The Definitive DR Strings Poll

[GK Growl]

As the title says (though maybe not definitive but close enough), DR string users - cast your vote for your preferred type. My guess is that Hi Beams, Fatbeams, Sunbeams, and the Color Coated varieties will fight for the top spot. I know there is a ton of DR threads but I thought maybe we could have a snapshot of everyone's opinion. My vote is for Hi Beams.

Edit: I realize that I left the DDTs off the list. Doh!

[3234718]

Steel Loriders win.

[michael_t]

I'm not a DR user currently, but the Nickel Lo-Riders 40-100 is on top of my list for my next bass (either Fender P or J).

[tylerwylie]

Any of the first 3 are awesome.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Any of the Round Core strings stand out the most as they are one of only 5 brands that make Round Core Round Wound strings...

[michael_t]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

Any of the Round Core strings stand out the most as they are one of only 5 brands that make Round Core Round Wound strings...

Who are the other four? I mean, which are the other four brands?

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Originally Posted by michael_t

Who are the other four? I mean, which are the other four brands?

Fodera - Stainless and Nickel Plated Steel strings

Dean Markley - NPS Super Rounds / Stainless Super Rounds

Thomastik-Infeld - Jazz Rounds (Round Core wrapped in silk w/ Pure Nickel outer wrapping)

R.Cocco are said to be a mix of both Round and Hex depending on the gauge, but honestly I never checked.

While at NAMM I found a Korean company that supposedly makes their own strings that had a round core variety...

I believe Pyramid makes Round Core electric rounds strings as well.


Pretty much everything else out there is Hex core. Much easier to manufacturer, less user difficulty during installation (resulting in less "bad" strings), and lower cost of materials.

[michael_t]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

...less user difficulty during installation (resulting in less "bad" strings)...

Thanks for the info.

One thing I don't quite understand is how the hex core translates to "less user difficulty during installation"?

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Originally Posted by michael_t

Thanks for the info.

One thing I don't quite understand is how the hex core translates to "less user difficulty during installation"?

With hex-core strings the core bites into the windings. This makes the string more rigid while it also gives the windings something to grip on to.

With round core strings the windings do not grab onto the core as much so during installation if not properly installed (bending and crimping) the outer windings can break free from the core. This will make the string either sound dead or just totally break. With round core strings it is most important that the full winding does not go around the tuning posts...

now the same problems can happen with hex core, but it is easier with round core strings...

[michael_t]

Got it, thanks. It makes sense now.

[invalidprotocol]

Sunbeams all the way

[awamori]

It's a tossup between the three roundcore strings for me.

[Grissle]

Lo-Riders now after 30 yrs of Roto's

[dougjwray]

Fatbeams for me.

[4-string]

Hi Beams, Fat Beams, Lo Riders (nickel and ss), Sunbeams....all amazing strings IMO/IME. I've gone through countless sets of various DRs, and have yet to encounter a problem.

Status also makes round core rounds btw, Hot Wires.

[hotbass57]

Silver Stars and Black Beauties #1 Sunbeams #2.

[pbass888]

Dragon skins, fat-beams,sunbeams.... Fingerstyle in straight jazz

[GK Growl]

Wow, 57 votes so far and it looks like Sunbeams are kicking arse! I surprised the colored/coated varieties haven't ranked higher and I'm surprised the nickelplated Lo Riders haven't ranked higher as well.