Tension: switching from Half rounds to Sunbeams

robertusf · #1 12-01-2011, 08:42 PM

I've been wanting to try Sunbeams and was fortunate enough to get them for $13 from MF, as seen on the hot deals section here on TB.

Will the string tension be greatly different when I switch from d'adarrio half rounds to DR Sunbeams? So, do you think I will require any major setup/adjustments? They will be going on my 08 Fender MIA Jazz 4

SLaPiNFuNK · #2 12-01-2011, 09:14 PM

What gauges of Half Rounds were you using... What gauges of DR sunbeams are you going to put on...

FWIW - Half Rounds of 45-105 will feel more tension than Sunbeams of 45-105. Also the strings have different overall flexibility so that is going to be different as well.

**jmattbassplaya** · #3 12-01-2011, 09:16 PM

The Sunbeams I have feel slightly stiffer than most light and medium gauge nickles I've used, and very similar to most SS strings I've used.

RFMac · #4 12-02-2011, 01:14 AM

I have light gauge sunbeams on the basses that I am required to have rounds on. My preference are light gauge and as far as the most popular brands go, they are very light tension wise, require a lighter touch, and a new set up. I would imagine that the half round D'Addarios are hex core and will feel more tense than sunbeams unless you intend to use the heaviest gauge available AND are switching from the lightest half round set available. You will as per my experience always need to do a set up when changing different types/ brands/gauges within brands etc etc. regarless. -Cheers.

robertusf · #5 12-02-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

What gauges of Half Rounds were you using... What gauges of DR sunbeams are you going to put on...

FWIW - Half Rounds of 45-105 will feel more tension than Sunbeams of 45-105. Also the strings have different overall flexibility so that is going to be different as well.

45-105's ....

So, do you recommend that I switch them and see how they feel, or just bring my bass in to my tech right away and have him set it up?

Also, i know there have numerous posts on this, but on the Fender jazz, run the DR's through the body or the back of the bridge?

robertusf · #6 12-02-2011, 10:01 AM

^
I sound like a noob

ddawson2012 · #7 12-02-2011, 10:21 AM

Half Rounds are indeed hex core. As we grind off the surface of the string in order to make the appropriate gauge, the string starts off bigger than a traditional round wound string (or in this case - a round wound string with a round core). You can see tensions here: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf - hope that helps.

SLaPiNFuNK · #8 12-02-2011, 10:22 AM

you are most likely going to need a setup. weither or not you are going to need to tweak the neck, you will need to see. but definitely action / intonation will need to be done (as with any change from brand to brand / string type to string type.

as far as through body, you can run them through the body, although weither or not there is any benefit to that one way or another is arguable.