to all you cool guys who use DR strings

[whereeaglesdare]

I'm thinking about trying the Sunbeams but before I do i was hoping to learn a little bit about them to make sure they are what i want to try. I'd love to know how stiff are they? Are they on the stiff side like Lo-Riders, or are they more like Hi-Beams? how's the sound? I know the best way to find out is to try them and i plan on it, i just wanna get a little info on them first before i order them ya know? thanks for your help

[Rockman]

They are basically the nickel version of Hi-Beams, same build on a round core. After putting a set on right after high beams i can say they have a nearly identical feel. They obviously have a mellowing tone that I really like, dont have the same snapcracklepop that hibeams do.

[whereeaglesdare]

thank you for your input. does the tone of any particular bassists come to mind when you think of the sunbeams? like, how similar would you say it sounds to john myung's tone, or david ellefson? (and yeah i know that you'd need to take into consideration their amp settings and stuff, but just a rough guess would do :P)

[UBU]

Sunbeams are a round core, nickle string. I love the feel of these strings...very low tension, and a smooth/soft feel. GREAT strings imo.

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by whereeaglesdare

thank you for your input. does the tone of any particular bassists come to mind when you think of the sunbeams? like, how similar would you say it sounds to john myung's tone, or david ellefson? (and yeah i know that you'd need to take into consideration their amp settings and stuff, but just a rough guess would do :P)

Not at all like either of those guys. You named two bassists who im pretty sure use ss strings by their tone. Its more of an old school jazzy type tone than a bright rock/metal tone. If your looking to sound like them id look for a different string.

[ishouldbeking]

I have a set of sunbeams on my stingray... they definitely have a mellowing effect. I'd even say that once the "new-string" zing has faded after the first day or two, they're noticeably darker than some other nickle roundwounds, particularly Daddarios, which is my go-to all-around string. And they're definitely low tension strings. For the sound you describe I think you'd want to try lo-riders, but since i haven't tried them myself, i can't say for sure.

[superfunk47]

I'm a recent DR convert. I always put Hi Beams on my fretless J, and I've been kind of between the Hi Beams and the Sunbeams for my fretted J. The Sunbeams are definately mellower, but I wouldn't say dark, personally. They still have a bit of that top end snap, but a rounder tone overall.

That said, I've been overall happier with the Hibeams on my fretted...just cause I like to slap sometimes

[DubHunter]

my tech is currently throwing some sunbeams on my recently acquired Nordy vj5 for pickup tomorrow. I've used lo's and suns on my warwick thumb, and ended up liking the feel of suns a bit more..

curious to see how they'll sound tomorrow-completely different style bass=different tone. I'll give an update in a few..

[Shoehorn]

I'm really curious to hear about these sunbeams. I put some hibeams on my bass a couple weeks ago and they sounded sooo much better then everything else I've tried but I play alot of jazz so sunbeams might be more preferable for that.

[Surprise Panda!]

Thanks for calling me cool . I would also like to know about sun beams

[Marley's Ghost]

I put DR Lo Riders on my SR4 and they seemed to take forever to break in. They sound great now, but I am going to look for something else soon. Any suggestions? Sunbeams? I am playing Hard/Classic Rock and Funk.

[dfp]

i'm thinking of putting a 50 Sunbeam G and 70 Sunbeam D on w/ some hex core A, E, and B (45-125).... thinking it would beef up the high strings but w/o adding too much tension... anyone else tried that kind of round core/hex core mixing?

[Rev. Cornelius]

I use Sunbeams 45-100 on my 30th Ann. SR4. I also use them (45-105) on my new fretless jazz. I love the tone and feel.

Rev. C

[chadds]

Sunbeams brought delicious mids to my Roscoes. The D'Addarios I loved for years but actually sound scooped in comparison.

[Lorenzini]

To answer your question directly... I believe Sunbeams are basically nickel wrapped Hi Beams. In other words, a roundcore string with nickel plating. They are great strings and are certainly less stiff than Lo Riders but very slightly stiffer than Hi Beams, imo.