Need some suggestions - DR content

Gab124 · #1 02-28-2010, 12:56 PM

I have recently tried some fatbeams on my jazz bass. I love the "feel" of these strings, the flexibility and tension are spot on for my taste, 45-105
The tone though is not what I am looking for. They are just too bright for me, I crank down the upper mids on the amp and they approach what I am looking for. I have read reviews for two days now and it seems the tone I am looking for has been described by the Fender 7150.
Does anyone have a suggestion for that tone, with the fatbeam feel? Likely looking for nickel of course; will the 40-100 7150L be it?
Thanks so much for all your input.
Also, curious about the R. Cocco nickels, but can't find anything on their tension/flexibility.
gab

Jaco who? · #2 02-28-2010, 03:17 PM

The DR Sunbeams are nickel, and have a round core just like the Fatbeams. They feel very similar. You might decide right a way they're too bright and be tempted to take them off, but if you're patient for a few days, a week at the most they mellow out nicely.

Gab124 · #3 02-28-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaco who?

The DR Sunbeams are nickel, and have a round core just like the Fatbeams. They feel very similar. You might decide right a way they're too bright and be tempted to take them off, but if you're patient for a few days, a week at the most they mellow out nicely.

I was certainly thinking of the sunbeams, but I have read every review of them and it is across the board from bright, to warm to thumpy - just made me a little nervous about if they would work or not (and it is so expensive trying to find strings for certain basses). They really seem to get the most varied descriptions. They are on my short list, any other ideas?

Nedmundo · #4 03-01-2010, 12:53 PM

I just installed Fat Beams on my G&L SB-2, and I'm very happy with them, but of course it's not a Jazz. For my two J-basses, MIA four and five strings, I use Fender 8250's, which are the same as 7250's but taperwound on the E and B for through-body stringing.

They feel slightly smoother than the Fat Beams, and have similar tension/stiffness. And they aren't as bright. The tone is nicely balanced, and brings out the J-bass growl without being harsh (IMO, YMMV, etc.). They're also incredibly durable. I say give them a try.

Edit: Should have mentioned you might like the Fat Beams as they wear. I like Dean Markley Blue Steels on my Precision, especially after some of the "zing" has worn off. If you can get close with EQ now, you might get there perfectly after a few weeks.

Gab124 · #5 03-01-2010, 03:24 PM

Thanks - I am very much liking the fatbeams, they have many positive qualities. But I would like to find a string that gets there with less eq messing if you know what I mean. The 8250s are also roundcore like the fatbeams, I like the way they feel too, though I do not have string through body. I ordered a set of 7250ml to try out, if they do not work I would be very happy with the fatbeams, especially as they are aging a bit.

Nedmundo · #6 03-03-2010, 09:32 PM

Just spent some time switching between my SB-2 with the new Fat Beams and my Jazz with Fender 8250's. The Fender strings are actually stiffer, but my Fender set is heavier gauge on the A and E strings than the Fat Beams which explains some of this (85-110 compared to 80-105). For the feel you want, I hope you ordered a slightly lighter gauge on the Fenders. The Fenders feel and sound so darned great that I think you'll like them regardless.

armywalaby · #7 03-03-2010, 09:58 PM

I'm a Lo-Rider guy myself. I think they make them in nickel as well. I put them on my active and passive basses. My hand sausages combined with them give me a pleasing tone. You can check out my youtube page (link in my sig) and every bass but the natural schecter I'm playing has the Lo-Riders on them. Should give you an accurate view on the sound.

Gab124 · #8 03-04-2010, 04:56 AM

thanks armywalaby, I have used the lowriders as well. Not sure what was not for me on them - they led me to the fatbeams which i preferred over them. I think I just could not articulate them as easily. but a very good sounding string no doubt. I have ordered a set of circle k balanced, and these are supposed to be very flexible as well. We will see.