Trying out some DR Hi-Beam Flats v. Sadowsky Flats

[RockBobby]

I had Sadowskys Flats on my Jazz and I liked the sound. I just wanted to see if there was much difference--- Well there is. The Sadowskys ring bright and resonate long. They have almost a roundwound sound to them.

Now the DRs are very thumpy and nowhere near as bright. I thought I was not going to like them but after playing a half an hour they came more to life. I think they needed to seat into the saddles break angle. They are richer sounding and hold the note long enough, but decay quicker. The finish is smoother too but you cant really tell from the feel. They may be a little looser feeling, but its hard to tell yet.

What's your experience?

[kirkm24]

I've tried every major flatwound string available: TI's, LaBellas, Fenders, D'Addario's and these are my favorite by far. They have done more to help me achieve my sound than anything else I have bought or tried.

To me, the Sadowsky, D'Addario and Fender flatwounds were too bright. Unless you like the feel of flatwounds, you might as well play rounds if you're going to use those strings.

It's ironic that perhaps the brightest roundwound strings (Hi Beams) are among the thumpiest and dullest sounding flatwounds in their counterpart.

[RockBobby]

They are thumpy, but are full of tone.! If I remain happy with them, I'll migrate the Sadowskys to my Dean 12er as the fundamentals. This allows me to detune 1/2 step and retain neck tension. Plus the will mate well with the roundwound octive twins on it .

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by kirkm24

It's ironic that perhaps the brightest roundwound strings (Hi Beams) are among the thumpiest and dullest sounding flatwounds in their counterpart.

I have never understood why DR named their flats "Hi Beams", sharing it with their SS rounds. All the other names were taken? Really questionable marketing.

[RockBobby]

Originally Posted by kirkm24

I've tried every major flatwound string available: TI's, LaBellas, Fenders, D'Addario's and these are my favorite by far. They have done more to help me achieve my sound than anything else I have bought or tried.

To me, the Sadowsky, D'Addario and Fender flatwounds were too bright. Unless you like the feel of flatwounds, you might as well play rounds if you're going to use those strings.

It's ironic that perhaps the brightest roundwound strings (Hi Beams) are among the thumpiest and dullest sounding flatwounds in their counterpart.

It dont make sense. I thought they would be bright also, but it was a pleasant surprise. They should call them "Deep Thumpers"

[kirkm24]

I don't care what they're called. They sound awesome and are my favorite flat wound string.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by kirkm24

I don't care what they're called. They sound awesome and are my favorite flat wound string.

I'm enjoying my DR flats too, probably my second favorite behind TI flats.