Fender 7150s but different...

Ryan Mohr · #1 01-19-2009, 11:32 AM

Let me start off by saying these are great strings. Out of all the strings I have tried, these have the best tone. The tone is warm, fat, bassy, not too zingy. The only problems are these strings have the lowest output out of any strings I have ever used, and the tension is very high.

I took the D'Addario XLs I had laying around and put them on my SX J Bass, and immediately I noticed a few things. They were much brighter, plainer sounding, lower tension, and higher output. I liked the output and tension, but they didn't have the tone of the Fenders.

From reading around here on TalkBass, I think the DR Sunbeams or DR Nickel Lo-Riders would be great for my needs in a string (warm and fat tone, moderate tension, moderate output). What do you guys think?

Ryan Mohr · #2 01-20-2009, 03:32 PM

fretlessguy · #3 01-20-2009, 04:40 PM

I haven't used them, but DR Sunbeams are supposed to be very similar to those Fender strings.

bassbully · #4 01-20-2009, 05:05 PM

7150s are great but get very thumpy and vintage sounding quickly. I like that but they are not for everyone. The lower output is due to them being all nickel i guess. Try Fenders 7250s which is a nickel wrap over a steelcore. A much brighter string with great feel.

steamthief · #5 01-20-2009, 05:50 PM

If you're looking to go DR, try nickel Lo-Riders. They're not quite as stiff as the 7150s, but a lot more so than the Sunbeams, which feel pretty floppy to me. Either choice has good warm tone.

Ryan Mohr · #6 01-21-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamthief

If you're looking to go DR, try nickel Lo-Riders. They're not quite as stiff as the 7150s, but a lot more so than the Sunbeams, which feel pretty floppy to me. Either choice has good warm tone.

Yeah it's between the 7150M, Nickel Lo-Rider in 45-105, and Sunbeam in 45-105. Right now I have the 7150L and I prefer to play on a thicker string. Would the Sunbeams have more fret buzz?

Ryan Mohr · #7 01-21-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbully

7150s are great but get very thumpy and vintage sounding quickly. I like that but they are not for everyone. The lower output is due to them being all nickel i guess. Try Fenders 7250s which is a nickel wrap over a steelcore. A much brighter string with great feel.

I like thumpy and vintage sounding, that's for me! But low output and high tension are not unfortunately.

pickles · #8 01-22-2009, 06:53 AM

Sunbeams are the call if you're looking for lower tension than the 7150s. The lo riders would actually be stiffer. The round core DR strings (*-beams) are all about getting a "medium light" tone with a softer feel.

jasper383 · #9 01-22-2009, 07:52 AM

Anyone try the Rotosound Pure Nickel strings? My guess is they would fit into this category as well; vintage, thumpy, maybe a little brighter than the Fenders. I've never tried a set (never actually seen a set), but have read some reviews.

steamthief · #10 01-22-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AqueousView11

Yeah it's between the 7150M, Nickel Lo-Rider in 45-105, and Sunbeam in 45-105. Right now I have the 7150L and I prefer to play on a thicker string. Would the Sunbeams have more fret buzz?

I won't say 'yes' for sure, not knowing how you have your bass set up, but I will say it's more likely, due to the round core and lower tension of the Sunbeams.

Ryan Mohr · #11 01-22-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamthief

I won't say 'yes' for sure, not knowing how you have your bass set up, but I will say it's more likely, due to the round core and lower tension of the Sunbeams.

I'm really leaning towards the Nickel Lo-Riders because what i have read sounds great. It seems like they are warm, fat, growly, have extended lows, and have a round top end. I realize they will be brighter than the 7150M, but as long as they have more output and are still warm, I'm sold.

The only thing holding me back is most people are using the Sunbeams for J Basses and Nickel Lo-Riders for P Basses, and I intend on using Nickel Lo-Riders for my J Bass. I hope the tension won't be too high and they will suit a J Bass.

Ryan Mohr · #12 01-22-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickles

Sunbeams are the call if you're looking for lower tension than the 7150s. The lo riders would actually be stiffer. The round core DR strings (*-beams) are all about getting a "medium light" tone with a softer feel.

Higher tension than the 7150s? Hmm...

steamthief · #13 01-22-2009, 09:01 PM

I found the 7150s stiffer than the Lo-Riders. Get a set, they really sound and feel great. I've got some on my 60's Jazz, 7150s on my P/J.

Ryan Mohr · #14 01-22-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamthief

I found the 7150s stiffer than the Lo-Riders. Get a set, they really sound and feel great. I've got some on my 60's Jazz, 7150s on my P/J.

I saw that thread you posted about the 7150s, do you like them better now? Also, could you compare the tone of them to the Nickel Lo-Riders?

steamthief · #15 01-23-2009, 08:58 AM

The 7150s are growing on me - just have to turn the master up one notch.

They are still retaining a piano-like clang, which is what I'm hoping eventually goes away, since I like that warm sound. I'm sure in time they will mellow out, more motivation to practice!

To me, the DRs have more pronounced mids and high end, but neither are harsh, just smooth and warm. I think the Lo-Riders are my favorite strings, but I have to get them online, as nobody seems to stock them in nickel locally.

Ryan Mohr · #16 01-23-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamthief

The 7150s are growing on me - just have to turn the master up one notch.

They are still retaining a piano-like clang, which is what I'm hoping eventually goes away, since I like that warm sound. I'm sure in time they will mellow out, more motivation to practice!

To me, the DRs have more pronounced mids and high end, but neither are harsh, just smooth and warm. I think the Lo-Riders are my favorite strings, but I have to get them online, as nobody seems to stock them in nickel locally.

It will go away, mine are about 5 months old and are super warm.

Yeah the Nickel Lo-Riders seem like one of the best strings for a warm growly tone with character, I think I will pick them up.

bassbully · #17 01-24-2009, 09:37 AM

Those 7150's will mellow pretty quick if you play alot. They are my #1 round if i want one to go dead quick and mellow out. Being pure nickel it wont take long and they sound awsome as they die down.

Ryan Mohr · #18 01-24-2009, 07:35 PM

I ordered the Nickel Lo-Riders in the 45-105 set, I will report back with my opinions.