DR strings question

[Bubbacritz]

Alright so i was thinking of upgrading my Slinky rounds to DR Lo-riders, Nickle Lo-riders or Sunbeams and i wanted to know about the different sound qualities in more detail and also I've heard low Lo-riders have high really tension and i was wondering if that's a common issues? if it helps i play alternative, indie, rock, funk, and i dabble in hard rock and metal every so often
Thank you

[mmbongo]

Well the higher tension is not really an issue, it's a feature. The higher tension allows you to lower the strings closer to the fretboard without buzz (hence the name Lo-Rider). Besides, they're not really higher tension than any other hex core string...they just have more tension than a round core string such as the Sunbeams or ExtraLifes.

Might want to read this:
http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html

[lmfreeman9]

I mostly use flats, and prefer low tension like TI's. Nickel lo-riders are the only rounds I use and I do not notice any problem with too much tension.

[p-bass]

DR Low-riders are not high tension strings at all. DR claims the hex core is stiffer playing than the round core used on the Sunbeams and Highbeams,maybe it is but I can't feel a big difference.

[Joe.shaffer]

I use Lo-riders on my bass and the change from round core strings wasn't drastic. I was able to drop my strings down some, well a good bit actually. Sound awesome, I play indie and jazz with them.

[stflbn]

I've used both and don't feel a huge difference between Sunbeams and LoRiders.

I just went from Sunbeams to a set of new EBMM coated bass5 strings and the tension on those feel about the same to me.

[BullHorn]

Wow, that's an amazing article, mmbongo!

Now I don't know which DR strings I want, they all sound so good! :P

[lijazz]

Compared to the High Beams the Lo Riders are noticeably stiffer, but no more than any other hex core string. I have tried both and prefer the Lo Riders. I found the High Beams too floppy and "midrangy" for my taste. I play an MIA Standard Jazz. The Lo Riders are the best strings I have played and they do last a long time.

[ThatGermanDude]

My personal favorite of the DR strings are the Sunbeams. They have a warmer tone than the High Beams and lasted longer for me. I used to go through a set of strings every three months or so. The sunbeams have been on my bass since January are about to be replaced at Christmas.

[klokker]

Originally Posted by lijazz

The Lo Riders are the best strings I have played and they do last a long time.

+1

[p-bass]

Originally Posted by ThatGermanDude

My personal favorite of the DR strings are the Sunbeams. They have a warmer tone than the High Beams and lasted longer for me. I used to go through a set of strings every three months or so. The sunbeams have been on my bass since January are about to be replaced at Christmas.

+1
That is what I like about Sunbeams...they last.

[mmbongo]

I normally use Sunbeams, but recently tried the Black Beauties and they may be overall the best strings I've ever played. I don't have them on the bass I normally use Sunbeams on though, so I haven't done a direct comparison yet. They are also round core (edit..or so I thought! Read below...), so the tension is similar to the Sunbeams.

[Bubbacritz]

Thank you for all the feed back and that article was really great, im now debating between nickle LoRiders and Sunbeams, im leaning towards sunbeams but im not 100% sure, though i dont think this will really change anything i thought i might as well mention that these stings are intended for an American P bass deluxe

[mmbongo]

Well I sent an email to DR asking about the differences in Sunbeams and BlackBeauties (or any of the ExtraLifes for that matter) and here is the reply:

Which one has less tension?
---The Sunbeams are on a roundcore string and are smoother nickel plated, so there will be less tension than on the Black Beauties, which are hexcore.

> Which one has more midrange punch?
---The Black Beauties will have more midrange.

> Which one has less high end 'zing'?
---Again, the Black Beauties will have less high end because they are coated.

> Is there a noticeable difference in the low end?
---The Sunbeams will have a smoother low end, the Black Beauties will have more throat to them.


Firstly, kudos to DR for the quick response.

Secondly, I am really surprised that the ExtraLifes are hex core! Ed Freidland's article says they are round core, and that they have less tension than hex core strings. One of the things I liked so much about the BlackBeauties was the low tension so that's really a surprise to me!

But soundwise, according to his description in the email, Black Beauties are for me. And I thought I would never have another set of hex core strings.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by ThatGermanDude

My personal favorite of the DR strings are the Sunbeams. They have a warmer tone than the High Beams and lasted longer for me. I used to go through a set of strings every three months or so. The sunbeams have been on my bass since January are about to be replaced at Christmas.

Hi-Beams and Sunbeams are basically stainless steel and nickel versions of the same string. If you like the feel and setup characteristics of one, you'll like the other.

I agree that nickel is a rounder, warmer sound than SS. Although, my experience is exactly opposite of yours. I get longer life out of stainless steel strings than I do nickel.

I play taper core all the time, and I am a HUGE fan of the Dean Markley SR2000s. With the new Fenders I have, and with the Lakland JO5, I have started using the DR Long Neck, which is for all purposes, a taper core version of the Lo Rider. The have a longer taper and work awesome strung through body.

I absolutely love the feel of these strings. I just ordered six sets!

[PaulMacCnj]

I used the Nickel Lo-Riders on a Spector Euro5LX for 2 years and always liked the tone and feel. But, someone on TB mentioned the Sunbeams and they are on the bass for a few weeks now. While I do like them, I prefer the Nickel Lo-Riders better because of the higher tension and growly tone. You can't go wrong with either set. DR makes great strings and it's just a matter of your preferences.

[PaulMacCnj]

I just checked out the sound clips from Ed (on Bass Emporium).

First, WOW!!!!! DR makes really nice sounding flatwounds! I must try them on my P-bass.

As for the rounds, I still like the Nickel LoRiders the best. The Sumbeams have a pingy midrange sound that I'm not too crazy about. The NLRs have a warm, growly midrange... tasty!

[ThatGermanDude]

Originally Posted by Chasarms

Hi-Beams and Sunbeams are basically stainless steel and nickel versions of the same string. If you like the feel and setup characteristics of one, you'll like the other.

I agree that nickel is a rounder, warmer sound than SS. Although, my experience is exactly opposite of yours. I get longer life out of stainless steel strings than I do nickel.
...

True, before I tried the sunbeams I had the Hi-Beams. However, I found myself messing with the EQ quite a bit when they started to wear. The Sunbeams I just set and forget.

I originally tried them after I saw an ad that Richard Bona plays them and on here somewhere I read that they are the standard string for Nordstrands. So if it's good enough for them I thought I try them.

I also wanted to get away from that high end, slightly harsh "look at me" tone. They work perfect for that

[PaulMacCnj]

I just put a set of the DR Hi-Beam flatwounds (FL-45: .045, .065, .085, .105) on my 2006 Fender MIA Precision bass. These are nice strings! They have more midrange thump than the LaBella flats I tried, which have more of a bassy thump. Plus, the DRs have a bit more high end. I'm really liking 'em! Many thanks to Ed Friedland's reviews and sound-clips for getting my interest in these strings.

[ahbassman]

I am using the Lo-riders right now... really fast compared to the Hi-Beams i have played in past.