Do DR strings really not eat frets?

[drnknmstr]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered, but I can't seem to find it.

Generally I'm a nickel guy since the frets last a lot longer than stainless. However, I've been told that DR stainless, like Hi Beams, Fat Beams, etc, actually don't eat the frets like normal stainless strings do because they're compression-wound.

Now I know certain compression-wound strings have a smoothness that surely does save the life of frets (GHS Progressives, Ken Smith Compressors), but are DRs in that same category? I recently put them on my Pedulla, and they sound amazing, but they had the same coarseness and texture as most other stainless strings I've tried.

If they really make the frets last longer as nickels do, then I may be a DR user for life, albeit the extra change.

Any thoughts or comments?

[ljazz]

I stopped using DR LoRiders on my MIA Jazz, after 15 years, because they were in fact eating my frets. Of course, 15 years is a long time, and I could probably get away with a bit more time before requiring a re-fret.

Ljazz

[Parabolic Box]

To be fair, Lo-Riders have hex cores. Supposedly, the combination of round cores and compression winding in Hi-Beams, Fat Beams, and Extra Life helps alleviate some fret wear.

FWIW, DR strings have always felt less coarse than, say, Rotosounds, which practically felt like sandpaper when I used them.

[ljazz]

Originally Posted by Parabolic Box

To be fair, Lo-Riders have hex cores. Supposedly, the combination of round cores and compression winding in Hi-Beams, Fat Beams, and Extra Life helps alleviate some fret wear.

FWIW, DR strings have always felt less coarse than, say, Rotosounds, which practically felt like sandpaper when I used them.

Then DR should consider removing the quote from the LoRider packaging. The way it reads on package.... or at least the way they are passing it off, is that the Tite Fit/Compression Winding is the reason.

I have no doubt, however, that if I had been using Roto Swing Bass strings, that 15 years would have been significantly less.

Ljazz

[JustOpenYourMind]

I don't think you should worry about trying a set of stainless steel string. Unless you plan to string a vintage bass that must be held pristine for it's collector value and play it everyday for 20 years, I wouldn't worry about fretwear at all. Trying a set for a few months or even years won't do anything to your bass.

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by ljazz

Then DR should consider removing the quote from the LoRider packaging. The way it reads on package.... or at least the way they are passing it off, is that the Tite Fit/Compression Winding is the reason.

I have no doubt, however, that if I had been using Roto Swing Bass strings, that 15 years would have been significantly less.

Ljazz

Packaging is always, in one way or another, misleading/deceptive. (Curse you, marketing!) I agree that DR should have removed the MM quote (in which he refers to Hi-Beams and Fat Beams), but at least they didn't state in the body of the description that it does not eat your frets, like it does on the Hi-Beam box.

[drnknmstr]

Well, I do play a lot, and in fact after 3 years of regular playing with some Blue Steels, my frets had some significant wear.

I guess the question I'm trying to figure out is, are the "tite-fit" the same as other compression-wound strings like GHS Progressives or Ken Smith Compressors?

And are they as fret-friendly as nickels?

[98mtd]

DR Strings are on all my fretted and fretless basses. You have one life and owe it to your self to play the best. Go ahead...step up to DR Strings.

[Parabolic Box]

That sounds like one hell of an endorsement. They best be giving you free strings.

[ErebusBass]

I've used dr lo-riders for years, and i've never noticed them eating my frets, my frets tend to eat the strings first.

[drnknmstr]

Oh man, that DOES sound like an endorsement. How can I go about getting one?

Free/discounted strings will make up for the cost of fret crowning, so maybe I should forget about conserving anything and just look for some free strings!

[CapnSev]

All strings are going to wear out your frets eventually. 15 years seems awfully short to me though. Mind if I ask what bass you were using?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by drnknmstr

Well, I do play a lot, and in fact after 3 years of regular playing with some Blue Steels, my frets had some significant wear.

I guess the question I'm trying to figure out is, are the "tite-fit" the same as other compression-wound strings like GHS Progressives or Ken Smith Compressors?

And are they as fret-friendly as nickels?

Frets can seem to be 'worn' when they are really not. Most of the time, it's just some very slight surface wear that can be taken care of quickly and cheaply with a 'fret dressing'.

IMO that was what you were seeing.

I use DR Hi Beams exclusively, and they do seem quite smooth compared to other strings, including the more traditional hex core Lo Riders. They are also lower tension, which some love and others not so much.

That being said, I don't think SS rounds really do a number on 'modern' frets, and my guess is, the difference among brands would be minimal.

A fret dress every 5 years or so should be all you need, and a refret every 20 years or so is no big deal if you hold onto a bass that long. IMO!

[drnknmstr]

Originally Posted by KJung

Frets can seem to be 'worn' when they are really not. Most of the time, it's just some very slight surface wear that can be taken care of quickly and cheaply with a 'fret dressing'.

IMO that was what you were seeing.

I use DR Hi Beams exclusively, and they do seem quite smooth compared to other strings, including the more traditional hex core Lo Riders. They are also lower tension, which some love and others not so much.

That being said, I don't think SS rounds really do a number on 'modern' frets, and my guess is, the difference among brands would be minimal.

A fret dress every 5 years or so should be all you need, and a refret every 20 years or so is no big deal if you hold onto a bass that long. IMO!

Very good practical advice indeed. I think I'm just even trying to avoid a fret-dress, too. I've had a Modulus for 9 years using standard D'Addarios, with many many hours on it, digging very hard and they're still good. Was just hoping some SS ones could do nearly as good, and the DRs purportedly do that, so I was looking for some verification.

Thanks.