Does anyone use DR Sunbeams with a Fender MIA Jazz bass?

Blueser · #1 08-20-2009, 12:36 PM

The Fender strings that come with it (8250M's) are taper wound on the E string to accomodate the string through body configuration, and from what I understand the DR Sunbeams are not.

I called DR Strings, and they said that they don't make Sunbeams with a tapered wind, so they recommended the Hi Beam Long Necks. Based on what I have heard from clips, I think I would prefer the Sunbeams more, and wonder if anyone is using them on a string through American Standard Jazz bass without any problems.

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Dave

PSPookie · #2 08-20-2009, 12:54 PM

They should work just fine. I had a set of Sunbeams on my MIA P5 and didn't have a bit of trouble. You will have to adjust your saddles, but you knew that already.

Blueser · #3 08-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

They should work just fine. I had a set of Sunbeams on my MIA P5 and didn't have a bit of trouble. You will have to adjust your saddles, but you knew that already.

So you don't think that I will have any breakage or intonation problems?

PSPookie · #4 08-20-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueser

So you don't think that I will have any breakage or intonation problems?

No.

String 'em up. Set up the bass. Enjoy.

You shouldn't have any problems.

dmusic148 · #5 08-20-2009, 01:47 PM

I'd bypass the thru-body feature, at least for the E, in this case. Too sharp of a bend thru-body, IMO. Otherwise the bend will create a bow in the string, between the saddle and thru-hole, which you will not be able to flatten out.

Blueser · #6 08-20-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

I'd bypass the thru-body feature, at least for the E, in this case. Too sharp of a bend thru-body, IMO. Otherwise the bend will create a bow in the string, between the saddle and thru-hole, which you will not be able to flatten out.

How would I do that?

**DougD** · #7 08-20-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

I'd bypass the thru-body feature, at least for the E, in this case. Too sharp of a bend thru-body, IMO. Otherwise the bend will create a bow in the string, between the saddle and thru-hole, which you will not be able to flatten out.

No, not true. The string will straignten out under tension and it won't affect playability or tone at all.

**DougD** · #8 08-20-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueser

How would I do that?

I think he's talking about just not stringing it through the body.

**DougD** · #9 08-20-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueser

So you don't think that I will have any breakage or intonation problems?

You would only have problems breaking strings if there were sharp edges or burrs on the saddle. And if that were the case, you would have problems no mater how you string up the bass.

dmusic148 · #10 08-20-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougD

No, not true. The string will straignten out under tension and it won't affect playability or tone at all.

The E won't, not in a million years. Some A strings won't either, which is why I use a tapered E through, A not through, D and G through.
Whatever floats your boat.

**DougD** · #11 08-20-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

The E won't, not in a million years. Some A strings won't either, which is why I use a tapered E through, A not through, D and G through.
Whatever floats your boat.

I've found that even a low B straightens out under tension. But hey, YMMV.

stflbn · #12 08-20-2009, 03:46 PM

Just string all the strings via the bridge and not through the body. 90% +/- of players can tell no difference unless they know it's being done.

.

Blueser · #13 08-20-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Just string all the strings via the bridge and not through the body. 90% +/- of players can tell no difference unless they know it's being done.

.

I just didn't know that was an option. I will investigate and report back.

Oh, and a big thanks to all that have replied here. I really appreciate the help.

Blueser · #14 08-20-2009, 05:01 PM

OK....Yep.....It does look like the bridge on the MIA Fender Jazz can load either through the body or through the top.

So that begs the question. Why would I do one over the other (other than to make the strings fit), and does either config change the tone at all?

Jim Breece · #15 08-20-2009, 05:30 PM

I can't hear or feel any difference in the four basses I've had the option on.

Blueser · #16 08-20-2009, 06:20 PM

Then these are the Sunbeams I need to order. Correct?

DR Strings Electric Bass - Sunbeams™ Nickel Plated on Round Cores Medium, .045-.105, NMR-45

Sorry for such newb questions, but after all, I am a newb!

I did try the search. I swear!

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

PSPookie · #17 08-21-2009, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

The E won't, not in a million years. Some A strings won't either, which is why I use a tapered E through, A not through, D and G through.
Whatever floats your boat.

My experience with these strings demonstrates otherwise.

34' scale Fender 5 string strung through the body on all strings and zero problems. Adjust the saddle heights to compensate for the difference in string diameter at the bridge and you're fine.

RAM · #18 08-21-2009, 10:11 PM

Breaking an E string is VERY hard to do. I've been playing 26 years and broken three, two of which snapped in the core while the windings looked like a stretched spring. Even on my heaviest bass I could pick the bass up by the E string alone and bounce it up and down. I did that once (over my bed, of course) just to see how strong it was, and it just stretched the string out of tune a step.

REAPER52 · #19 08-26-2009, 04:14 PM

I have Dr sunbeams on my Amer Std Jazz Fretless - strung through the body and they are just fine

CElton · #20 08-27-2009, 06:59 AM

I've used the string thru option on my Fender ADJV with Sunbeams and Hi-Beams with no problems what so ever. There is no difference in tone or feel, I just like the cleaner look. Crazy I know, but that's the way it is.

My only issue with Sunbeams is they die a horrible death. Once they start to die, they go from sweet sounding to a thud very quickly. YMMV.