Sadowsky std 5...sunbeams or Sadowsky nickels?

greenbass5 · #1 07-30-2008, 09:57 AM

I've got a swamp ash Sadowsky std. with maple board that I'm wanting to try some nickel strings on. I'm thinking some Sunbeams or the Sadowsky nickels. Can anyone give me some comparisons? I know, I know. I should try both. What can I say? I've got three kids, price of a gallon of gas....Thanks in advance.

Jaco who? · #2 07-30-2008, 10:54 AM

I'm tired of experimentation; I really like sunbeams and I'm sticking with them for awhile but I did notice that while I haven't tried them, the Sadowsky nickels are all Hex core, which in theory should feel a little stiffer than a round core like the sunbeams - which is great, if that floats your boat.

A fairer comparison to the Sadowskys might be the hex core DR nickel low riders.

nemo · #3 07-30-2008, 11:02 AM

Sunbeams have smoother surface than Sadowsky nickel. The Sads are also stiffer.
Tonally, Sads are more defined and little bit clackier, Sunbeams have smoother sound. The B is better on Sads.

greenbass5 · #4 07-30-2008, 04:13 PM

thanks! I think I'll go for the Sunbeams. This is a bright bass. I think the sunbeams will fit well for my current needs. I hope to try the Sads someday.

Lorenzini · #5 07-30-2008, 04:57 PM

Greenbass, you can't go wrong with either string.

Here is my breakdown:
Sadowsky Nickels are amongst my favorite strings.
DR Sunbeams are amongst my favorite strings.
DR Lo-Rider Nickels are amongst my favorite strings.

There is no "bad" option here, just different! Definitely try them all!

DavePlaysBass · #6 07-30-2008, 06:51 PM

I have never been impressed with a DR B string at least not compared to Sadowsky B strings. I really liked the sound of the Blue Nickels on my RV5.

robertusf · #7 08-05-2008, 08:48 PM

Sadowsky Blue Nickels Sound and feel great on my Warwick Corvette

Lorenzini · #8 08-05-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

I have never been impressed with a DR B string at least not compared to Sadowsky B strings. I really liked the sound of the Blue Nickels on my RV5.

I will agree with you about the .125 gauge Hi Beam.
But have you checked out .130 gauge Hi Beam or any gauge Lo-Rider?

As the Lo Riders are wrapped on a hex core, they seem to have a very very good B string.

jokerjkny · #9 08-29-2008, 10:44 AM

i've been using a set of the 45'ish blue label nickels, and they do remind me of the sunbeams. the blues dont quite have the midranginess of the sunbeams. then again, no nickel string i've ever encountered has as much. but the blues do sound great. best part for me, is that the blues last a helluva lot longer than the sunbeams which literally die after two gigs.