DR strings tension

[ilmaio]

Hi guys,
I searched on DR website, but i didn't found the specifications about string tension.
Others manufacturers (like D'Addario) have the tension of their strings (in kg or lbs) published on their sites, but not DR.

Can someone help me finding DR strings tension?
I'm in GAS for a set o sunbeams, and i'd like to compare their tension with D'Addario EXL that i'm currently using.

[Ripley]

Agreed - DR's web site leaves something to be desired when it comes to the catalog and specs. That said, I put some Sunbeams on my Yamaha a few weeks ago and I love them. I'd guess the tension is fairly low, as they seem very, I don't know... fluid? and easy to play when set to low action.

[DwaynieAD]

I was a little put off by my sunbeams as I was used to playing high beams, but now that I'm used to them I love them. buttery smooth. I don't really know what I can say about tension but I guess I could just agree with what Ripley said, that seems about right.

[ilmaio]

My biggest concern is about the action i can obtain with sunbeams: i loke to have a low action, but i'm afraid that i have to raise it because the sunbeams have less tension.

Speaking of tension, how they compare with D'Addario EXL? Are they much lower tension?

[Jaco who?]

All of the DR round core strings (Sunbeams, Highbeams, Fatbeams, extra life coated) will feel lower in tension than the D'addarios. With proper set up, you should still be able to have pretty low action without any clankiness. You might prefer the hex core low riders if you dig in a lot, they're pretty similar tension wise to XLs.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by ilmaio

My biggest concern is about the action i can obtain with sunbeams: i loke to have a low action, but i'm afraid that i have to raise it because the sunbeams have less tension.

Speaking of tension, how they compare with D'Addario EXL? Are they much lower tension?

IMHO, Sunbeams/Hi Beams are the lowest tension strings out there next to TI Jazz Rounds. You will probably need to raise your action slightly if you are used to D'Addario, but it's a trade off because the low tension should allow easy fretting with your left hand.

[Zooberwerx]

There's a foggy area between string tension and stiffness IME. String tension may vary slightly amongst like strings and require some instrument adjustments, but the perceived "under fingers" bounce / spring / stiffness is more heavily influenced by the materials, winding, and core wire. Example: two G strings (same gauge, different manufacturers) with comparable tensions of 45 lbs may feel markedly different once installed on the bass in question. I would focus more on the other attributes when making a selection. DR Strings does address the round core vs. hex core concept on their website. IIRC, hex core strings are stiffer but I have no firsthand knowledge as to whether this allows lower action or diminishes fretboard noise.

Riis

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

IMHO, Sunbeams/Hi Beams are the lowest tension strings out there next to TI Jazz Rounds. You will probably need to raise your action slightly if you are used to D'Addario, but it's a trade off because the low tension should allow easy fretting with your left hand.

This is generally true. I have found that I was able to keep really low action with low tension strings as long as I adjusted my playing BUT it was an adjustment.

[Ripley]

I have fairly low action on my bass and no problems with the Sunbeams. I may raise them a hair due to some upper fret clank, but no problems with lower fret buzzing so far.