DR Lo-Riders vs. EB Slinkys

[Nighthawk551]

I've used EB Hybrid Slinkys for a long time now. But recently, I've had the itch to try to the great DR strings that everyone talks about. I prefer hex core strings tension-wise and from what I've read, the Lo-Riders are better for me rather than Hi-Beams because of their more Roto-ish fingerstyle rock growl. Has anyone tried both strings? I like how Slinkys have a very edgy tone for a nickel string. They are a rougher nickel as well. Do they feel about the same as the "smooth for steel" DRs? How about fret wear and life span? If they feel similar, then I assume the fret wear would be about the same. One more question: Are the Lo-Rider nickels that much tamer? I'm basically going for the brightest, rock growl tone with the least amount of fret wear and the longest life. Thanks!

[DougD]

As far as Dr's go, IMHO SS is the way to go. They sound better longer (to me ). Lo riders are not as bright or flexible as the highbeams. If you want super bright, you might want to look at the sunbeams. But I don't think you can not go wrong with what ever Dr string you choose.

[Koki]

make a pool

[Nighthawk551]

Originally Posted by DougD

As far as Dr's go, IMHO SS is the way to go. They sound better longer (to me ). Lo riders are not as bright or flexible as the highbeams. If you want super bright, you might want to look at the sunbeams. But I don't think you can not go wrong with what ever Dr string you choose.

Are you sure that Sunbeams are "super bright?" I figured since they were nickel, they'd have a warmer tone.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk551

Are you sure that Sunbeams are "super bright?" I figured since they were nickel, they'd have a warmer tone.

I have not tried them yet. But from what i've read, they are pretty bright. Here is one review page that i've found helpfull.
http://www.bgra.net/features/strings.html

[Nighthawk551]

Originally Posted by DougD

I have not tried them yet. But from what i've read, they are pretty bright. Here is one review page that i've found helpfull.
http://www.bgra.net/features/strings.html

Thanks! Since I like the feel of nickel strings better, how do Sunbeams and Nickel Lo-Riders compare tonewise?

[Boondog Reisbol]

If you want bright zingy strings, SS Hi-Beams!
I don't likem but many do. SS Lo-Riders
are up there for brightness too but I find
them both harsh/brittle YMMV. The SS LR's
do have more tension that you like.

Nickel LR's are nice and Sunbeams are
similar in tone with less zing & tension IMO. You
want more tension, stay w/hex cores = LR's

I love DR Sunbeams but would never classify
them as super bright. They're great strings &
have nice mids & treble response - not harsh.

In general, nickel plated is better for your frets than
SS but many say it's negligible. I could never get
used to the feel of SS strings.

[big evil robot]

I've tried Hi-beams, and have been meaning to try the Sunbeams for some time but no one stocks them usually up here.

I LOVE lowriders, LOVE them, I have a hard time playing any other string now that I've made that switch.
EB slinkys go dead much too quickly for my likes, and the E string always feels limp.
Lowriders have incredible tension, growl for days, and react perfectly to finger style playing.
I find a set lasts one month to two weeks depending on how heavily I play them. (which can be really heavy more often then not)

[Nighthawk551]

I know that the SS Hi-Beams and Lo-Riders both have bright, zingy tone. But, I've heard that Hi-Beams have a more "hi-fi" tone suited for slapping, etc. I've also heard that Lo-Riders have a better growl than Hi-Beams and sound more "rock-ish." Is this true? Also, do they feel just about the same? It's been said that Hi-Beams don't eat your frets, but do the Lo-Riders?

[big evil robot]

I found I didn't like the High beams much at all, they were brassy and lacked the oomf and growl of the lo riders.

Both have the "won't eat your frets" claim, I can't say I've ever noticed either way.

I think if you just try em, you're gonna like em.
They are really close to roto's, but you don't have to hope for a good pack, which I find is common with roto's to get a dead pack.
And they have a lot more zing in them that lasts.

[Nighthawk551]

Great, thanks Robot! I checked your band's MySpace and I liked your tone. I assume that's a Jazz with Lo-Riders (just what I'm going for). I'm glad the QC on DRs seems to be much better than Rotos. I use DRs on my acoustic guitar and I've yet to have a bad batch.

[big evil robot]

I haven't yet had a bad pack of DR's, where I've had many for EB, Roto, and D'Addarios

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk551

Also, do they feel just about the same? It's been said that Hi-Beams don't eat your frets, but do the Lo-Riders?

ALL DR strings are made with a "compression-wound" manufacturing process that flattens down the very outer edge of the wrap. That's the reason why they're easier on the frets than traditional roundwound strings.

All other things being equal, stainless steel will always be tougher on the frets than nickel alloy - simply because steel is a harder substance than nickel. But steel DRs should not cause as much damage to the frets as steel roundwounds. Whether they're easier on the frets than nickel roundwounds, I dunno...

MM

[Boondog Reisbol]

Originally Posted by big evil robot

I found I didn't like the High beams much at all, they were brassy and lacked the oomf and growl of the lo riders.

+1, agree w/BER as I've had the same experience.

I think I know what you're after NH551 and I would
try the nickel LR's first. If they don't work out (I doubt)
give the SS version a try. The nickel feels better.
I prefer the SB's actually, but you might find them
a bit too loose/soft.

FYI, I use super slinkys as well & really like them.
They do mellow/break-in fast but I like that - I prefer
the 45-65-80-100 gauge w/this string.