Sunbeams or Low riders for my Bongo 5?

Sean Baumann · #1 05-16-2006, 01:24 PM

Well, I have no idea what strings came on the bass, I got it used from a fellow TB'er who also does not know. I wasn't digging them, so I switch to EB slinky. They are ok, but still kind of lacking in the middle, I think. Sure, the Bongo eq is powerful, so I'll definitely give them a chance. I still want to A/B them with a set of DRs.

The EB strings are guage 45, 65, 80, 100, 130.

Which would you try, the low-riders or the sunbeams? It doesn't look like the Sunbeams come with a 130 B, or in similar guages in a set like the EB strings. What guages do you Sunbeam guys/gals use?

RicPlaya · #2 06-08-2006, 12:43 PM

If you are lacking in the middle i would go with LR's.. SB's are great too, they have more growl and complexity in the upper register. LR's have more of a midrange bump and are stiffer in tension. I use LR's on active basses and HB/SB's on passives.

Lorenzini · #3 06-08-2006, 12:56 PM

My personal favorite string is the Sunbeam, but I would recommend to you, Lo Riders

Brian S · #4 06-08-2006, 01:21 PM

DR recommends Sunbeams and nickel Lo Riders for fretless. Can anyone tell me the difference or state a preference?

Lorenzini · #5 06-08-2006, 01:27 PM

The Lo Riders are pretty stiff - a feature that a lot of people love. They have a lot of low mid response. Probably great with fretless!

The Sunbeams are very flexible - a feature that I love. Complex highs and good mids. However I've heard more people sing the Sunbeams fretless praises than Lo Riders.

Try SIT Silencers too.

Brian S · #6 06-08-2006, 01:31 PM

Thanks, Lorenzini. I think I'll give the Sunbeams a try. Your comment about the flexibility and good mids swayed me in that direction.

Lorenzini · #7 06-08-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian S

Thanks, Lorenzini. I think I'll give the Sunbeams a try. Your comment about the flexibility and good mids swayed me in that direction.

Great, I think you'll love 'em! After trying many different kinds of nickel and steel strings, it looks like I've finally found my string - not that it's everybody's - but I believe Sunbeams are really catching on.

Sean Baumann · #8 06-08-2006, 02:53 PM

I went with neither. I have been using EB Slinky 5s on the Bongo. They settled down quite nicely and have plenty of mids now. At first they sounded scouped to me, but now they seem just right.

I did, however, put Sunbeams on my Fender Jazz Dlx V. I did dig them for awhile, but they are a bit to flexible for me. Even though I play with a light tough, I could not get the action to a comfortable level. I just bought some DR Low Riders today, so I'll set the jazz up again tonight and see how it plays.

FaithNoMan · #9 06-08-2006, 03:07 PM

SUNBEAMS give my Ric a midrange growl and top-end bite that no other string I have put on has been able to duplicate..

Lo-Riders, Nickel Lo-Riders, Hybrid Slinky's, Daddario XL 170's, BLue Steels, Fender Super Bass, and Hi-Beams are all strings I've tried with this bass - I thought of trying Rotos at one time, but the sound, aggression, and smoothness of the Sunbeams are perfect for me.

I've had them on my bass for over one year now, and they are still bright and alive.

Lorenzini · #10 06-08-2006, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Baumann

I went with neither. I have been using EB Slinky 5s on the Bongo. They settled down quite nicely and have plenty of mids now. At first they sounded scouped to me, but now they seem just right.

I did, however, put Sunbeams on my Fender Jazz Dlx V. I did dig them for awhile, but they are a bit to flexible for me. Even though I play with a light tough, I could not get the action to a comfortable level. I just bought some DR Low Riders today, so I'll set the jazz up again tonight and see how it plays.

Yeah a lot of people dislike the flexibility of DRs roundcore strings. Everyone likes their own thing, that's cool.

I hope the Lo Riders suit you well.

RicPlaya · #11 06-08-2006, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

SUNBEAMS give my Ric a midrange growl and top-end bite that no other string I have put on has been able to duplicate..

Lo-Riders, Nickel Lo-Riders, Hybrid Slinky's, Daddario XL 170's, BLue Steels, Fender Super Bass, and Hi-Beams are all strings I've tried with this bass - I thought of trying Rotos at one time, but the sound, aggression, and smoothness of the Sunbeams are perfect for me.

I've had them on my bass for over one year now, and they are still bright and alive.

+1 on the SB/HB growl with Rics.

I would go with LR's on the Ray..just my .02

pickles · #12 06-08-2006, 06:44 PM

Aint nuthin wrong with slinkys, though I prefer what they call a "hybrid" set 45 65 85 105 130.

I love hi beams and down really like sunbeams ... lo riders or nickel lo riders would be more like the EBs ... hex core.

BuffaloBass · #13 06-09-2006, 07:30 AM

I tried the nickle Lo's vs Sunbeams. Both great, but Sunbeams fit my style. I need to buy a six pack of 'em. Where the cheapest place??

Sean Baumann · #14 06-09-2006, 07:33 AM

I originally wanted to try sunbeams, but I am too lazy to mail order them. Well, no, I procrastinate. So I dropped down the local shop to see what they had. Nobody around here carries sunbeams, not even GC.

ibanezbass · #15 06-09-2006, 07:36 AM

get some carbon fibre strings. they cost a fortune but are worth it. you can get them in your nearest farari shop

BuffaloBass · #16 06-10-2006, 04:48 AM

Yeah, carbon fiber. And its Ferrari. I prefer Bugati actually. Bugati also cost a fortune. 1.2MM

Sean, my first set of Sunbeams came from an Ebay seller. Now I have a local store order them for me. $32.95/5string. Guess I'll jsut ask them if I can get a few bucks off if I order many sets.