DR LO-RIDER Stainless Steel

[musicxfactor]

I've used Rotos (Swing Bass, Stainless) my entire playing career. I've heard many good comments on DR brand of strings. The LO-RIDER Stainless Steels caught my eye. I'm thinking that the extra stiffness will help with tapping/hammer ons.
I'm curious if anyone has played both the Rotos & DRs. Any feedback is appreciated.

[rosanne]

I've used both. I'm not very good with describing strings but here goes.

I thought Rotos were great until I tried the stainless LoRiders. The LoRiders feel better on my fingers and they last longer. After switching to LoRiders I felt that the Rotos sounded kind of unexceptional (and maybe even a little hollow) while the LR's had more clarity and depth. I'm using them on a G&L 2000 with an ebony fingerboard.

I don't tap so I can't help you there.

[tjmdetroit]

Originally Posted by musicxfactor

I've used Rotos (Swing Bass, Stainless) my entire playing career. I've heard many good comments on DR brand of strings. The LO-RIDER Stainless Steels caught my eye. I'm thinking that the extra stiffness will help with tapping/hammer ons.
I'm curious if anyone has played both the Rotos & DRs. Any feedback is appreciated.

- I know about DR Highbeams and DR Lo-Riders on my bass, which has a mahogany body (which produces a mellower, smooth sound.) The Lo-Rider's are stiffer but are mellow sounding vs. the Highbeams. I like the paunchier sound of Highbeams.
- I'm going to change my Hipshot chrome/brass bridge to an aluminum Hipshot because I heard it produces a brighter sound. Then I'm going to do the Low-riders again because I like the stiffness, especially on the low "B".
- I've got a couple sets of High-beams and a set of MTD stainless that I rotate.....when one set gets dirty and dull sounding, I stick them in a PVC tube filled with denatured alcohol and put a clean set on....works great!!
- Can't help ya with a Roto/DR comparison....just try a set of Lo-Riders just for a change of scenery you cheapo !!!! You won't regret it.... Your welcome!!!! lol
peace

tjm

[Double Agent]

The Lo-Riders are not as aggressive sounding as the Rotosounds. However, they are still a pretty aggressive-sounding string and they keep their tone WAAAAAY longer than Rotosounds. Also, they are much easier on your fingers, if you play fingerstyle, than Rotosounds.

Overall, I think that while sounding different, they are both excellent sounding strings. But, the Lo-Riders have a huge edge over the Rotos in both durability and feel, which are both very important factors as well. I also like the tension of Lo-Riders, but don't really remember how taut the Rotos were. I just know that the Rotos tore up my picking fingers real bad....as if they were coated with sandpaper or something.

[Lorenzini]

If your fingers can withstand the Rotos for so many years, I'm sure you'll find the Lo Riders like butter. The tone is nice too, but not as grindy (nothing is). But they'll last a long time and still sound good.

I've got Lo Riders on my Fender Jazz V which is passive and it just sounds great and lively though 2 weeks old (and being played for many hours).

Try them out! Can't lose with Lo Riders.

A string you might find similar to the Rotos are D'Addario Pro Steels. Zingy.

[MysticMichael]

Nothing sounds quite like Rotosound Swing Bass stainless steels. Then again, not much feels quite like them either...

If you're way into the Rotosound vibe, then the Lo-Riders may not quite do it for you - although the Pro Steels might. I would characterize the Rotosounds as a "rawk" string for sure. The Lo-Riders are far more more versatile (as well as long-lasting), and are good for rock, pop, jazz, fusion, funk, etc.

Personally, I MUCH prefer the stainless steel Lo-Riders for their smooth feel, longevity, relative stiffness - and their much more refined tone. If raw and rockin' is your style, then stick with the Rotosounds (or the Pro Steels). But if "refined" is a good word in your vocabulary, then make the switch. You won't be sorry...

MM

P.S. And yes, they're very good for tapping...

[musicxfactor]

Lo-Riders came today. I'm going to be putting them on my Ex-Factor bass.

[tjmdetroit]

Originally Posted by musicxfactor

Lo-Riders came today. I'm going to be putting them on my Ex-Factor bass.

your gonna be so happy that your gonna pee yourself....well, maybe not....
remember to give us you honest critique... and say thank you so your momma don't get made at you...
peace
tjm