DR with Warwick

Mingus Addict · #1 11-11-2007, 01:23 AM

I want to try DR strings with my Corvette 5 string $$. Any Warwick owners using DR's? What kind do you use and what do you like about them? I'm leaning towards the Hi-beams. I'm also wondering, if I get the .130 gauge B string, will it be tapered? The Warwick's want a tapered B-string.

SUNNyday r. · #2 11-11-2007, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingus Addict

I want to try DR strings with my Corvette 5 string $$. Any Warwick owners using DR's? What kind do you use and what do you like about them? I'm leaning towards the Hi-beams. I'm also wondering, if I get the .130 gauge B string, will it be tapered? The Warwick's want a tapered B-string.

Hi Beams are the only string that sound good on my 2005 Warwick Corvette with bubinga body. Those are the only strings that I will put on that bass. Can't help you with the B string as I am a four string guy. DR's are the best roundwound string IMO. Hi Beams and Sunbeams are my fav because of the easy tension due to the roundcore wire. Go for it!

Shoewreck · #3 11-11-2007, 04:44 PM

I have Hi-Beams on my SSTD. Enough mid-punch and growl to hear it's a Warwick

.
Highs seem harsh to me, but it's mostly because I prefer nickel - you may find Hi-Beams just pleasingly bright and clear.
Don't forget to follow installation tips on package to get shure your strings will last long.

BillytheBassist · #4 11-11-2007, 05:31 PM

I had sunbeam lites on my FNA before i sold it... the gauges are .125 .100 .80 .60 .40. The B was a snug sit for the tailpiece, all it needed was very slight pressure from my thumb to rest correctly into the slot. IMO you can't go wrong with sunbeams..... goodluck!

Gene Leone · #5 11-12-2007, 05:15 AM

After trying a gazillion strings for my Thumb BO, Sunbeams finally had what I was looking for on the Thumb.

I use 40, 60, 80, 100 if that's any help.

Mingus Addict · #6 11-13-2007, 09:50 AM

Thanks guys! Sounds encouraging. I think I'm going to have to call DR to find out about tapered strings. I'll try to remember to post a review of how it works out.

martin shane · #7 11-13-2007, 08:31 PM

I used sunbeams on my '94 NT thumb and my '91 NT streamer ... sounded awesome !!!

mark roberts · #8 11-13-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingus Addict

Thanks guys! Sounds encouraging. I think I'm going to have to call DR to find out about tapered strings. I'll try to remember to post a review of how it works out.

From many years experience...2 to 3 B strings for every set. No kidding. Longnecks offer the tapered series.

Mingus Addict · #9 11-14-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark roberts

From many years experience...2 to 3 B strings for every set. No kidding. Longnecks offer the tapered series.

I don't understand. Are you saying I should replace my B string 2-3x more often than my other strings? Or do you mean when trying a new set I should give myself several B string options? BTW thanks for the info on the tapered strings.

GlassJaw · #10 11-14-2007, 08:46 AM

I use Lo-Riders on all my Warwicks. I love em!

Creese · #11 11-14-2007, 08:56 AM

On my Streamers (SS2 and SS1- both 5's) I've tried the Low-Riders and Long necks. In my experience and my style of playing, the the Low-Riders were awful (and died SUPER quick) but I liked the Long Necks (which are tapered). For what it's worth tho, Everytime I experiment w/ strings I've always go back to Black Labels (.135B) on all my 'wicks.

bluestarbass · #12 11-14-2007, 11:21 AM

DR strings on all my basses, but actually the reason I play them is becuase my thumb came with them. I bought the bass used. I like the tone so much I put DRs on all my basses and guitars. I use hi-beams and more recently the black beauties. The coated strings are a little less bright than the hi beams.

funkybassplayer · #13 11-14-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassJaw

I use Lo-Riders on all my Warwicks. I love em!

+1000

I used to use Lowriders on my '88 Thumb NT and i loved them. THe only reason i switched was in my never ending quest for the perfect set of strings.

Mingus Addict · #14 11-14-2007, 11:16 PM

Okay so I picked up a set of Hi-beams and put them on the bass before band practice today. My bass still had the Warwick Black Labels that came on it so it was definitely a nice change. I spent a long time putting them on there and adjusting my set up a bit. I went from .045,.065,.085,.105,.135 to .045,.065,.085,.105,.125. To my surprise there seemed to be too much relief in my neck after I put them on and I had to tighten the truss rod. The Low B also had to be adjusted for intonation A LOT. After practice I definitely miss the thicker gauge B string. I'm not disappointed with the Hi-beams but I'm not blown away either. I actually wouldn't mind an even brighter string. I guess my corvette is just really dark and my 810e cabinet doesn't exactly accentuate the highs. Like I said, I'd also like a thicker B string but I don't think anything thicker than .125 will fit the bridge without being tapered. It hasn't even been a day so I haven't decided for sure but I think I'm going to try Lo-Riders or Long Necks for my next set. The Hi-beams aren't too shabby though. I'm curious to see how long they last.

GlassJaw · #15 11-15-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creese

On my Streamers (SS2 and SS1- both 5's) I've tried the Low-Riders and Long necks. In my experience and my style of playing, the the Low-Riders were awful (and died SUPER quick)

I find that very surprising and completely uncharacteristic of every set of Lo-Riders I've used. If anything, I find Lo-Riders to last an incredibly long time.

Are you sure you aren't confusing the initial decrease in brightness with the strings dying? Lo-Riders are usually a tad on the bright side when you first put them on but after a couple of days, their true sound comes out.

Another thing that I like about them is that when they do start to die, it's not all of a sudden. You can usually get another week or two out of them before they get completely dull.

CapnSev · #16 11-15-2007, 11:12 AM

I used DR Highbeams on my $$ for a long time, they sound very nice. The B string is not tapered though, you'll have to file out the saddle, or crimp the string.

I've since switched to nickels, for a more mellow tone though.

Creese · #17 11-15-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassJaw

I find that very surprising and completely uncharacteristic of every set of Lo-Riders I've used. If anything, I find Lo-Riders to last an incredibly long time.

Are you sure you aren't confusing the initial decrease in brightness with the strings dying? Lo-Riders are usually a tad on the bright side when you first put them on but after a couple of days, their true sound comes out.

Not confusing w/ lack of brightness. Dead like a $50 Lotus hanging in a pawn shop...you know, the one that smells like an ash tray? I was very disappointed and we're only talking few weeks use.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to dog them- it was just my experience.

stabbicus · #18 11-15-2007, 12:07 PM

I like the Low Riders with .130 B.

Daywalker · #19 11-15-2007, 12:32 PM

I've tried lots of different strings, and I always come back to DR. I use the High Beams on my two 5-strings, the black beauties on my Bleached Blonde Thumb, and the Marcus Miller's on my other Dirty Blonde Thumb...

rbolanos · #20 11-15-2007, 09:02 PM

"On my Streamers (SS2 and SS1- both 5's) I've tried the Low-Riders and Long necks. In my experience and my style of playing, the the Low-Riders were awful (and died SUPER quick) but I liked the Long Necks (which are tapered). For what it's worth tho, Everytime I experiment w/ strings I've always go back to Black Labels (.135B) on all my 'wicks."

Same here...I put a set of DR low riders on my SSI 6 string, and switched the B (.135 T) and the G (0.45) from the warwick set just to see the difference in sound. and for some reason I came to the same conclusion, Black Labels, do sound much better than DR lowriders, I wouldn't try Hibeams, a bit too bright.
good luck