Suggest me some new DRs!

The_Orlonater · #1 05-26-2008, 01:00 PM

I've had an 8 month old set of DR High Beams that have been great, but I want something new with a great B string. I'm liking DR so I'll stick with them. Let's try to keep it medium gauge. I like my strings lasting a while ,so let's keep it stainless steel. It doesn't hurt my fingers because I have calluses already! :P

Anyway enough with the funny stuff.

Lowriders,High Beams, Fat Beams, SunBeams?

PaulMacCnj · #2 05-26-2008, 01:05 PM

I'm using the Nickel Lo-Riders with a .125" B string, which has a good feel and isn't floppy. This is on a 35" scale bass, so you may consider the .130" B string for a 34" scale bass.

I did try the Stainless Steel Lo-Riders, but I didn't like the pingy, very metallic sound nor did I like the coarse feel.

The_Orlonater · #3 05-26-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulMacCnj

I'm using the Nickel Lo-Riders with a .125" B string, which has a good feel and isn't floppy. This is on a 35" scale bass, so you may consider the .130" B string for a 34" scale bass.

I did try the Stainless Steel Lo-Riders, but I didn't like the pingy, very metallic sound nor did I like the coarse feel.

How long do they usually last?

Davo-London · #4 05-27-2008, 02:29 AM

I find DRs generally last well and fade very gradularly such that you don't really notice. I like Sunbeams the best as that ultimate stainless steel sizzle isn't what I'm after. Sunbeams I find slightly less trebly but with more detail in the mids. Great for fretted and fretless.

But the difference is pretty subtle and personal.

Davo

Nikoubis · #5 05-27-2008, 04:06 AM

+1 on Sunbeams.

ganga · #6 05-27-2008, 04:32 AM

Sunbeams all the way.

pickles · #7 05-27-2008, 07:50 AM

All DR low Bs sound about the same.

I've started using hybrid sets to get around this, right now its a Fender low B with hi Beams up top.

I really wish DR would take some labella low Bs, put them on the bench, and figure out why they are so much better than DRs.

Buskman · #8 05-27-2008, 09:02 AM

Another vote for Sunbeams!

The_Orlonater · #9 05-27-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickles

All DR low Bs sound about the same.

I've started using hybrid sets to get around this, right now its a Fender low B with hi Beams up top.

I really wish DR would take some labella low Bs, put them on the bench, and figure out why they are so much better than DRs.

Bad low B's? Oh no..

Nikoubis · #10 05-27-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Orlonater

Bad low B's? Oh no..

No. DR B's Rule.

The_Orlonater · #11 05-27-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikoubis

No. DR B's Rule.

Then, Sunbeams it is for me! Jus a quick question, do they last a long? I heard nickel dies a little faster. Tehy'l be still alright after like 6-8 months, right?

LowEndJazz4Life · #12 05-27-2008, 07:45 PM

lo-riders are the way to go. They are great strings with a tight ''B'' and they last forever just like all DR's. They sound smooth yet still have that new string tone for quite a while. There lows sound like a grand piano and both the highs and the lows are very well defined.

Buskman · #13 05-28-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Orlonater

Then, Sunbeams it is for me! Jus a quick question, do they last a long? I heard nickel dies a little faster. Tehy'l be still alright after like 6-8 months, right?

The Sunbeams break in nicely, IMO. Nickel is slightly less bright (and brittle sounding, also IMO) than steel to begin with. Of course, in 6-8 months they won't have all of that new string 'zing' to them, but they definitely retain the brightness & cut.

Hope you enjoy them... let us know what you think of 'em!

pickles · #14 05-28-2008, 07:54 AM

Other than one or two basses that seemed to work magic with any strings (a warwick SSII with insanely low action, and an old Modulus Q5), I've never heard a DR low B that sounded good past the 4th fret. They sound fine down low but get ringy and awful sounding as you move up the neck. I like to play a low B at least up to the 7th fret, so I use LaBella, Sadowsky, Lakland, and Fender (yes, Fender!) low Bs. Even Slinkys are better than DR.

I've tried lo riders (which are a bit better), hi beams, sun beams, longnecks ... no dice. And my basses are all known for having great low-Bs.

rappa29 · #15 05-28-2008, 07:57 AM

I'm using steel LoRiders on my 5501 right now. They are 'zingy' and bright still, but a tad of high cut works that out until they break in. I have the 130 B. I like them but am anxious to try out the set of Lakland strings I have with a 128 B.

coreyfyfe · #16 05-28-2008, 07:58 AM

not to hijack, but has anyone tried the Marcus Miller 5 string set? I use the MM 4 set on all my basses but I recently picked up a 5 string and was looking into these for when I need to change the strings.

98mtd · #17 05-28-2008, 08:58 AM

The Marcus Miller Fatbeam 5 set is excellent. I use a .125 B string. Great tone, long lasting, and beautiful string to string balance. Thanks to everyone at DR Strings!!!

timzrage · #18 05-28-2008, 09:03 AM

You get 8 months outta those strings? I've been using DRs and I change about ever 3 months and while they last a long time 3 months is about 2 months too long! LOL I wash my hands whenever I play and I try to take the best care I can of the strings and bass but I love the sound of the newer strings and IMO after a couple of weeks most all strings sound a little different and degrade from there.

98mtd · #19 05-28-2008, 01:45 PM

There's something about these strings. DR Strings, baba.

NS5XL · #20 07-14-2008, 10:53 PM

how are sunbeams for slapping?