Floppy Hi Beams?

redwood · #1 10-06-2009, 05:59 PM

I have to start off with the fact that I normally use Elixers, 45-130. The acid from my hands will eat through concrete! I just purchased a used DJ5 with a set of Hi Beams on it, and I find them to be very floppy.
Is the tension difference that great between hex core and a round core? BTW, I believe the guages are the same.
Just curious if anyone else ever encountered this.
Thanks.

Caca de Kick · #2 10-07-2009, 01:23 AM

I've used Hi Beams for years on everything, but one bass seemed a little floppy compared to the others, so I recently installed some Low Riders on that one. Feels great.

KJung · #3 10-07-2009, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwood

I have to start off with the fact that I normally use Elixers, 45-130. The acid from my hands will eat through concrete! I just purchased a used DJ5 with a set of Hi Beams on it, and I find them to be very floppy.
Is the tension difference that great between hex core and a round core? BTW, I believe the guages are the same.
Just curious if anyone else ever encountered this.
Thanks.

Yes, the Hi Beams have relatively low tension, and feel quite a bit more pliable than the hex core DR's. I don't find them 'floppy' at all, but they are lower tension than many other roundwounds.

Bassorama57 · #4 10-09-2009, 08:16 AM

So let me ask you this Dr. Jung -
I like the feel of flats, but want a little less string tension that I'm feeling on the EB Group III & IV flats. Would pressurewounds be a good middle ground? I've tried Hi Beams & Sunbeams as well, tension's too low for me.

SwamiRob · #5 10-09-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

I've used Hi Beams for years on everything, but one bass seemed a little floppy compared to the others, so I recently installed some Low Riders on that one. Feels great.

It's a while since I played them but Low Riders do have a really solid tension for they're size, really nice strings but unfortunately they don't sound great for pick style to my ears, awesome fingerstyle strings though.

KJung · #6 10-09-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassorama57

So let me ask you this Dr. Jung -
I like the feel of flats, but want a little less string tension that I'm feeling on the EB Group III & IV flats. Would pressurewounds be a good middle ground? I've tried Hi Beams & Sunbeams as well, tension's too low for me.

I'm clueless about flats and pressure/ground wounds. Can't help you there.

alexofc69 · #7 10-09-2009, 08:43 AM

Yes, Hi Beams can be "Floppy" due to a round core vs. the hex core of most strings. The round core causes less tension because there is nothing for the outer wrap to bite on to. This will provide less tension resulting in that floppy feel. I used to use Hi-Beams, but wanted a little more tension and changed to Lo-Riders. Elixrs are excellent if your sweat/body acids etc. kills stings quickly. I had a set of Elixrs that came stock on a Schecter. I played that bass at every practice and gig for a year straight and they still sounded new when I sold the bass!!

KJung · #8 10-09-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexofc69

Yes, Hi Beams can be "Floppy" due to a round core vs. the hex core of most strings. The round core causes less tension because there is nothing for the outer wrap to bite on to. This will provide less tension resulting in that floppy feel. I used to use Hi-Beams, but wanted a little more tension and changed to Lo-Riders. Elixrs are excellent if your sweat/body acids etc. kills stings quickly. I had a set of Elixrs that came stock on a Schecter. I played that bass at every practice and gig for a year straight and they still sounded new when I sold the bass!!

Lo Riders are an excellent option if you want a touch more aggressive grind and bite than the Hi Beams and/or want a more 'traditional' tension feel.

The cool thing about the Hi Beams (besides the long life and the smooth, wide, tone) is that (I assume due to the round core) they really feel closer to Nickels than steels on your fingers. They are very smooth and 'soft' under your fingers, for better or worse).

Jools4001 · #9 10-09-2009, 09:54 AM

I've got Elixirs on my 34" scale fretless, Hi Beams on my 33 1/4 scale Ric, both sets are 40, 60, 80, 100 (the fretless is a fiver so that's got a 130 as well), but I can't say that I've found the Hi Beams too floppy even with the shorter scale.