Which Roundwounds?

ETEcarmine · #1 02-23-2007, 08:35 AM

I play in a metal band (think Pantera, old Metallica, etc.) with a Stingray 5, mid 70s SVT, and a Berg NV610. I've been using the standard EB Slinky strings, but I need more tension. I love how the Slinkies feel when they're brand new, but once they deaden a bit, it's flop city.

I've narrowed it down to 4 choices based on research, but I have no playing experience with them. This is where you guys come in

DR Sunbeams
DR Low Riders
Rotosound 66
D'Addario nickels

I want to keep it nickel plated. What I'm looking for is versitility (not everything we play is heavy) but with a killer bite and growl. And they have to have more tension than the Slinkies.

Thanks!

P.S. Other suggestions welcome too!

joebingo · #2 02-23-2007, 09:03 AM

i use rotos

great tone and feel. seem to be lacking slightly on quality control, but it may just be that i play too hard.

dTune · #3 02-23-2007, 10:16 AM

I havent actually tried sunbeams or rotos, but i've heard of each of them so much that i know they're not to my liking.

Go lo-riders!

ETEcarmine · #4 02-23-2007, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to more!

ETEcarmine · #5 02-23-2007, 12:11 PM

I may wind up cycling through all of them just to see the differences for myself, but it's still not that easy since there's no side by side comparison. Dead or broken in strings vs. brand new strings is not the most accurate way to compare.

DRs are about $10 more expensive than D'Addario and Rotos. They'd better be damn sexy for that price. I think I may try the Lo Riders first, just to get the most pricey ones out of the way. I hope I don't fall in love with them

If strings weren't so expensive I'd just buy them all and go nuts!

Modern Growl · #6 02-23-2007, 02:13 PM

Sunbeams are low tension strings... not the direction your going in.
You my friend, want Rotosound 66's. These are one of my favorate strings.
These have an aggressive midrange, unlike any other string on the planet! Very unique.
Good tension, cheap. You can cut down a GuitarCenter guy to $14.00 ea, thats how much I get mine for.

ETEcarmine · #7 02-23-2007, 02:38 PM

$14? Really? I tend to haggle when buying something expensive, but how did you talk him down for a set of strings?

Rotos have peaked my interest for a while. Have you ever played with Lo Riders?

If anyone has played with both Lo Riders and Roto 66s (or combination of the 4 in the poll) I'd love to hear from you.