest technologies to produce a superior string. SS40 Super Steps - Extra Light 40-95 Over the past two decades, the electric bass has shifted from the rhythm section to center stage as bassists have assumed the soloist's role. Company President, Richard Mari Cocco, Jr. has worked closely with many of these world-renowned bass players to develop the unique design of SUPER STEPS. This product line has an exposed core at the bridge, which brings out the high overtone content of each note. This product line has an exposed core at the bridge which brings out the high overtone content of each note. This design maintains an exceptionally quick response with a clear Stainless Steel Round Wound Exposed Core / Step Winding Tension: Extra Light String Gauges: .040, .060, .075, .095 Made in the USA with American Wire