DR Lo Riders - SS vs. Nickel

[Deep]

Yes,for me the Blue Steels "feel" more like the DR's than the SR2000's. The 2000's feel smoother and more even under your fingers. While the DR's just seem to have that grip to them under your fingers. But on my basses the 2000's sounded closer to the Hi-Beams. Go figure. The cool thing about DR's that I like is that they have a bit of a "gritty","dirty" edge to the sound. But you gotta remember this is all subjective. Others will think the DR's are smoother, sound different and visa versa.

[rsautrey]

Here's my observations of the following strings with this setup:

Fender P and J basses
Ampeg SVT w/ 810 cab
Medium action
1/2 step flat tuning

1. Dean Markley Blue Steel Stainless Medium Light Gauge. Very abrasive feeling with a medium tension for the given gauge. Strong lows and potent highs that get dull fairly quickly. Shy midrange sounds. Seemed to respond to pick playing better than fingerstyle.
2. Dean Markley SR2000 Stainless Will Lee Gauge. Not as abrasive feeling as the Blue Steels but with the Will Lee gauge the tension was tighter. A great feeling string with a strong sounding bottom and agressive midrange. Piano string ring all the way....but, due to the taperwound construction of the E, A, and D strings I could not get a decent intonation on any of my Fender basses. I know that most of you feel the opposite is true but to me taperwounds or exposed core designs always sound off. Otherwise, these strings would be awesome for clear, articulate fingerstyle playing.
3. DR Hi-Beams Stainless Medium Gauge. These strings are the least abrasive stainless roundwound I've ever tried. I would consider the tension of this set low, probably due to the round core construction. These strings have a shy bottom, average mids, and a bright top. I like the feel of these but the low tension doesn't gel with my playing style.
4. DR Lo-Riders Stainless Medium Gauge. Slightly more coarse than the Hi-Beams but not as much as the Dean Markleys, these strings have a higher tension (which I like) than most other roundwounds of similar gauges. Low end power and punch with a stainless steel top end. Balanced midrange. I find these to be the best strings for my basses. Of the 4 types mentioned, these are the most balanced in sound and feel. Pick and fingerstyle work great.

On a final note, I honestly don't see any comparison between the Dean Markleys or the DRs. The DRs have a smaller wrap wire which makes them have less grab or friction. This long post probably adds to the confusion because it really is up to the individual to decide what is the right string set for them.

[Big String]

Originally posted by Funkster
I just got 2 sets of Nickel Lowriders and I'll let you know how I like them when they go on...

I have a set of Marcus Miller Stainless on my Stingray and they are lasting forever.

Yes, Please let me know of your experience.
thanks Funkster and to all that posted.

[mrcrowUK]

i used the lo riders once..ss to hard and too much tension
i have elixir just now
but look forward to the sunbeams...i like flexibility in the strings
ps this means also i dont get on with TI powerbass but prefer the jazz flats or rounds
i read this with interest thanks

[volumefiend]

nickel. i wouldnt play anything else.

[bryan bailey]

For the string to get worn down, like frets. I think my low-riders are actually worn down from almost constant play. Is it possible?

[carl-anton]

Sorry to revive this fairly old thread, but...

Could anybody do a comparison between Slowounds and Nickle Lo-riders? And Perhaps Sunbeams as well.



...and Funkster, let us know what you thought about the lo-riders.

Fanx a wot




Oh, theshaz92 - Yes it's possible for a string to wear out. In fact they will for sure wear out at some point. Intonation can go off, and they loose some of their harmonic content, and of course the high end of the sound. First sign of wear is when you can see marks from the frets on the string. But if you like how they sound now, just keep them on.

[Big String]

Originally posted by Funkster
I just got 2 sets of Nickel Lowriders and I'll let you know how I like them when they go on...

I have a set of Marcus Miller Stainless on my Stingray and they are lasting forever.

funkster, were are you?