Hi-Beams vs Colored DR's

Gene Leone · #1 03-06-2007, 12:58 AM

Hey all,

I'm using Pedulla SS (45-65-80-100-128) on my ET Thunderbass. Actually a nice string BTW.

Since I like a round core I'm considering trying the Hi-Beams.

Are the colored strings basically a HiBeam but with color added?

Does anyone know of any sound differences between the two or are they essentially the same tonewise?

Neither are tapered are they?

Thanks

eric atkinson · #2 03-06-2007, 01:00 AM

I like both strings! But i can tell you that the color on the strings does not last long if you play allot like me/ But they sound great still!

SGT. Pepper · #3 03-06-2007, 08:09 AM

Stay away from the coated ones they are not the same sound wise at all.

Flintc · #4 03-06-2007, 05:57 PM

While I've found that the coated strings do have a different sound, I also happen to like that sound on some basses and not others. In this respect, I think they're like most strings. So the usual rule of thumb applies: try out different strings. Pick what sounds best to you. Enjoy.

Gene Leone · #5 03-06-2007, 11:54 PM

Thanks all for the answers

McHack · #6 03-07-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT. Pepper

Stay away from the coated ones they are not the same sound wise at all.

I agree, the coating muffles the zing....

They sound nice, jsut not the same as a Hi Beam... if thats what youre looking. they feel great.

Gene Leone · #7 03-07-2007, 01:00 PM

Toning down the zing a little would be great. The problem is that I don't know how much zing the SS has, or how much it is toned down.

I guess (sigh) the old expensive trial and error might be in order.

sunbeast · #8 03-07-2007, 01:17 PM

I personally much prefer the coated strings over Hi-Beams on the same bass. The Hi-Beams have a nasty excess of harshness in my opinion and only sound good to me after wearing in for a week. The coated strings sound good to me right out of the box, and when they mellow it's not nearly as drastic as the Hi-Beams. They also sound good for several months in my experience, and I play alot (though the coating does start to wear off after a bit, it doesn't seem to affect the sound at all). The coated DRs have a really nice low-mid punch that I've never heard with another string without alot of EQ...they are the perfect roundwound for me, the only issue is that they cost almost twice as much as Hi-Beams- but they last more than twice as long in my experience, so it's worth it...

Karl

LowMiller · #9 03-07-2007, 01:20 PM

you might want to try some DR lo-riders (i believe that's what their called). they work for my five quite well. good luck wth the experimenting.

Gene Leone · #10 03-07-2007, 10:00 PM

Thanks Sunbeast,
That was an answer to make me consider the colored strings.

It almost sounds like the coated are like a fairly well broken in SS round. That would be good, I don't want too much sizzle since the Thunderbass is quite potent on its on.

Great review (for me anyway.)

LowMiller,
I have considered the LoRiders, thinking that the bit of extra tension would help the B string.
However the few threads I've come across don't speak well of DR's B strings in general.
However round cores are my preference.

Appreciate everyone's input as always.

Gene Leone · #11 03-09-2007, 02:05 PM

OK so one other question.

What are the DR Longnecks?

SS Hi-Beams w/round core and tapered end(s) or SS Lo-Riders with hex core and tapered end(s)?

Anyone try / use them?

McHack · #12 03-09-2007, 02:27 PM

I have used DR SS HI Beams, SS Lo Riders, & Black Beauties...

IME, the Lo Riders sounds only a little zingier than Hi Beams, but are more mid-focused & feel just a tad stiffer. The DR coated strings are no where near zingy as either of these two SS strings.

Jeramaya · #13 03-09-2007, 06:09 PM

When I bought the Red Devils, I thought someone had played them for two months and returned them. That's how dead I thought they sounded. I definitely prefer a bright sound, though. Another factor that turned me off to the Red Devils is that I had a hell of a time seeing things at a gig in a dark basement club. Hi Beams for me! Experiment for you! G/L

SGT. Pepper · #14 03-19-2007, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Leone

OK so one other question.

What are the DR Longnecks?

SS Hi-Beams w/round core and tapered end(s) or SS Lo-Riders with hex core and tapered end(s)?

Anyone try / use them?

Longnecks are a cross string. Hex Core with HI-beam windings.

Gene Leone · #15 03-19-2007, 09:25 AM

The colored strings don't matter at this point since they don't come in the gauge I've been moving to anyway.

I asked about the Longnecks for my five string but have decided to stick with the Pedulla's since they come in 40/60/80/100/125 and I do like them.

StoutXXX · #16 03-20-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeramaya

When I bought the Red Devils, I thought someone had played them for two months and returned them. That's how dead I thought they sounded. I definitely prefer a bright sound, though. Another factor that turned me off to the Red Devils is that I had a hell of a time seeing things at a gig in a dark basement club. Hi Beams for me! Experiment for you! G/L

You returned something two months after using it? And strings at that? what store is this so i can start mailorder.

McHack · #17 03-20-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoutXXX

You returned something two months after using it? And strings at that? what store is this so i can start mailorder.

You should read what you're quoting... He said he THOUGHT they were 2-months old, because the coated strings have a definite muffled sound to them.