DR Black Beauties or DR Hi-Beams?

Qvist · #1 11-08-2010, 08:19 AM

Hey, I've been using DR Hi-Beams for about 2 years now and I really dig the sound of them! Problem is they die pretty quick on me, and I really prefer them new, right out of the box. I sweat profusely when playing, especially in my palms, so I guess a lot that eats down the strings, I usually clean a set 2-3 times in denatured alcohol before buying a new pack, but even that only last for a month or a month and a half.

Now we all know bass strings are very expensive compared to our guitarist friends/enemies' strings, so I would like to know if these Black Beauties would appeal to me, given my tonal criteria? Or are they too "soft/mellow" given the coated edge?

They are a little more expensive but since they're coated I'm pretty sure my sweat issue wouldn't kill them as fast, and I'm really looking to saving some money here

Thanks in advance for any help

PS: For further help, tones I like: Duff McKagan, Rex Brown, John Campbell, Mike Inez (Live!)

Qvist · #2 11-08-2010, 08:27 AM

Oh yeah, also, I play with a pick 98% of the time

Meatrus · #3 11-08-2010, 08:31 AM

I probably wouldnt suggest them based on the sound your after. They will sound consistent for longer, but the tone is much more mellow than the Highbeams in the first place....meaning you may as well use broken in Highbeams.

Also as your using a pick the coating will shred which looks like ass, though doesnt affect the string.

Just my opinion on them, others may disagree.

Qvist · #4 11-09-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

I probably wouldnt suggest them based on the sound your after. They will sound consistent for longer, but the tone is much more mellow than the Highbeams in the first place....meaning you may as well use broken in Highbeams.

Also as your using a pick the coating will shred which looks like ass, though doesnt affect the string.

Just my opinion on them, others may disagree.

Okay, thanks for your opinion. They're not bright at all, whatsoever?

P-oddz · #5 11-09-2010, 11:47 AM

I'd agree with previous statement that they are probably not the tone you're after, despite the promise of longer wear time.

Here is a link to a breakdown Ed Freidland did of various DR strings, complete with clips and opinions. See for yourself, just scroll down the page a bit:

http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html

Qvist · #6 11-09-2010, 12:12 PM

Thanks for the link! That's really helpful

I have to say... I dig that demo! And I think it's hard to hear any "real" difference between the BB's and HB's. I think the BB's are sort of darker in sound, but in a really neat way.

pickles · #7 11-09-2010, 03:24 PM

Using a pick you'll wear the coating off really quickly, you'll kill the black beauties in no time and they never really have that super fresh new string zing you want to begin with.

Since you like super bright strings, I'd suggest trying something like D'Addario Pro Steels. You might want to go one gauge lighter than you do with hi beams because they're hex core, but those strings are crazy bright and hold it a long time.

I like one notch less brightness, so broken in hi-beams are perfect for me.

SGD Lutherie · #8 11-09-2010, 07:51 PM

I've never had good luck with DRs. They would go dead very quickly, and my hands don't sweat at all.

I've been using D'Addario XLs for about 8 years now and they last forever. I can go like 6 months and they still sound bright. But I like to change them about once a month. If you want super bright I second the motion about ProSteels.

pedroims · #9 11-11-2010, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickles

Using a pick you'll wear the coating off really quickly, you'll kill the black beauties in no time and they never really have that super fresh new string zing you want to begin with.

Since you like super bright strings, I'd suggest trying something like D'Addario Pro Steels. You might want to go one gauge lighter than you do with hi beams because they're hex core, but those strings are crazy bright and hold it a long time.

I like one notch less brightness, so broken in hi-beams are perfect for me.

from DR website:

''The K3™ coating on EXTRA-life strings is designed for use with standard picks and fingers. The K3™ coating can be damaged by scraping against metal. It is important that care be taken when stringing guitars and basses where the strings are passed through a metal block or bridge. Scraping can damage the coating.''

Meatrus · #10 11-11-2010, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedroims

from DR website:

''The K3™ coating on EXTRA-life strings is designed for use with standard picks and fingers. The K3™ coating can be damaged by scraping against metal. It is important that care be taken when stringing guitars and basses where the strings are passed through a metal block or bridge. Scraping can damage the coating.''

It should read: ''The K3™ coating on EXTRA-life strings is designed for use with and fingers but never let your nails hit the coating. The K3™ coating can be damaged by scraping against metal, wood, plastic, finger nails or tough fingers.