DR's too rough?

[mward69]

I am on my 2nd set {I used D'addearios} I find them too rough to play for 3 hours. I have been using fret ease which I haven't used in a LOOOOONNGGGG time. Anyone else agree?

[JimmyM]

All stainless steel strings are too rough for me. Sounds like you have the same problem. You should stick with nickel.

[73jbass]

Try a set of Elixers. Nice and smooth.

[alexofc69]

I love DRs. I guess slightly rough. That what I haveon all my basses except my Schecter.
I like them better than Elixers any day. The only good thing with the Elixers is how long they last. I have had my Schecter with Elixers since November. i have gigged and practiced with them since and they still feel and sound new.

[hbarcat]

I switched to DR hi beams about a year ago and also noticed that they're very rough strings. I'm just going to keep using them because they sound better to me than any other string I've tried and they last a very long time.

I mean what's the worst that can happen? Are we going to rub our fingertips off if we keep using them?

[JimmyM]

No, but if the guy's uncomfortable with them, there's no reason he should put up with it. I say use what makes you want to go play the bass.

[Asa Samuel]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

All stainless steel strings are too rough for me. Sounds like you have the same problem. You should stick with nickel.

+1 i remember the first time i tried rotosound swing steels, argh it was horroble.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by hbarcat

I switched to DR hi beams about a year ago and also noticed that they're very rough strings. I'm just going to keep using them because they sound better to me than any other string I've tried and they last a very long time.

I mean what's the worst that can happen? Are we going to rub our fingertips off if we keep using them?

DR Hi Beams are the smoothest, least rough feeling SS roundwounds I've ever experienced.... they feel more like Nickel strings than other SS sets.

Are you comparing them to other SS roundwound sets?

[bassgod0dmw]

I just switched to SS lo-riders. They are a little rough, but nothing I can't deal with. They sound awesome and I love the higher tension feel...

To each his own though. No reason to play something if you're not comfortable!

[mat gregory]

I just had John at Jay dee guitars put a stainless steel set of elites strings onto my sterling. At first I was sceptical as i thought the DRs i had previously used would be better. I actually much much prefer the elites for sound and feel, alot smoother than the DRs and all round better string in my opinion!

[jmain]

Nickel LoRiders or Sunbeams for me. Always been a nickel guy.

[DavidRavenMoon]

Originally Posted by mward69

I am on my 2nd set {I used D'addearios} I find them too rough to play for 3 hours. I have been using fret ease which I haven't used in a LOOOOONNGGGG time. Anyone else agree?

Nickel or Steel? The Pro Steels are a bit rougher. I use the nickels. No problems here.

You have calluses? It's important to watch what kind of soap you wash your hands with. Use Ivory. Don't use anything that softens your skin (like Dove)! It will soften your calluses. Avoid skin cream as well, or be sparing. And keep your hands dry. Use power if you have to.

I remember reading an interview with Stanley Clarke who said he would practice so long that his fingers bled! He would have to smooth his calluses with fine sand paper!

You need them calluses. Just keep playing and your fingers will toughen up.

That's my advice from playing bass for the past 38 years.

[SGT. Pepper]

DR FatBeams and D'Addario ProSteels aren't as rough as other steels. Give one of those a try.

[bgavin]

Apply wet tea bags to your newly developing calluses. The tannic acid speeds their development.

Link to callus and tannic acid info