Nickel LoRiders or sunbeams

Toneman · #1 06-09-2008, 08:13 PM

Would like comments from those who tried both nickel loriders and sunbeams on a jazz bass. I have loriders on my P but im not sure if I should put the same on my jazz or try sunbeams. I know sunbeams are a round core string so are loriders hex core?

kevbassman · #2 06-09-2008, 08:16 PM

What about the MArcus Miller strings, which basically is the HIBEAMS Stainless Steel ?

The MM strings are my favorite.

Toneman · #3 06-09-2008, 08:27 PM

should have mentioned im a nickel guy, choosing between sunbeams which are nickel or nickel loriders. I think the difference is the core winding not sure thats what im trying to find out. And how that effects the tone and feel.

1kinal · #4 06-09-2008, 10:04 PM

I've found the sound to be pretty close between the nickel lo-riders and sunbeams.

To me, the main difference is the tension. The sunbeams are low tension while the lo-riders are higher tension.

It's up to your personnal preference, but I myself prefer high tension on a P-bass and lower tension on J-basses. Give them a try, they are both good strings.

UBU · #5 06-10-2008, 12:04 AM

You've got it right Toneman. The difference between sunbeams and nickle lrs is the core, sunbeams being round core, and Nlrs being hex. The major difference is the tension.

matt11 · #6 06-11-2008, 07:39 AM

I find the Nickel LoRiders to be a bit brighter and less warm than the Sunbeams. Also the LR feel higher tension. I use the Nickel LoRiders only on my p-basses now, and the Sunbeams on the jazz.

Toneman · #7 06-11-2008, 05:01 PM

Well I just ordered the medium nickel loriders along with some other goodies, they keep mailing me coupons and I keep buying stuff. On my next string change I'll try the sunbeams. I though for my jazz the loriders might give me a little more oomph than the sunbeams. I dunno. That's why I'll try both.
thanks all for the input.

**DeanT** · #8 06-11-2008, 05:20 PM

I use Sunbeams on my SX Jazz. They have a nice, smooth feel and they sound "ballsy." Not to bright, yet not muddy.

Kevinlane · #9 06-12-2008, 09:17 PM

yep, just like the others . . .
hexcore on the Pbass and round core (all the way) on Jazzes.

Toneman · #10 06-13-2008, 10:43 AM

I changed my order im getting the med. gauge sunbeams for my jazz which will be replacing Dean Markley nickel blue steels.
Already have loriders on my P.

Eublet · #11 06-13-2008, 10:47 AM

The only thing I like Sunbeams on are fretless basses. They're too loosey-goosey for me on a fretted bass.

CapnSev · #12 06-13-2008, 10:48 AM

Yes, the only difference is the core. Sunbeams are round core (loose tension) and Nickel Lo-Riders are hex core (tight tension).

tonedeaf · #13 06-13-2008, 10:52 AM

<hijack>I liked everything I've heard about Sunbeams, so one Saturday I scoured the local music stores to see if anyone had a set. I've never seen so many blank stares in my life. I couldn't find anyone who had heard of them, but I did get a lot of "you mean Hi-Beams?", and "Buy the Elixirs, they're the best strings in the world".

Finally got some Sunbeams from juststrings.com. I have them on my Reggie Hamilton sig bass and I like them a lot. I am into strings that sound a little broken in right out of the box. The DR colored strings are like that too. I have those on my other bass.</hijack>