DR Sunbeam 5's - G String Question

FallenAbom · #1 06-23-2009, 05:34 PM

I did a search and couldn't find anything with this exact issue, however, if I missed it please point me in the right direction.

So I did a lot of reading on the Sunbeam's here, and from what I read I was droooooooling. Ordered a set and put them on Friday. Resetup the whole bass, inotation, action, ect. Right away before even plugging in I knew I was going to love them for the feel, its just so much smoother...and "workable?" then the other sets of strings I've had.

So I plugged in and started thumping, and all was going well.... until I hit the G string. For some reason the G-String just sounds absolutley dead, like someone took a needle and sucked the tone right out of it. Doesn't mater if I'm plucking, thumping, popping, or picking all of them produce the same result. Is this normal from the Sunbeam's? Considering the nickel I was expecting everything to sound warmer, which it does, but every other string has a nice bright to it regardless except for the G.

Info for everyone:

* Schecter Omen-5 Active.

* Raised the pickup on the G side to max.

* Checked the nut and saddle to make sure nothing was catching.

* The inotation is near (as in I'm not a pro) perfect on the G.

* No buzz what so ever on any of the frets.

* Tried direct through my Ampeg B-115, GK-700rb-ii with 4x10 backline cab, and my Bass PodXT Live all with same results.

If necesary I can probably record each individual string for diagnostic reasons, but odds are one of you will have the answer.

Thanks for all your help, I really want these Sunbeam's to work!

20db pad · #2 06-23-2009, 05:47 PM

Looking at the list of variables you provided, it looks like the source of the problem is not the bass or the gear being used.

A bad string can and will occur in the manufacturing process, and there's really no way to check them as it's impossible to install each string on a bass to make sure it's okay. In most cases, you can contact the manufacturer and they will send you a replacement.

FallenAbom · #3 06-23-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 20db pad

you can contact the manufacturer and they will send you a replacement.

Seriously didn't even THINK about trying that. Good call, I will do that for sure and see where it gets me. If anyone else has other thoughts please keep them coming. Thank you!

PSPookie · #4 06-23-2009, 05:52 PM

Yup.

Bad string is my guess as well. DR should sort you out.

FallenAbom · #5 06-24-2009, 02:59 PM

Update: Called DR last night and no one was around so I left a message. Received a call back today from a Steve that works down there, I told him the symptoms of the problem and he gave me 2 options:

A) We can send you a free G-String by Fed-Ex first thing tomorrow morning.
B) We can send you a free pack of Sunbeam 5's so you can start fresh.

I explained that I didn't want to take advantage of them, it wasn't a horribly big deal as long as they were going to correct the initial G-string problem, but he CONVINCED me to go with the whole pack and start from scratch.

It's being Fed-ex'd tomorrow morning first thing! DR is a GREAT company to work with!

Thank you for your responses, I'll update as soon as I get them and restring to let everyone know if that was the problem or not.

stflbn · #6 06-24-2009, 03:01 PM

Love Sunbeams on my Mahogany Neck through Schecter Studio5 with Kent Armstrong pickups and Aguilar OBP-3.

aproud1 · #7 06-24-2009, 03:02 PM

DR makes great strings and as you now know is a great company too. With your symptoms I'd go for dead string too but have seen this because of a string being twisted when stringing up and then tightened.

LowBSix · #8 06-24-2009, 03:03 PM

contact DR... they're a great company and you'll probably get a replacement

dmusic148 · #9 06-24-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAbom

I explained that I didn't want to take advantage of them, it wasn't a horribly big deal as long as they were going to correct the initial G-string problem, but he CONVINCED me to go with the whole pack and start from scratch.

It's being Fed-ex'd tomorrow morning first thing! DR is a GREAT company to work with!

Yup, DR is the shizznit.

FallenAbom · #10 06-24-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowBSix

contact DR... they're a great company and you'll probably get a replacement

Already did:

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAbom

Update: Called DR last night and no one was around so I left a message. Received a call back today from a Steve that works down there, I told him the symptoms of the problem and he gave me 2 options:

A) We can send you a free G-String by Fed-Ex first thing tomorrow morning.
B) We can send you a free pack of Sunbeam 5's so you can start fresh.

I explained that I didn't want to take advantage of them, it wasn't a horribly big deal as long as they were going to correct the initial G-string problem, but he CONVINCED me to go with the whole pack and start from scratch.

It's being Fed-ex'd tomorrow morning first thing! DR is a GREAT company to work with!

Thank you for your responses, I'll update as soon as I get them and restring to let everyone know if that was the problem or not.

scottbass · #11 06-24-2009, 03:23 PM

Congratulations on getting your problem addressed so quickly!

Please heed the instructions that come with the DR's concerning how to install them. Those Sunbeams are wound on round cores, so you have to be a little bit careful during installation. Bend them at a right angle before cutting, as the instructions indicate. Also, DON'T wrap them around your posts - this may loosen the windings. Instead turn the tuners to allow them to draw up and wrap around the posts naturally.

Also, please forgive me if you already know this stuff!

FallenAbom · #12 06-24-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbass

Congratulations on getting your problem addressed so quickly!

Please heed the instructions that come with the DR's concerning how to install them. Those Sunbeams are wound on round cores, so you have to be a little bit careful during installation. Bend them at a right angle before cutting, as the instructions indicate. Also, DON'T wrap them around your posts - this may loosen the windings. Instead turn the tuners to allow them to draw up and wrap around the posts naturally.

Also, please forgive me if you already know this stuff!

I do, but it NEVER hurts to get a refresher

. Thank you!

FallenAbom · #13 07-28-2009, 05:38 PM

I just realized I never updated!!!! Yes that was the problem, the string was dead. Slapped the new set on and everything sounded great! Thanks for the advise everyone.

Rick in Dixie · #14 07-28-2009, 09:59 PM

I just recently started using DR Sunbeams, I love them, I've been using Blue Steel for the last 20 years or so, but my local dealer convinced me to try them since he was out of Blue Steels, I'll buy the DR's for now on. Manufacturing Round Wound Strings is a complicated process, all it takes is to get 1 wind out of tolerance and it will kill the string

fearceol · #15 07-29-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick in Dixie

I just recently started using DR Sunbeams, I love them

+1. I decided to try them after reading all the good reports about them. I love the tone, and especially the smooth feel of them.

StreamerDavid · #16 07-31-2009, 10:20 AM

I really like DR strings but I had enough experiences with quality variability that I just went back to D'Addario. It's a shame because their round core strings sound great.

**Ronny49** · #17 05-30-2011, 10:58 PM

Wow... even today this same issue is going on!

I was doing a search on Sunbeams on google and this thread came up. I have to say that I have bought several sets of DR's now and end up with dead D AND G strings. But DR has replaced them for me every time. But it gets a little old having to go through that. Even their Neon's have the same problem and YES, I do bend the string 90 degrees before cutting.

mmbongo · #18 05-31-2011, 04:59 AM

It happens. Remember DR strings are more hand made than other strings, and Sunbeams are round core strings so they are a little different.

That being said, I've been using Sunbeams for years and I've never had a single problem with them, you just have to install them right.

dave64o · #19 05-31-2011, 11:22 AM

I've seen a lot of stories here on TB about how well DR takes care of their customers. They make some fine strings too.

I've been using Lo Riders for a while but wanted to try something different and put Sunbeams on my new (to me) FNA Jazzman I bought last fall. Love them!

P-oddz · #20 05-31-2011, 03:07 PM

SUNBEAMS!!!! YEAH!!!!!
Play 'em on my '62 RI Jazz. Very punchy, warm, and round.