Using Hi-Beams, looking for something different now

[opivy3056]

Hey all,

I've been using DR Hi-beams on my jazz bass for the past 3 or 4 years. And I think I've finally gotten to a point of wanting to try something different. They always have a nice punch and twang for a month or so before they die, but I'm looking for some growl and fundamental now (and some increased lifespan). I think can get all the twang I want with some tasteful overdrive.

My jazz basses have never been particularly "growly" in any of the recordings I've done, regardless of my playing technique. I've done everything from aggressive fingerstyle over the bridge pickup, and pick playing between the end of the neck and neck pickup. I tend to EQ more treble and low mids into my sound. I had a 6 month period where I played with TI jazz flats on my bass and really loved their tone, but I couldnt really do any alternate tunings because of the low tension. So basically I'm looking for strings that will have a good medium-low tension with a nice aggressive tone. My 01 jazz bass is string-through-body only.

Thanks!

[Hotblack]

DR Lo-Riders
GHS Bass Boomers

[mmbongo]

You pretty much described Dunlop Nickels or DR Sunbeams.

[Mad_Bassist777]

Originally Posted by opivy3056

Hey all,

I've been using DR Hi-beams on my jazz bass for the past 3 or 4 years. And I think I've finally gotten to a point of wanting to try something different. They always have a nice punch and twang for a month or so before they die, but I'm looking for some growl and fundamental now (and some increased lifespan). I think can get all the twang I want with some tasteful overdrive.

My jazz basses have never been particularly "growly" in any of the recordings I've done, regardless of my playing technique. I've done everything from aggressive fingerstyle over the bridge pickup, and pick playing between the end of the neck and neck pickup. I tend to EQ more treble and low mids into my sound. I had a 6 month period where I played with TI jazz flats on my bass and really loved their tone, but I couldnt really do any alternate tunings because of the low tension. So basically I'm looking for strings that will have a good medium-low tension with a nice aggressive tone. My 01 jazz bass is string-through-body only.

Thanks!

try Rotosound 66 "Swing Bass" strings

theyre very punchy (Geddy Lee of Rush uses them) and theyre very wallet friendly (mine were no more than 25$)

[Caca de Kick]

MTD stainless. While I have Highbeams on most everything, I keep my '69 J strung with MTD's, I like how the mids growl on that bass.

[Mike Shevlin]

Dean Markley Blue Steels

[joelb79]

Fender 7250ML's are the stuff on a Jazz. Seriously.. I have tried just about every string and come back to this one and in about 10 minutes of playing I'm thinking "what the #$%#^$ was I thinking using X brand.." Punch and Growl for miles.

Although I have been an avid user of DR HI beams also.. so .. use that as food for thought.

[SquierBender]

Originally Posted by Mad_Bassist777

try Rotosound 66 "Swing Bass" strings

theyre very punchy (Geddy Lee of Rush uses them) and theyre very wallet friendly (mine were no more than 25$)

I wouldn't try them. They collect dirt easily and lose brightness quickly.

[KYJazzy]

Originally Posted by joelb79

Fender 7250ML's are the stuff on a Jazz. Seriously.. I have tried just about every string and come back to this one and in about 10 minutes of playing I'm thinking "what the #$%#^$ was I thinking using X brand.." Punch and Growl for miles.

Although I have been an avid user of DR HI beams also.. so .. use that as food for thought.

I recently ordered these for my P-bass (will get here tomorrow) and I'm looking forward to the results. From what's been described about them on this forum, they're my perfect string.

[LowBSix]

I too love DR Hi Beams... I did some research and found....

SADOWSKY Blue Label Steels to have that growl and last longer. I understand they're made by La Bella and the pricing is equal... You may need to get the XL scale length being that you're using close to 2" more with stringing through the body.
GHS Boomers used to last and growl... not so much these days.
Dean Markley Blue Steels and excellent.
Dunlop's, work well, but have lower tension.
D'Addario Steels work well and price is lower.

For me; DR HI BEAMS or SADOWSKY Blue Steel

[Rapisme]

Curt Mangan's one guy used them exclusive on his 72 Jazz bass.