Roscoe and DR Black Beauties..Floppy B ..??

LightGroove · #1 11-24-2010, 03:09 PM

Hey guys,

Sorry for the OT post but love the input in these parts.

Decided to try out some coated strings on my new Roscoe and opted for the oh so popular Black beauties. Im switching from a basic set of Daddario XL's. After getting everything installed and tuned up I immediately noticed a difference in tension on the B string. Its very floppy and more prone to fret buzz right now...Is this just a string variation or can I do something to tweak things a bit better.

Thanks
M

**Bipslapper** · #2 11-24-2010, 03:19 PM

I concur. I had them on my Roscoe Century Standard and agree the B felt floppy. I also didn't like the way they felt on my ring finger, even compared to D'ads and SIT Nickels and DR SS.

eo. · #3 11-24-2010, 07:32 PM

I know the BB's are a crowd favorite here but I found them too floppy as a whole and actually broke one (the first string I've broken in year FWIW).

RocketMusic · #4 11-24-2010, 09:35 PM

Cameron has been using Black Beauties on his 4 string recently, and he was having the opposite problem - the string tension was pretty brutal on his 34" P-bass, they were super tight...

We broke out the calipers, and his G string measured .057" or .058". This was supposed to be a .045", and they say the coating adds .003" all the way around (.045 + .006 = .051"). So Cam's got an extra .005-.006 on there, which is the difference between a .045 and .050 G string. Pretty substantial!

I'm not sure if it's a mistake (a mislabelled pack or whatever), or if their thickness tolerance isn't off a bit...

Meh, give me my SITs

ubone · #5 11-24-2010, 09:57 PM

I have to agree there Greg.. I'm sticking with my SIT Power Steel Stainless round wounds, On both my fretted and fretless SKB 3006's. Coated strings my @ss....

Heh heh heh heh.....

Gard · #6 11-25-2010, 06:14 AM

...Steve, something needs to coat that ugly @$$ of yours...and while they're at it, just get it all...

...I've been using the BB's since they were in beta testing, and NEVER had an issue with either "floppiness" or too much tension. Then again, you will tend to get used to what you're used to...

LightGroove · #7 11-25-2010, 06:46 AM

Unfortunately I think Ive been blessed with acid hands so trying the coated route for a change . Not entirely sure but I can clearly tell where Ive played even a few hours after Im done even on a new set...almost like an instant tarnish..

I let the bass sit and settle in and its def. a tension change more than anything. I guess I can either bump the B back up or play with a lighter touch.

**Ryan L.** · #8 11-25-2010, 07:18 AM

Hmmm.

I've been using Black Beauties on several basses over the past few years (a Roscoe SKB3006, Fender Am.Standard Jazz and Precision 5's, Warwick SSI 5, Warwick SSII 5, and my 2 current Roscoes).

I haven't had any issues with the B's being floppy on any of them.

In fact, they seem to be some of the more "balanced" strings that I've used, both in terms of feel and sound.

**Bipslapper** · #9 11-25-2010, 07:22 AM

When I would slide up or down the neck on on my BB's (with the Century Standard) I would feel resistance, or too much friction for lack of a better term. Granted I have only used them on that one bass and didn't care for them.

Variety is the spice of life!

**Ryan L.** · #10 11-25-2010, 07:34 AM

The only time I have an issue with that resistance is at the beginning of "Rollercoaster" by the RHCP---doing those 5 slides in a row right before the song kicks. I am pretty sure if there was another slide or two involved, I would start something on fire.

**Bipslapper** · #11 11-25-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan L.

The only time I have an issue with that resistance is at the beginning of "Rollercoaster" by the RHCP---doing those 5 slides in a row right before the song kicks. I am pretty sure if there was another slide or two involved, I would start something on fire.

Exactly! My fingers actually hurt. My latest band does that song too - love the Fender Strat funkyness!

For that reason, I don't think I would like BBs on my fretless, but many players use them with no issue, so go figure.

LilRay · #12 11-25-2010, 07:35 PM

Does the new coating stick like the older stuff, or did they improve it?

I'd like to try a set of the Blue DR's just for kicks, but I don't wanna slow myself down any. If I go any slower, slugs will point and laugh.

God Bless, Ray

VroomVroom · #13 11-27-2010, 10:41 PM

Posting a a bit late....sorry about that.

If I understand DR's product line correctly, the coated strings have the round core...which is shared with Hi Beams, Fatbeams, and Sunbeams. I am absolutely in love with Sunbeams - they've become my favorite string. Except on the Roscoes, where they all feel a bit too loose and floppy. Accordingly, I'm back in the hunt for the perfect string on these instruments.

I have ordered a set of nickel Lo-Riders. Word has it their hex core makes for a more taught feel, while the sound is similar (if not identical) to the Sunbeams. We'll see...