Dunlop Nickels what are your thoughts?

[bohemond]

Feel, Tension and Mid-range authority. That sums these strings up perfectly!

[invalidprotocol]

Broken in from day one. Would be my go to strings if gigged like crazy and wanted a fresh set for every show without having to deal with the first several hours of new string zing. Great for taming an overly bright bass. Also good when you like the feel of Sunbeams but need a little more tension.

[ksandvik]

I tried to like Dunlop round wounds, nickel or steel, but no for me, wear out fast and I don't even have a problem with finger sweat. Tried twice, back to DR where I'm happy.

[AmpedSilence]

I really like these strings, for all the positive reasons mentioned! I will try out a set of steels after my current strings wear out.

[mmbongo]

I did like Dunlops for a while, but they do wear out quickly. Similar to Sunbeams, but don't have that extra sweetness you get from a round core.

[Marty Forrer]

Given the love for DRs here, I'll tell you that the guy who designed, tested and researched Dunlop strings in their test facility was formerly the main man at DR strings. I had the privelige of being invited to Dunlop's test facility back in 2005. They had a building with maybe a dozen string-winding machines, and were experimenting with tensions, core shapes, core sizes etc, etc, in order to get the optimum bang for the buck.

[nutdog]

Originally Posted by Marty Forrer

Given the love for DRs here, I'll tell you that the guy who designed, tested and researched Dunlop strings in their test facility was formerly the main man at DR strings. I had the privelige of being invited to Dunlop's test facility back in 2005. They had a building with maybe a dozen string-winding machines, and were experimenting with tensions, core shapes, core sizes etc, etc, in order to get the optimum bang for the buck.

That's interesting. As I said before, my experience in switching from DR low riders to the Dunlops and Diaddarios was not the disappointment I was expecting. I also haven't experienced the quick wear out others describe. I did several practices, gigs and rehearsals on the last set, including my desperate attempts to improve my slap technique. Considering they've cost about $10 per set, it's working out pretty well.

[Britbonic]

Originally Posted by Marty Forrer

Given the love for DRs here, I'll tell you that the guy who designed, tested and researched Dunlop strings in their test facility was formerly the main man at DR strings. I had the privelige of being invited to Dunlop's test facility back in 2005. They had a building with maybe a dozen string-winding machines, and were experimenting with tensions, core shapes, core sizes etc, etc, in order to get the optimum bang for the buck.

I've heard this story too about the former DR guy jumping ship to work for Dunlop. I'd be curious to know exactly was his role was at DR since I think at least one of the founders still actively involved in the company. I think a lot of people assumed that because of that, the Dunlops would cheaper versions of the DRs. While they are certainly decent strings and may share some characteristics the Dunlop Nickel strings are not DR Sunbeams. Maybe that wasn't their goal and they had intended to do their own thing all along. Good to have so many choices.

[mmbongo]

Les was a production manager at DR. He was far from the 'main man' and didn't do string designs.

[Staccato]

Inexpensive! Some of us wait until we can grab DR strings at a low price, and buy them, instead.

[4-string]

Originally Posted by jacojbass

I used in the past....some of the worst strings I ever used.

+1.

I got two sets of the nickels, both had completely dead E strings. The A, D and G didn't impress either, but they were only half dead. Didn't like the tone, didn't like the feel.

YMMV obviously.

[AmpedSilence]

Originally Posted by 4-string

+1.

I got two sets of the nickels, both had completely dead E strings. The A, D and G didn't impress either, but they were only half dead. Didn't like the tone, didn't like the feel.

YMMV obviously.

man that sucks!

I still plan on trying the steels cause I loved the nickels so much.

[Craig_S]

I still play the Dunlops and have experienced NONE of these issues people have mentioned. I don't get it. Oh well... More for me!

[funkybass]

Originally Posted by Craig_S

I still play the Dunlops and have experienced NONE of these issues people have mentioned. I don't get it. Oh well... More for me!

I've used dunlops on my carvin sb with no issues either, and they always lasted a good while. I did order a set of hi beams to try, but wouldn't hesitate to order dunlops again.

[Craig_S]

Originally Posted by funkybass

I've used dunlops on my carvin sb with no issues either, and they always lasted a good while. I did order a set of hi beams to try, but wouldn't hesitate to order dunlops again.

Maybe the atmospheric conditions in the Midwest are better for the Dunlop strings?

[invalidprotocol]

I've only had one bad set where the E string was dead, but it was only that one set. I've also encountered similar problems with Ernie Ball and DR strings. I guess you just get that set from time to time.

[Limeman]

I've had a dead E and A in my last 2 out of 3 Dunlop sets. I like their tone and feel, but like Slinkys, they die quickly on the vine to boot. Having said that, most manufacturers are pretty good about dealing with a dead string. I have not contacted Dunlop yet, but in the past when I ran into this issue with Ernie Ball Slinkys, they did more than replace the dead string, they sent me a new set quickly and without hassle. I would assume Dunlop is the same way? Anybody have experience with Dunlop's CS?

[Craig_S]

Originally Posted by Limeman

I've had a dead E and A in my last 2 out of 3 Dunlop sets. I like their tone and feel, but like Slinkys, they die quickly on the vine to boot. Having said that, most manufacturers are pretty good about dealing with a dead string. I have not contacted Dunlop yet, but in the past when I ran into this issue with Ernie Ball Slinkys, they did more than replace the dead string, they sent me a new set quickly and without hassle. I would assume Dunlop is the same way? Anybody have experience with Dunlop's CS?

I've only had one issue with Dunlop. I had a 5 string nickel set that somehow was packaged with a stainless B string. They replaced the set for me without issue. They sent me a catalog, an assortment of picks and a keychain, too. I thought it was nice.

Side note: I just put together a parts Jazz Bass yesterday and I threw on an old used set of Dunlops I had saved. They still sound good! They were on the previous bass for probably three months and in the box for another two. I never cleaned them or anything. It's true. I might just be a fan of their tone. I don't know...

I don't like squeaky, overly bright strings. I'm not looking for only thump either. To me, the Dunlops have a great "classic" kind of sound. That's the best I can explain it.

[klokker]

I didn't like the Dunlop nickels I tried. OK, but seemed a bit thin compared to Lo-Riders I prefer.

However, I have to confess I've never gigged the Dunlops.