D'Addario XL nickel vs DR LoRider nickel

Gene Leone · #1 03-14-2007, 10:13 AM

So my main bass is in the shop and I pulled out my old fav Ibanez 4 sting. Still love that bass.

Want to restring with 40 - 60 - 80 - 100 nickel roundwounds before doing a set up.

I know what the D'Addarios sound like, so how do they compare to the nickel Lo Riders in feel, sound, tone, tension, etc., etc?

Both are hex core as far as I know.

I've seen good and bad on the Lo Riders, should I just stick to the DA's or give Lo Riders a shot?

DavePlaysBass · #2 03-14-2007, 09:03 PM

I put a set of DR Nickel Low Riders on a Modulus Q5 that had been wearing DA XL Nickels previously. Same gauges 45-65-80-100-130. I bought the DR B as a single.

I found the XL nickels to be brighter and more alive. The DRs were darker and deader out of the package. I have no desire to try DR Nickel Low Riders again. And the B was not very good.

Dave

StoutXXX · #3 03-14-2007, 09:38 PM

I love the DR's but they are on a ray. Soooo it might just be my situation that calls for it. Tried the XL's bleh, just didnt have that feel I have come to expect from a lowrider nickel or steel. I liked the DR's deeper less twangy sound. Another man may call that dead and less bright.

And my low B has always been super tasty even tuned down a half step. Note I also use lowriders on my spector but steel ones. I love the tight feel and less travel that DR's seem to have. Have always been pleased with them and I stil can use them after 6 months. Granted they lost alot of natural high end but...isnt that why everyone gets all these crazy amps and cabs?? The lowend always seem to punch me in the chest rather then pants flap.

PunkerTrav · #4 03-14-2007, 09:51 PM

I found the XLs to be brighter than the DRs; the DRs definitely felt and sounded 'smoother' to my ears. YMMV.

Gene Leone · #5 03-15-2007, 06:29 AM

Thanks guys for the input.

Seems Lo Riders are a love it or hate it string, so I'll give them a shot. I'm using them on a four string with Barts so the B won't matter.

Also going to the 40/60/80/100 gauge.

We'll see what happens................

FoHBass · #6 03-16-2007, 02:30 PM

Another vote for LoRiders nickel. I've been using them on my Fender Jazz and Warwick Corvette for about 2 1/2 years, and love 'em. Deep, yet just punchy enough.

basss · #7 03-16-2007, 03:56 PM

People hear the same thing differently

I agree with whats been said but I would describe the DR's as having thicker, richer & warmer mids while the DA's have tinnier more metallic sounding mids.

HMZ · #8 03-16-2007, 07:49 PM

I think the DR low rider nickels last longer then the D'Addarios XL's
and the DR's have a tighter feel to them which is important to me because I set my basses up with very low action. I do use both brands because there are some great deals on the XLs and the DR's are more expensive.

chadds · #9 03-16-2007, 08:58 PM

I have been a D'Adar Nickel user for 15+ years and have found the Sunbeams, on some basses, to be warmer and brighter and more active sounding.

Jeff Moote · #10 03-16-2007, 09:02 PM

I feel the DRs are a more full range sound, which includes the top end (so I disagree with the posts saying the D'Addarios are brighter).

The DRs also last much longer, but that is offset by the huge cost difference.

I find they have a similar surface feel, but the DR tension is more comfortable for me.

Sunbeams, which were mentioned, I find to be a bit disappointing compared to Nickel Lo-Riders really. They have an inferior feel, and I don't think they lasted me as long.

Gene Leone · #11 03-17-2007, 12:20 AM

Many thanks again everyone. Really appreciate the help.

caesarbass · #12 03-18-2007, 12:10 AM

I'm a firm believer that different basses like different strings...ok so I'm a bit crazy but...my 1966 sounds great with DR LoRiders, my Elrick sounds great with Daddario Nickels roundwounds, my stingray sounds great with Daddario ProSteels, so I would suggest trying a few different brands and see which brand you bass is happy with. Every time I get a new bass I have to try a few brands to see which sounds best with it.

HMZ · #13 03-18-2007, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caesarbass

I'm a firm believer that different basses like different strings...ok so I'm a bit crazy but...my 1966 sounds great with DR LoRiders, my Elrick sounds great with Daddario Nickels roundwounds, my stingray sounds great with Daddario ProSteels, so I would suggest trying a few different brands and see which brand you bass is happy with. Every time I get a new bass I have to try a few brands to see which sounds best with it.

I know what your saying. My Sterling likes the XLs and my Sadowsky likes the DR Lowriders.

Gene Leone · #14 03-18-2007, 08:13 AM

Everytime I get a bass, I go through the trial and error period.

My Warwick for example went through Black Label, Yellow Label, TI jazz rounds, Super Alloy, and XL's before I found that DR Sunbeams were great on this bass as far as tension, feel, and tone.

Oh my, now I find that Lo Riders may be an equal.

What's a bass player to do??????

(You don't even want to know about my Hofner.)