Dr Black Beauties = Fail

ModulusQ5-122 · #1 05-02-2011, 01:48 PM

I made the switch from Elixir to Dr Black Beauties and am pretty dissapointed. They are definitely not worth the $45 i spent on them. Although i do like the way they sound they just dont last not even half as long as Elixirs do. Anyone feel the same way? Im pretty bummed out because they look sweet with all of my black hardware. Any other coated strings that are bright and last??

-Kramer- · #2 05-02-2011, 01:55 PM

While I have not tried the Elixir strings, I have a set of the Black Beauties on my Ebony-top 5 string jazz (with black hardware) and not only does it look amazing, but they have lasted close to a year so far of light use (5 hours a week or so). I was also pleased to see that the actuall black color has lasted over most of the string.

You may have just gotten a lemon set, or maybe I just got lucky.

ModulusQ5-122 · #3 05-02-2011, 02:08 PM

Well i do have hypohydrosis, which pretty much means my hands sweat profusly. The Elixirs always took the beating but the Dr's just couldnt handle the sweat im guessing. I just got another set in that im gonna try on a different bass. After that then i will know if i got a lemon set or not.

Rebop · #4 05-02-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModulusQ5-122

Well i do have hypohydrosis, which pretty much means my hands sweat profusly.

Then don't blame the strings.

-Kramer- · #5 05-02-2011, 02:14 PM

Considering I do not sweat at all on these strings (practice at home/play in a church sitting with the A/C down LOW) they could very well be susceptible to sweat and I wouldn't know it.

Let us know how the second set turns out.

ModulusQ5-122 · #6 05-02-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebop

Then don't blame the strings.

The Elixirs could handle it soooo......

AmadeusXeno · #7 05-02-2011, 07:15 PM

Elixer strings are completely coated, DR color coated strings have the coating on the outter wrap wire before coating. On the DR strings and dirt, grease, or oil from your fingers can still get between the windings and kill the tone. It doesn't happen as easily as uncoated strings but it can still happen. Hope this explains what may have happend for you.

FunkMetalBass · #8 05-02-2011, 07:26 PM

Yep. They've got different coatings.

I believe the D'Addario EXP's and the Ernie Ball coated strings are similar to the Elixirs in the post-wind coating. You might try those instead.

I'm sorry to hear that you have to choose between tone and string replacement. Have you tried soaking strings in denatured alcohol to get multiple uses out of the strings? Also, what's your general post-playing wipe-down regiment?

mmbongo · #9 05-02-2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModulusQ5-122

The Elixirs could handle it soooo......

Sooo...you have your answer. Stick with Elixer. They are dipped in plastic goop, Black Beauties are not. I do like the feel of Elixers though. Very slippery.

prd004 · #10 05-02-2011, 08:03 PM

I don't know about that. I've switched to flats a couple years ago, but before that I used Black Beauties for years, and they lasted a very long time, felt and sounded good.

Elixers have a poly-web coating over the string that muffles the sound and rubs off pretty easily. The DR's were more like an un-coated string, the coating was sprayed on the wrap prior to winding.

I would use them again if wanted rounds.

ModulusQ5-122 · #11 05-02-2011, 09:10 PM

That makes sense because the tone just died but not as fast as an uncoated set. they are like in between elixirs and noncoated strings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeusXeno

Elixer strings are completely coated, DR color coated strings have the coating on the outter wrap wire before coating. On the DR strings and dirt, grease, or oil from your fingers can still get between the windings and kill the tone. It doesn't happen as easily as uncoated strings but it can still happen. Hope this explains what may have happend for you.

ModulusQ5-122 · #12 05-02-2011, 09:12 PM

Yea i know, its just that i have been using them for years and have just not been too satisfied with the sound of them lately for some reason and wanted to try something different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Sooo...you have your answer. Stick with Elixer. They are dipped in plastic goop, Black Beauties are not. I do like the feel of Elixers though. Very slippery.

ModulusQ5-122 · #13 05-02-2011, 09:13 PM

Yea i almost tried the EXP's first. I think i will try those next. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

Yep. They've got different coatings.

I believe the D'Addario EXP's and the Ernie Ball coated strings are similar to the Elixirs in the post-wind coating. You might try those instead.

I'm sorry to hear that you have to choose between tone and string replacement. Have you tried soaking strings in denatured alcohol to get multiple uses out of the strings? Also, what's your general post-playing wipe-down regiment?

carlc64 · #14 05-02-2011, 09:18 PM

I find wiping things down with FingerEase on a microfiber cloth after each play really helps extend the life.

But look at it this way - you only risked $45 to discover that you'd better stick with Elixirs, so it's not too bad. I mean it's not like you bought a Fodera and discovered you really like Squier's! ;-)

sunbeast · #15 05-02-2011, 09:19 PM

Black Beauties definitely aren't ever as bright as their non-coated counterparts, Hi-Beams, but I found that they did keep their worn-in tone for longer than non-coated strings in my experience. They have a tone of their own that I like alot- heavy in the low-mids, with enough grind to have kept me happy when I did use them. I didn't like how the coating would wear off, but I think occasional pick playing was mostly to blame for that...

knucklehead G · #16 05-02-2011, 09:21 PM

Play flats. The faster you kill them, the better they sound.

mmbongo · #17 05-03-2011, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Play flats. The faster you kill them, the better they sound.

Yeah those ought to give him the brightness and punch he's getting from roundwounds. Not!

mdogs · #18 05-03-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Play flats. The faster you kill them, the better they sound.

This is one of the funniest things I have ever heard...take something that is completely dead when new and as it dies it gets better.

One Drop · #19 05-03-2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

This is one of the funniest things I have ever heard...take something that is completely dead when new and as it dies it gets better.

Sometimes the truth is funny.

Rebop · #20 05-03-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlc64

But look at it this way - you only risked $45 to discover that you'd better stick with Elixirs, so it's not too bad. I mean it's not like you bought a Fodera and discovered you really like Squier's! ;-)

Or not like you play upright bass and spent between 120 and 400 dollars on a set of strings only to find they don't jive with your bass.