Differences in DR sunbeams and Sadowsky blue label????

LilRay · #1 06-13-2008, 06:11 PM

For those of you in the know, What are the differences between these strings.
I've never tried either brand but I'd like to try something different on my Jazz Bass. I like vintage tone, not too bright or harsh.

If you've tried either or both sets, let me know your opinion likes / dislikes , which you prefer, for what reason.

Thanks for the help

Later R.

bdeaux · #2 06-13-2008, 08:21 PM

DR sunbeams are nickel strings w/ a roundcore. I love them. They are a bit less bright than the Hi Beams, but still flexible.

1kinal · #3 06-13-2008, 11:22 PM

I have both on different basses.

The sunbeams are lower tension with an emphasis in the low-mids.

The Sad blue label are higher tension (like DR lo-riders nickel) with an emphasis in the upper-mids.

Both are very good strings and it's mostly a matter of what you prefer tension-wise.

LilRay · #4 06-14-2008, 03:19 PM

I play fairly agressive. Which tension is better for a strong grip? I'm actually thinking of raising my action to help with string noise on my roundwound basses.

Thanks for the help.

Later R.

1kinal · #5 06-14-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRay

I play fairly agressive. Which tension is better for a strong grip? I'm actually thinking of raising my action to help with string noise on my roundwound basses.

Thanks for the help.

Later R.

Go with higher tension for less string buzz.

DR nickel Lo-Riders or Sadowsky blue label are both excellent choices. I think the DR's are still slightly higher tension than the blue labels.

As for the sadowsky's the black labels nickels are higher tension than the blue, but I personnally didn't really liked the black. Not much mids...

It all depends on what you're looking for.

Fat K · #6 06-15-2008, 12:12 AM

I have tried the Sadowsky stainless steel (black label) NOT the blue ones.

Tension on the Sadowsky are on the high side and harsh for me, and a bit hyperactive maybe my bad muting technique. I hated them initially but after a month or so of serious bashing they are tamer, feel and sound a lot better. I much prefer the DR MM Fat Beam for stainless steel.

Recently, bought a set of DR Sunbeam and put them on my P Bass. Their tension is lower (just right for me), soundwise slightly more low mid, wamer, and slight less bite than the MM Fat Beam. I am very pleased with the Sunbeam.

Hope it helps!

Gab124 · #7 10-15-2011, 12:48 PM

Thread resurrection -
Are there any more thoughts on these two strings, DR Sunbeam and Sadowsky Blue Nickels? I love the Sunbeams, but with bulk pricing I can get a better deal with the Sads, so if they are really close in tone and tension that would be great. I know I should just try some but it is always great to hear peoples opinions.
Thanks!

mmbongo · #8 10-15-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gab124

Thread resurrection -
Are there any more thoughts on these two strings, DR Sunbeam and Sadowsky Blue Nickels? I love the Sunbeams, but with bulk pricing I can get a better deal with the Sads, so if they are really close in tone and tension that would be great. I know I should just try some but it is always great to hear peoples opinions.
Thanks!

Check with Jason at www.bassstringsonline.com

He'll beat whatever price you got on Sunbeams or Sadowskys.

And personally I like Sunbeams. Lower tension, smoother feeling, great sounding.

Gab124 · #9 10-15-2011, 07:41 PM

Yep, that is where i buy from. He has the package discount on Sads but not the DR. I also love the feel of the Sunbeams. I was going to get the light gauge Sadowsky, but I know they are hex core and will be a bit stiffer than the round core DR'S. Any comments on tone difference?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Check with Jason at Welcome to Bass Strings Online - Your Custom Bass String Shop...

He'll beat whatever price you got on Sunbeams or Sadowskys.

And personally I like Sunbeams. Lower tension, smoother feeling, great sounding.

SilkyStrings · #10 10-17-2011, 05:51 PM

I have the Sunbeams 45-105 on a Stingray, and the Sads Blue Label Nickels 45-130 on a Sadowsky RV5.

Yeah the Sadowsky are a bit stiffer but they feel lighter despite being the same gauge, i.e. less mass. Perhaps because the Sunbeams have a round core.

Sound. I like the Sunbeams a lot, the Sadowsky Blue are nice too, they do not sound the same.

The Sadowsky are more scooped, a bit more twang and more string noise due to the string being a bit less smooth feeling.

Sunbeams are meatier sounding, punchy mids, polite highs.

I also use the Sunbeams on a Modulus 5 string, I think it warms up the tone a little.

Gab124 · #11 10-17-2011, 06:25 PM

Thanks Silky, your comment on the mids is important. These are going on a Warmoth build with a Sadowsky preamp and Nordy pickups, so could be in the same tonal neighborhood as your RV5. I run the Sunbeams on my SR5 as well and they are THE match for that instrument as far as I am concerned.