Dr sunbeams or hibeams?

darkstorm · #1 07-22-2011, 07:24 PM

Whats the diff soundwise between them? Both are listed as nickel on round cores. And which is the same string as the neons but uncoated? I think its sunbeams but not certain. Thanks.

darkstorm · #2 07-22-2011, 07:41 PM

Ok, nevermind, sunbeams are nickel and hibeams are stainless according to dr website. MF had it wrong in their description. So sunbeams for uncoated neons.

LoveThatBass · #3 07-22-2011, 08:07 PM

Black Beauties and I believe Neons also are DR High Beams Stainless with a coating which tames them down just a little. I like the Black Beauties a lot. Just got a set with the new K3 tougher coating that they tout as being able to stand up to even playing with a pick. Can't wait to try them out.

darkstorm · #4 07-22-2011, 08:54 PM

LoveThatBass..... Neons are nickel wound on round core according to dr website. There has been a lot of confusion about the various dr strings makeup on talkbass threads Ive noticed. Must be several internet stores like MF giving diff info for the strings then DR's website. Is confusing. Was curious in case I got a bass that wouldnt be so easy a fit color wise with neons, or for the guitar version of, which they dont seem to make guitar strings with same names. No sunbeam or hibeam guitar strings. Would be nice to know which strings equal which bass and guitar, etc.

I thought black beuaties where hex core instead of round. It would be better if Dr did string naming to match same type.

The coating does survive pick use very well LoveThatBass for me. I use pick 99.9% of the time. Heavy gauge. moderate force with fair amount of rakes etc now and then. Longest Ive had a set on a bass is just over 5 months. No noticeable coating wear off. Prob could have kept them on closer to 6 month mark, but felt like time for new set. I did try the guitar string neons but their output thru pups was weak compared to rotosound swing66, dean markley blue steels, etc and had significant coating wear off on the unwound strings within 2 and half weeks.

SLaPiNFuNK · #5 07-22-2011, 09:28 PM

The Coated DR strings are basically Coated Sunbeams. The new K3 Coated strings, Neon / Black Beauties, Red Devils, Cool Blues, and Silver Stars...

DR does make Hi-Beam guitar strings... but they are Nickel on Guitar and Hex core... So you can say the are a similar construction to Nickel Lo-Riders...

They also have Tite-Fits for guitar which are nickel wrapped on round cores... So you could say they are similar construction to Sunbeams...

LoveThatBass · #6 07-22-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

The Coated DR strings are basically Coated Sunbeams. The new K3 Coated strings, Neon / Black Beauties, Red Devils, Cool Blues, and Silver Stars...

Not according to DR. When I called and told them I had read posts that stated their coated strings were DR High Beams Stainless rounds they replied "Yes, that is correct"

SLaPiNFuNK · #7 07-22-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveThatBass

Not according to DR. When I called and told them I had read posts that stated their coated strings were DR High Beams Stainless rounds they replied "Yes, that is correct"

When was this? and who did you talk to? Which strings did you specifically ask about?

Ill talk to them about it on Monday as well...

I am not doubting you... but this is not the first time conflicting info on this has gone around...

darkstorm · #8 07-22-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

The Coated DR strings are basically Coated Sunbeams. The new K3 Coated strings, Neon / Black Beauties, Red Devils, Cool Blues, and Silver Stars...

DR does make Hi-Beam guitar strings... but they are Nickel on Guitar and Hex core... So you can say the are a similar construction to Nickel Lo-Riders...

They also have Tite-Fits for guitar which are nickel wrapped on round cores... So you could say they are similar construction to Sunbeams...

Thanks Slap. That what I waas thinking from reading thru the dr website. Just dont like that the guitar strings are called "tite fit" as though theyre high tension. Lol. Will order some for guitar soon to compare to dean blue steels for growl etc for guitar. And sunbeam bass strings if gets 2nd bass that doesnt have easy fit for neon colors. Lol.

mmbongo · #9 07-22-2011, 10:47 PM

I have talked to Steve Bello at DR about the coated strings, and the word straight from his mouth are that the coated strings are coated nickel on round cores....so basically coated Sunbeams.

Darkstorm....the 'TiteFit' means that they squeeze more metal on the string than usual.

LoveThatBass · #10 07-23-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

I have talked to Steve Bello at DR about the coated strings, and the word straight from his mouth are that the coated strings are coated nickel on round cores....so basically coated Sunbeams.

Darkstorm....the 'TiteFit' means that they squeeze more metal on the string than usual.

Last fall I talked to them about the Black Beauties Bass strings. At that time Guitar Center did not have the ones with K3 coating so I bought the original type. They did sound very close to the Hi Beams Stainless I had been using. I have not put the new ones I just bought with the K3 coating on yet. If they are Sun Beams nickels I have been curious to try Sun Beams as my new Fender bass came with 7250 Nickel Plated Rounds. I do not wish to spread false information so I will take you at your word. I could have been given wrong information. I talked with a woman at DR so it wasn't the guy you spoke with.

GeneralElectric · #11 07-23-2011, 08:05 AM

In October the guys at DR recommended to me the new K3 Black Beauties since I was having issues with the high beams. He said the Beauties are just coated High Beams.