DR Hi Beams vs. D'Addario Pro Steels

**Ryan L.** · #1 02-15-2008, 11:47 AM

Let me preface this by saying yes, I've done a search.

I'm curious as to how these compare. I have a 6 string Roscoe on the way, which I was set to order my normal DR Hi Beams for. But then I noticed the Pro Steels, which are much cheaper (I go through strings rather quickly, so saving a few bucks always helps).

So, would the Pro Steels be a cheaper alternative to my favorite DR's, or should I not bother with them?? Do they share any similarities with the DR's??

Thanks.

ihixulu · #2 02-15-2008, 11:53 AM

IME, they are very different. The DR's have far less tension so if you like their feel you may not appreciate the stiffness of the ProSteels. In terms of sound, I found the DR's to have more of a mid presence than the ProSteels, which surprised me becasue I find the Hi Beams to be already somewhat mid shy to my ears. The Prosteels have a HUGE bottom end but a lot of space before the click...does that make sense?

Short answer, no, not a one to one alternative.

**Ryan L.** · #3 02-15-2008, 12:05 PM

That's what I was afraid of. If the Pro Steels are mid-shy, then they probably won't work for me at all.

narud · #4 02-15-2008, 12:06 PM

as a dr user for years, i hated prosteels. mainly because they felt waaaaay stiff compared to hi beams

THSL · #5 02-15-2008, 12:14 PM

Ken Smith Stainless Steels... ProSteels seem dead compared to the KS... Except I like the ProSteel .145T string...

**Ryan L.** · #6 02-15-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by narud

as a dr user for years, i hated prosteels. mainly because they felt waaaaay stiff compared to hi beams

It isn't so much the stiffness that concerns me, as the sound. In fact, I don't mind the stiffer feeling Low Rider SS's one bit. Maybe they would have been a more fair comparison, but I normally use the Hi Beams, so that's what I based my questions on, I guess.

narud · #7 02-15-2008, 07:54 PM

i like lo riders, i hate pro steels. they were that much more stiff than dr's to me. also +1 to what ihixulu said about the mids.

**Ryan L.** · #8 02-15-2008, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the responses, guys.

I think it's best for me to stick with what I know I like, the way it sounds.

I'd rather spend a bit more and know what I'm getting, than save $10 and end up with something I'll hate.

DavePlaysBass · #9 02-16-2008, 12:45 AM

La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels are a great string. They have an upper mid presence that cuts much better than Pro Steels. Never tried Hi Beams mainly because all reports are the Bs kinda suck. The La Bella B is awesome.

Lorenzini · #10 02-16-2008, 12:48 AM

IMO, and do a search, I'm not alone:

ProSteels are not in the same league. No mids, all clank and boom. I did not enjoy them at all, but I LOVE Hi Beams, Blue Steels, Lo Riders, etc...

Lorenzini · #11 02-16-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels are a great string. They have an upper mid presence that cuts much better than Pro Steels. Never tried Hi Beams mainly because all reports are the Bs kinda suck. The La Bella B is awesome.

I really want to try these. Also the Super Steps.
Only problem for me is price... Where can I get a cheap set?

DavePlaysBass · #12 02-16-2008, 01:15 AM

https://plus22.safe-order.net/bigcitystrings/shop/

http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.n...-la-bella.html

I have wasted a lot of money on strings in the last few years. IMHO, the HRS are a versatile string that really sounds great on my Sadowsky RV5.

DavidRavenMoon · #13 02-16-2008, 02:25 AM

I've been using D'Addario XL's for years. I decided to try the ProSteels, and tried a couple of sets on my main bass.

They are very bright, but I like the mids with the XL's a lot better. And the XL's last forever. I'm currently playing a year old set on a bass I just put together!

Personally I like stiffer strings. I need to give DR's another try. I tried them when they first came out and they seemed inconsistent and didn't last very long. I'm curious to try the Jonas Hellborg strings.

LaBella make some wonderful strings. Never tried a set I didn't like.

73jbass · #14 02-16-2008, 02:35 AM

You can get Hi beams in heavy gauge if you reallly need extra tension.Or you could get DR Low Riders,which has a hex core like the Pro steels.I tried a set of Pro Steels when they came out.and took them off after about 10 seconds. Way too rough to the touch. Go for the DR Low Riders.

**Ryan L.** · #15 02-16-2008, 02:41 AM

Already ordered the DR's. I have a set of High Beams and a set of Black Beauties coming (always wanted to try the BB's anyway).

I figure I'll try the BB's first, and if I don't like them for some reason, I'll have the High Beams to replace em with.

Lorenzini · #16 02-16-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

https://plus22.safe-order.net/bigcitystrings/shop/

http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.n...-la-bella.html

I have wasted a lot of money on strings in the last few years. IMHO, the HRS are a versatile string that really sounds great on my Sadowsky RV5.

OMG
GREAT PRICES! THANK YOU
Better than paying like $40-55 bucks at Juststrings!!!!!!

maurilio · #17 02-17-2008, 01:24 AM

On my Roscoe (ash/bub/ebo/bart) I used for a long time PS. Love them. I hear a lot of comment about the PS being boomy. I find them the less boomy string I have ever tried, go figure!
I had a set of DR HB and, although I liked them, they sounded too thin, for me.

M

Blues Cat · #18 02-17-2008, 01:57 AM

The Prosteels are hex core.
High beams are round core.
The Prosteels have a core that's about twice as thick as the DR High beams.

I like the extra tension of the Prosteels, especially 10-14 days after installing them. You can really dig in and keep your action low. That extra tension cuts down on pitch bend when you're really digging in, = less warble.

Lesfunk · #19 02-17-2008, 02:04 AM

I use either DR Hi Beams or pro steels. The d'addarios being my second choice.
I , for some reason, am able to make the Pro steels work for me. I think being 5 to 7 dollars cheaper per 4 string set might have something to do with it.

James Hart · #20 02-17-2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels are a great string. They have an upper mid presence that cuts much better than Pro Steels.

[snip]

The La Bella B is awesome.

I've used about all the Stainless Rounds on the market over the last 27 years... I'm sold completely on the HRS (and their flats too). Great cut, Great bite... last long enough (6 plus months with my dry old man hands). I use .118 B strings on my 6 and 7... they are thunderous.

I also order from BigCity Strings... great people to deal with.