DR Black Beauties

dkhp124 · #1 11-04-2009, 04:01 PM

hey guys,

so.. my friend just randomly gave me a present in the form of DR Black Beauties. currently, i'm using the strings that come stock on the fender geddy lee model that i havent changed in over a year, and i'm loving that dulled out, broken in sound. especially since it helps to balance out the sound of the geddy model, which tends to be on the bright, mid-heavy side as it has a maple fretboard. (i've been growing to relaly like the mid-heavy sound but i still prefer more of the dark, warm, bottom-heavy type of sound)

i looked up the reviews for the black beauties, and i've been reading a lot of mixed reviews. some say it's got a really bright, trebly sound, almost twangy, while others say it's got a very dark, warm, full sound with a strong punch..

anyone have experience with these that can give me a bit more details on the nuances of the sound? and.. i was also thinking, maybe regardless of what the sound is, if it's rated so high, i figure at worst, i'll just "like" it, not love it. since im more into the darker sound, if the BB doesnt provide that, can you guys also give me suggestions for what kinds of strings might go well with the bass i have to give me a nice strong punch and a deep fat tone?

oh i'll also be installing the dimarzio model j pickups today, which i hear has relaly strong lows. anyway, thanks in advance for your inputs

enemybass · #2 11-04-2009, 05:05 PM

Hi dude I play a geddy with a set of model js
i have had a set of Dr Bbs on it for a while and they sounded cool lots of bottom and low mids but I prefer a bit of a brighter sound so I stick with loriders or hi beams depending what tension i want

think you will like them as too me they sound like worn in steel rounds

depalm · #3 11-04-2009, 05:30 PM

If you already have the strings set why don't you just install them and see if you like?
If you don't, uninstall and go back to the stock set.

I think you'll have a better idea this way.

Doodaddy · #4 11-04-2009, 06:30 PM

Try them out. It can't hurt anything.

Personally, they're one of the worst sounding strings I've ever had the misfortune of playing, but to each their own.

Jammin_Bass · #5 11-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Try some D'Addario Chromes flatwound. If your looking for a well rounded warm sound.

JohnnyB53 · #6 11-06-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doodaddy

Try them out. It can't hurt anything.

Personally, they're one of the worst sounding strings I've ever had the misfortune of playing, but to each their own.

If you want to try a good coated roundwound, try the Black Diamond Black. They're about $6/set more than the DRs most places, but First Quality Music sells 'em at $35/set/$44.45 for 5-string.

I honestly don't see how anybody could not like these unless they're stone deaf from 5KHz up. They're very lively with a singularly full body and nice range of overtones. The overtones are all there; they just don't beat you over the head like cheap raspy stainless roundwounds.

If you check the owner reviews at Musicians Friend, you won't see nearly as many as for the DRs, but they're all unanimous raves.

Doodaddy · #7 11-07-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyB53

If you want to try a good coated roundwound, try the Black Diamond Black. They're about $6/set more than the DRs most places, but First Quality Music sells 'em at $35/set/$44.45 for 5-string.

I honestly don't see how anybody could not like these unless they're stone deaf from 5KHz up. They're very lively with a singularly full body and nice range of overtones. The overtones are all there; they just don't beat you over the head like cheap raspy stainless roundwounds.

If you check the owner reviews at Musicians Friend, you won't see nearly as many as for the DRs, but they're all unanimous raves.

I've never understood how anyone would willingly play any set of Dr strings. I just happen to think the Black Beauties are the worst of them all.

Every time I begin to think I'm being too hard on DR and buy a set, I quickly remember why I hated them. Then all my friends make fun of my tone.

Gord_oh · #8 11-07-2009, 10:41 AM

+1 chromes.
they sound awesome on a jazz.
i have a set on mine as we speak!
(there are a lot of string threads popping up on TB today. tis the season?)

Meatrus · #9 11-07-2009, 11:15 AM

Yeagh, as you will find, they are quite dull sounding, so may suit your needs nicely. I didnt like them, as they were not what I was expecting/needed.