DR Hi-Beams or Lo-Riders - or something different???

Stradavus · #1 10-05-2006, 10:20 PM

I've been playing Hi-Beams and Sunbeams for about 5 years now. Now that it's time for the (somewhat) annual changing of the strings, I was wondering if I should try Lo-Riders this time around or maybe even some Rotosounds?

I've gotta say I've had a really good experience with DR, so I don't see any special reason to change brands, but I've also heard some good things about Rotosounds. Granted, I know basically nil about Rotosounds other than that they sound "awesome." Is this just hype? Could they really be that much better than all the other brands out there?

One potential problem I see with switching: I've heard that Lo-riders are stiffer than Hi-beams and Sunbeams, which both have a round core as opposed to the Lo-Riders' hexagonal core. I also happen to like bending notes. Quite a bit. If I go with the Lo-Riders am I going to run into trouble bending my beloved notes?

I like to get a good jazz sound ( but I can't afford an upright yet) and a good classic rock sound, BUT I also like to slap sometimes, so it's important to me which string I will find to be the most versatile as well.

I know I'm asking a lot, but you all know how important this sort of thing is. HELP ME OUT!!!

markjazzbassist · #2 10-05-2006, 10:47 PM

if you like DR's then stick with them. if you want to try out some other strings go ahead, but if you know you want DR's then just stick with them.

About the bending notes with Lo-Riders. At first it will be a little tougher, but then your hands will grow stronger and it will be fine. I bend with high tension, heavy gauge strings. and i bend a lot too. you just gotta build up a little strength.

Deep · #3 10-06-2006, 10:31 AM

Low-Riders are a little bit stiffer than Hi-Beams true...because of the different core. But they IMO are still not as stiff as alot of other hex core strings out there. I also think they are a bit louder than Hi-Beams. As far as bending goes.....after you use them for a couple of days you'll love 'em.

Pneuma · #4 10-06-2006, 03:02 PM

I recently swapped out a set of lo-riders for Sunbeams. I can't really tell that much of a difference in tone or feel. The hex-cores may be a little stiffer, but I didn't really think it was nearly as much a difference as between steel and nickel wounds.

P.

jmain · #5 10-07-2006, 07:21 PM

I just put nickel Lo-Riders on my bass (55-02) after using Sunbeams on a different bass (JO5). Since the scale and necks are so similar, I guess this is a close approximation.

The Lo-Riders are a little bit stiffer. Definitely stiffer and higher tension than the flats that were on there. I had to adjust the truss rod a wee bit and adjust the saddles. It's only been a couple hours, but I'm digging them. I haven't played steel strings in years.

smitcat · #6 10-07-2006, 07:54 PM

i recently went through this same thing. i love rotos, but they do not last very long. I tried quite a few strings, and hi beams just always do it for me. I now keep rotos on my geddy, and hi beams on my l2000 (main player)

LoveThatBass · #7 10-07-2006, 08:03 PM

Like smitcat, I have used Rotosound 77's. They are very good sounding at first but do not last long. I love the DR High Beams.
The hex core of the Lowrider will give you a little more definition in the lower end as the windings do not slip on the core. I personally prefer the Highbeams myself.