DR HI-BEAM "B" string question

azureblue · #1 03-14-2009, 09:22 AM

I got a set of DR Hi-Beam stainless (045 to 125, 5 string) and really like their articulation and response. A noticeable improvement over my old brand of strings. But I think the B string is a bit weak- not as loud and lacking in punch, especially when compared with the adjacent E string. I am used to 130 B's, so my first thought was a 130 would solve this. Since these are new strings, am I making a snap judgment? Should I wait until the strings settle in, or would a 130 be a louder, punchier string? (if DR makes one, that is.)

BTW the music styles are finer style funk fusion, slap, and walking jazz.

JTE · #2 03-14-2009, 01:53 PM

I can't say, but my Lakland 55-01 really likes the DR Sunbeam set with the 130 B string. I got it becasue I wanted a NON-taper wound B string. It's so much better sounding than the tapered B's I've used in the past. It sounds like the B is the same instrument as the other four strings.

jte

cnltb · #3 03-14-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

It sounds like the B is the same instrument as the other four strings.

jte

Shouldn't it do that anyways?
I am surprised that the B sounding like it is on the same instrument as the other strings is something "worth" mentioning as in my own experience it usually does.
Do you by any chance have sound clips of an instrument where his was not so?

KJung · #4 03-14-2009, 02:21 PM

While the .125 DR Hi Beam B string might not be the first choice for those who really want a 'huge' B string tone, or those who play the B string a lot above the 7th fret (i.e., who don't use it primarily as an extension of the E string), I LOVE the even response and the 'pure extension of the E string' type of vibe of this string.

If you can wade through this clip fo the parts for both basses where I go down to the open B, you will hear (IMO!) that even with a 34" J style instrument and the relatively cheap on-board mic's of my Edirol (great recorder by the way), the Hi Beam .125B string is very articulate and sounds (to me) like the E string but lower.

My guess is, the Hi Beams will not 'help out' a bass with some issues with the lowest notes like other stings might.

http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=103073

tdogg · #5 03-14-2009, 02:34 PM

what kind of pickups / amp are you using with the strings? i use highbeams on my corvette standard 5 and havent really had any issues. are you using a tapered b string?

azureblue · #6 03-14-2009, 02:37 PM

an extension of the E string- I didn't think of it this way. I may be used to the big B sound, but I use the B mostly to pay D's and Eb's, then as an extension of the E above the fifth fret. In the first to fifth fret range, the 125 B is not as articulate as the E and it is not as loud. I'm not being nit picky, just comparing it what I am used to hearing, but I love the rest of the set. If they have a 130 B I'd love to try it.

KJung · #7 03-14-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azureblue

an extension of the E string- I didn't think of it this way. I may be used to the big B sound, but I use the B mostly to pay D's and Eb's, then as an extension of the E above the fifth fret. In the first to fifth fret range, the 125 B is not as articulate as the E and it is a bit softer in gain. I'm not being nit picky, just comparing it what I am used to hearing, but I love the rest of the set. If they have a 130 B I'd love to try it.

They do make a .130. And, you aren't nuts. There are many posts that bring up the same point with the Hi Beams. They work very well for me with my particular use of the B and my particular instruments, but I've come to the conclusion that the Hi Beam .125 is a touch picky and is not the best 'general purpose B string' for all instruments.

Try that .130 on your next set, and all may be good. They are fantastic, long lasting strings IME!

azureblue · #8 03-14-2009, 02:42 PM

what kind of pickups / amp are you using with the strings? i use highbeams on my corvette standard 5 and haven't really had any issues. are you using a tapered b string?

The B is not tapered. The pickups are J bass style with a two band EQ. I am recording with it, mostly. Run through an amp emulator during tracking and the B sounds over compressed- could be it is putting out a lot more fundamental than I am used to hearing. But the recorded sound of the DR's is really nice- clearer, especially with fast 16th note singer style.

azureblue · #9 03-14-2009, 02:44 PM

They do make a .130. And, you aren't nuts. There are many posts that bring up the same point with the Hi Beams. They work very well for me with my particular use of the B and my particular instruments, but I've come to the conclusion that the Hi Beam .125 is a touch picky and is not the best 'general purpose B string' for all instruments.

Try that .130 on your next set, and all may be good. They are fantastic, long lasting strings IME!

thanks -- I was beginning to wonder if I was one of those obsessive compulsive cases :-)
I'll try a 130- good to know they make one.

What search criteria should I use to find more about this?

musicbox · #10 03-17-2009, 02:00 PM

just to add to the confusion...

i had the 130 hi-beam on my corvette, and it was too boomy and not articulate enough compared to the rest of the strings. i switched up to the 125, and still wasn't satisfied until i raised the b string height up a mm or so. now the b has the same high and midrange as the rest of the set.

i am a player that uses the b extensively above the 7th fret.

The Insane · #11 03-17-2009, 02:29 PM

Did you check if the B string sits in the bridge saddle properly? Non-tapered strings doesn't fit, so the saddle has to be filed bigger for the string (at least I'd to do this, then everything was fine)