DR Hellborg

origami · #1 07-17-2008, 12:32 PM

I saw them for the first time in a store so I just got some DR Hellborg's (I usually use Hi beams) I will slap them on my 4 string EBMM Stingray and give you guys a review in the day or so. I also have to play a festival show tomorrow, so I will see how they stand up to an hour of me sweating on them in the heat.

http://bassplayer.tv/index.html?req=...c08_drhellborg

so that everyone knows some info. they only come in 4 string sets of (40-100) which the gauge is not identified anywhere on the packaging (i had to look it up). they are just a round core and a single thick nickle roundwound wrap.

we'll see how they do..

Davo-London · #2 07-17-2008, 09:59 PM

Do tell us. Plus sound clips would be cool.

Davo

origami · #3 07-18-2008, 09:06 AM

I strung up my musicman got a little time playing. the strings don't really sound that different than maybe XLs. They reminded slighly of blue steels for some odd reason. Brite and snappy in comparison to most nickel strings, but not super bright as brand new hi beams.

As stated the gauges are actually 40-60-80-100 (written nowhere on the box or paper sleeves). the E and A string "feel" more like @105-85 and the D and G feel their correct gauge or lighter. This seems due to the thick single wrap of nickle around the core (versus multiple layers of thinner stell or nickel on most strings)

i have the same gauges on my p-bass (in DR hi beams) and i looked at them side by side. because the Hellborg's are nickle they have a lighter color than the greyish tint of steel. the nickle wrap is wider and much more rounded that that of the hibeams, almost like tighly packed together ball bearings. I thought this would make the strings really rough, but they aren't any rougher than maybe rotos, but definately aren't flats. the single wrap is very appearant on the E and A but no much on the D and G. I really really like the G string it feels really light in very light in tention.

i had heard that there was no exposed core end part for putting the strings in the tuners (like where the silk ends are on some strings). This is not true. the E and A had very very long exposed core and the ends so i suppose they could fit in any tuners, but the D and G were wound all the way to the end, but since the gauges are light they had no problem fitting in my fender style tuners.

the video i added to the original post is pretty close and reinforces much of what i found to be true, but i'd say the strings are bit more clanky and less punchy in person, and i don't hear the fundamental being super reinforced or anything, but the strings balance good from string to string and the E doesn't seem 5 times louder than the A.

overall, kind of cool. i'll give em the live test tonight.

fullrangebass · #4 07-18-2008, 01:48 PM

I've been trying to find some time to replace the Chrome flats on my Dingwall Super PJ 4. The tone of the Chrome Flats is thick and strong but not as zingy as I like it to be. Plus they feel a touch stiffer than the GHS Contact Cores that the Super PJ originally came equipped with.

I had two candidates to try: the DR JH UFO strings and the Ritter Swordsteel strings. My respect to Jonas, as well as the MAJOR mix up, from DR's side 4yrs back (relevant thread on TB) made me go for the UFO's first

Initial impression: lower tension strings, not only compared with the Chrome Flats, but with the GHS Contact Cores as well. Took about 15min to replace the strings and set the bass to my liking.

Tone wise: Full sounding string without sounding dull or thuddy!!! Very nice lows, full mids and sweet highs. Not reaaaaally zingy but bright enough to allow great clarity and definition. Very easy to play and very easy to do vibrato. Very expressive. The GHS sound "dry" compared with the DR UFOs which sound "juicy" (in lack of a better term). The note has great body in all registers. The J pickup soloed has the 70's snap while the P soloed has girth and substance. The series sounds like heaven while the parallel setting became livelier yet full.

I will take the Super PJ with me on Monday at the rehearsal to try out in real time conditions

origami · #5 07-19-2008, 12:19 PM

Live test...

played a outdoor festival show last night (in Texas) so it was super extra dooper hot and sweaty.

the strings were a little touchy tuning wise (going flat even after stretched out), but the strings are still pretty new and it was kind of hot, and my basses were outside for a little bit before the show, so i will kinda let that slide.

the hellborg strings held in there pretty good, actually sounded pretty punchy in the mix, especcially when i rolled off a bit of treble. i saw no sign of the strings getting dull even with constant sweaty fingers.

i was worried that the strings would start to feel rough (due to the large single nickle wrap) by the end on an hour's set, but they didn't feel any rougher than rotos.

