DR Hi Beam Users....Too Polite??

[GK Growl]

I've read several comments by fellow stainless steel round users that they find DR Hi Beams "polite" compared to other SS rounds like Rotosound Swing Bass 66, D'Addario Prosteels, Etc. Maybe it's just my rig and my playing style but I find them very aggressive and grindy overall. I also find that they can be tamed and actually have some warmth to them much easier than other SS rounds IMO. They seem to me to respond better to subtle changes in technique. How many Hi Beam users disagree with the "polite" label?

[kanonfodr]

I disagree with the polite label whole-heartedly, that's why I prefer them While brand new Hi-Beams are VERY zingy IMO, they calm down in a night or so of decent playing to being just In Yo' Face

Peace,
Greg

[gt96g]

They've become so bright lately I have found my self looking for more balanced sounding strings. Had settled in with them but I guess my ear is changing.

[cfsporn]

I have found DR SS strings to have a slightly scooped sound. In a mix, this can easily turn into a "polite" sound. One of the reasons why I string my basses with Rotosound SB66, Dean Markley SR2000s, or Ernie Ball Cobalts. I love my mids.

[KJung]

I've been using DR Hi Beams for years. I love them, but I would describe them, in a way, as 'polite' in that they don't have much of that aggressive upper mid response of some other stainless steel roundwound strings.

To see for yourself what we are talking about, just put on a set of DR Lo Rider Steels, which are more typical hex core wound stainless steel roundwounds. You will hear that brighter, less pure, slightly rougher top end versus the very smooth, crisp, clean, wide sounding Hi Beams.

[cfsporn]

Originally Posted by KJung

I've been using DR Hi Beams for years. I love them, but I would describe them, in a way, as 'polite' in that they don't have much of that aggressive upper mid response of some other stainless steel roundwound strings.

To see for yourself what we are talking about, just put on a set of DR Lo Rider Steels, which are more typical hex core wound stainless steel roundwounds. You will hear that brighter, less pure, slightly rougher top end versus the very smooth, crisp, clean, wide sounding Hi Beams.

I have found the Lo Riders to have that scoop too.

[darkstorm]

Depends what your comparing to. Compared to rotosound swing66, the dr's are indeed polite sounding. Lol.

[Modern Growl]

I used to dig Hi-Beams for a long, long time... Only string I would buy, in 6 packs at a time... but the "scoop" that they are know for has since got to me.

They have a big, warm bottom end, and a zingy lower treble... like 4k... round there. But the 1k-3k area is all but lost.

Some like this - for me, I like my strings to respond well in that upper mid area... hence I play DR Lo-Riders now.

Hi-Beams are indeed a mellow SS. Probably the most mellow. Fat-Beams are next with a bit more mid-range.

OP - if your finding them aggressive, its probably that new string zing in the 4k area. And I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing your assessment is probably from playing them alone. In a mix, that scoop caused Hi-Beams to get lost for me.

I find Rotosound, Lo-Riders (my fav), SR2000, Sadowsky Black & Blue's, etc.... stings like these to be more aggressive in their midrange character.

[Duckwater]

I need my strings to have lots of mids, or else I'm not getting heard in my heavy band.

[bass_lord_mutha]

I'm more of a Fat Beams kinda guy, but Hi Beams are my next choice. I use both on my USA Cirrus basses and everytime I string them up and play them, I close my eyes and see Sam Kinison screaming at me...

[GroovinOnFunk]

Can anyone comment on the difference in fret wear from using Lo-Rider SS vs Lo-Rider Nickels?

[cfsporn]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

Can anyone comment on the difference in fret wear from using Lo-Rider SS vs Lo-Rider Nickels?

Both are pretty easy on frets. However, Lo-Rider Nickels are easier.

[Modern Growl]

Originally Posted by GroovinOnFunk

Can anyone comment on the difference in fret wear from using Lo-Rider SS vs Lo-Rider Nickels?

I would never - ever make a string decision based on fret wear. Chances are you'll never have to replace the frets on your bass (unless your playing it that often) and if you are, wouldn't you rather have the "SOUND" you truly want vs. a compromise for a fret job you'll have to do 10 years down the road?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

I would never - ever make a string decision based on fret wear. Chances are you'll never have to replace the frets on your bass (unless your playing it that often) and if you are, wouldn't you rather have the "SOUND" you truly want vs. a compromise for a fret job you'll have to do 10 years down the road?

+1 zero issue within the first 10-15 years.

[tylerwylie]

I never thought Hi Beams were "Too Polite" until I put a set on my fretless. Other steel strings work a lot better than the Hi Beams for me on my fretless. Currently rocking the Fodera's because they are similar to Hi Beams but sound a bit more meaty or aggressive on my fretless.

[cfsporn]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

I would never - ever make a string decision based on fret wear. Chances are you'll never have to replace the frets on your bass (unless your playing it that often) and if you are, wouldn't you rather have the "SOUND" you truly want vs. a compromise for a fret job you'll have to do 10 years down the road?

Exactly, changing the frets are like changing the tires on a car.

[GroovinOnFunk]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

I would never - ever make a string decision based on fret wear. Chances are you'll never have to replace the frets on your bass (unless your playing it that often) and if you are, wouldn't you rather have the "SOUND" you truly want vs. a compromise for a fret job you'll have to do 10 years down the road?

And that's you'r prerogative. I also prefer the smoother feel of nickels. And yes, I will sacrifice some tone for comfort.

[SoVeryTired]

I found Hi Beams too polite compared to ProSteels, but then I was trying them on a bass that was too polite. I was hoping that SS strings would give it some more character but I possibly chose the wrong strings.

[bgavin]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

I find Rotosound, Lo-Riders (my fav), SR2000, Sadowsky Black & Blue's, etc.... strings like these to be more aggressive in their midrange character.

Continuing our conversation, why are the Lo-Riders your fav compared to SR2000?
Just curious...

The tone charts show the SR2000 biased toward highs.
Lo-Rider charts show the bias at the mids.

What are your playing experiences between the two?

And TIA for sharing the knowledge...

[pickles]

IMHO they are the best bass string ever made. Polite compared to what? Is all relative an a lot depends on your other gear.