Why are Sunbeams mellower than nickel Lo-Riders?

[Chrisk-K]

IME, Hi-Beams are brighter than ss Lo-Riders. So, why are Sunbeams (i.e., nickel Hi-Beams) mellower than nickel Lo-Riders?

[PaulMacCnj]

Good question. I've experienced the same. It doesn't make sense based on the conventional wisdom of string construction.

Let's see who else can chime in here...

[Eric Scholz]

if i remember correctly sun beams have a round core, while hi beams have a hex core. i know the round core strings are supposed to feel less tight than hex core, idk what it does for tone though.

[markjazzbassist]

i actually thought that hi beams were less harsh than lo riders (steels each), so it makes sense the sunbeams are mellower too.

the round core makes them more flexible which to me translates to less tension and less harsh.

[Chrisk-K]

if i remember correctly sun beams have a round core, while hi beams have a hex core

Hi-Beams have a round core. Sunbeams are the nickel version of Hi-Beams.

[Double Agent]

^ correct.

Lo-Riders (both nickel and steel) are the only bass strings in DRs lineup with a hex core. All others are round core.

[PaulMacCnj]

DR Flats are round-core, too. DR confirmed that about the "Legend" strings, which are incorrectly said to have hex-cores on the packaging.

[Eric Scholz]

Double Agent, and Chris K: You guys are right, I stand corrected

[Jim C]

Not intuitive for me that the round core would make as big a difference as it does but I really like the Sunbeams; The ones on my SR are nearly a year old and I have had a new set in the gig bag for 8 months; am afraid to change them

[Nightvision]

For me, SunBeams are not nickel Hi-Beams.
Clearly not the same sound, feel, tension... Sunbeams are much "middy"