in the end, these string have qualities that are unique and some qualities where in a blind test you couldn't tell the difference.

let's just say i am leaving them on my bass until they go dead, but the jury may be out on if i string the rest of my basses with them, possibly will use them on one other.

i am definately liking the nickle (on the jonas) versus steel. perhaps i will try sunbeams and that may be the direction i will go.

fullrangebass · #6 07-21-2008, 06:36 AM

I just had a rehearsal last night with my Super PJ strung with UFOs

The tone was cutting without being harsh; full without being dull. The feel (tension) of the string is easy on the left hand, while the large diameter of the wrapping wire did not raise any concern (even after 2hrs of playing). I definitely prefer them over GHS Contact Cores and Chrome Flats

Joel S. · #7 07-29-2008, 04:19 PM

Thx for the feedback. I've been curious to try these out. I really dig the sound and feel of nickels over steel, so I've been looking all over for these with no luck.

fullrangebass · #8 07-29-2008, 04:37 PM

Just got back from another rehearsal. Great strings and their strongest point is their mids IMHO

origami · #9 08-05-2008, 07:14 AM

i've played a few more shows with these strings. they are still sounding good and have life to them. they seem to keep the stingray sounding good.

i think i am convinced i like the feel/sound of nickle vs. steel, but i don't know if the hellborgs are my exact answer. the strings are a bit rough to the touch.

so i will probably try sunbeams. the only bad thing is that sunbeams are harder to find at brick and motar stores, so i will have to go online unless DR just wants to send me some

fullrangebass · #10 08-05-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by origami

i've played a few more shows with these strings. they are still sounding good and have life to them. they seem to keep the stingray sounding good.

i think i am convinced i like the feel/sound of nickle vs. steel, but i don't know if the hellborgs are my exact answer. the strings are a bit rough to the touch.

My fingers don't suffer from the coarser feel (and I use my fingers for a living). Coarser yes, more abrasive no (my calluses are still intact even after digging in for a long time)

ganga · #11 08-05-2008, 07:26 AM

A bit annoying that they only come in 4 string versions. I would really love to try them on my 5'er. It really sounds like a string I would love (since I currently use Sunbeams). The soundclips from Bass Player TV are just immense.

I really like the tone.

fullrangebass · #12 08-05-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganga

A bit annoying that they only come in 4 string versions. I would really love to try them on my 5'er. It really sounds like a string I would love (since I currently use Sunbeams). The soundclips from Bass Player TV are just immense.

I really like the tone.

+1000. Still I'm hoping

ganga · #13 08-05-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

+1000. Still I'm hoping

Yeah. I'm crossing my fingers from now on. But maybe there is some trouble with making a big gauge B-string. Let's just say a prayer for DR that they figure it out!

Yvarg · #14 08-05-2008, 01:02 PM

I think they only come in a four string set because they're Hellborg signatures and he didn't want them in any other configuration, not because DR can't make them. Too bad, it would be cool to have have five or six string versions . . .

ganga · #15 08-06-2008, 03:05 AM

I've written to DR regarding this. I'm hoping for a reply today.

fullrangebass · #16 08-06-2008, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganga

I've written to DR regarding this. I'm hoping for a reply today.

Please let us know. I am more than willing to try a 5str set (esp if they are long enough to fit a Dingwall!!!)

ganga · #17 08-06-2008, 08:12 AM

Here is the e-mail I recieved from DR:

Hi Thomas,

Plans are in the works right now for a 5-string set but not a 6. it seems like a no brainer by the way these sets have been selling. We're hoping by Winter NAMM to have them available. As for configuring a 5-string now, wouldn't recommend using our other strings mixed in with it. The sound would be way off.

It'll happen,

The DR Staff

Joel S. · #18 08-06-2008, 12:24 PM

Cool. I've been looking EVERYWHERE, but no luck. Guess I'll have to order online when the time for strings comes...

duncbass · #19 08-12-2008, 07:17 PM

Cool, you've convinced me. I'm going to try these on my Buscanti (Jazz) Newport. Have year old Sunbeams on it now which still sound great but I want to try something new.

dunc

BassSurfer · #20 08-12-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel S.

Cool. I've been looking EVERYWHERE, but no luck. Guess I'll have to order online when the time for strings comes...

+1