3 Different String Makers and Finally Found the Ones

[dbsfgyd1]

Yeah, they can be a bit grippy and can understand the wife being “gripy” if you changed her’s.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I have been in a search for the right strings. I have usually just took what I had and played but recently got picky about the tone I want. I had played Fender strings which I didn’t like. I have used Ernie Ball Slinky’s for last 10-12 years. I love them when they are new. But they fade and sound dead to quickly. I bought a new bass and it came with DAddairio strings. I liked them ok but after research and information that they last longer than lost I decided to try DR Strings. I put a set of Pure Blues on. It’s a sound I could live with but in my present quest I don’t want something I can live with. I want the right ones. So Afterlistening to their sound samples I switched to DR Fatbeams. I was less impressed with them compared to the Pure Blues. The Fatbeams seemed impotent or anemic. They lacked the attack I want. I guess I am looking for that strong fat growl tone. I also think I have a nickel allergy. My fingertips turn black when I play nickel strings. So I ordered a set of DR Low riders. While waiting for them to come in I found a set of Nickel Low Riders locally. I am trying to get away from nickel because allergy but figured I would rather put them on play them till the stainless Low Riders come in. So I switched and put snicker Low riders on this evening. BOOM! There was the tone I always hear in my head I’ve been looking for. Wow. I was smiling so big while I played, shaking my head in happy amazement at the sound I was getting. At this point I have the same feeling they say you get when you find that special someone that is it and you marry. I just know that these strings are the ones. So I have resigned to fact that I’m going have to tolerate the possible allergy to nickel because I don’t think I can find better. I do have a set of regular DR Low riders on order to so I guess I will store them away or put on one my other bass. Anyway I think I am drawn to the hex core strings and hope that these DR strings give more longevity. Thanks for listening and think this may help someone else. I never tried the other DR strings such as Sunbeams, Hi Beams and others but see no need to now. I know everyone’s ear is subjective and hears different so others may hear opposite but for me I’m happy, well except for the allergy thing.

Boomers/elixirs

Nickel

 

[GTHintz]

Not something I have to deal with. But have you tried the nitrile glove trick? Playing your bass like Scott's bass lessons or a customs officer might ease the pain.

I've been thinking about that for me but the fretting hand hasn't been a problem aside from black residue but it's mainly the index finger that gets tore up and I bet the nitrile gloves wouldn't last me more than a few minutes. I'm not too gentle with my attack especially when I'm adding dynamics.

 

[Leonid Nidis]

Can't relate,I love all rounds the same for the first week.

 

[dave64o]

Great choice. I LOVE nickel Lo Riders, overall they're my favorite strings.

I'm currently having an affair with flats but, as good as Chromes sound and feel (I currently have them on three of my five basses), I still have a set of NPRs on my Franken Jazz. Plus they're nicely broken in so rthey no longer have the new string zing and are just perfect to me now.

NPRs on a Stingray is the sound I hear in my head when I think of bass guitar. My Stingray sounds amzing with them on it.

 

[_B_E_A_D_G_]

Something you didn't mention... What specific bass did you put the NLRs on?

Great point. There are strings I love on some basses, and can't stand on others. For me, there is no "best" string, just strings that feel right for the bass I play for the sound I have in my head. On the other hand, plenty of people are happy to use the same strings on all their instruments, I guess it's another thing where there is no right or wrong.

 

[Cutter8]

I also think I have a nickel allergy. My fingertips turn black when I play nickel strings.

The fact that your fingertips turn black when you play nickel strings really does not by itself indicate you have an allergy, just that your body chemistry/acidic perspiration is reacting with the nickel and causing oxidation. Actual nickel allergy symptoms would be in the nature of itching, rash, inflammation, blistering, irritation, etc.

 

[spaz21387]

Lo-riders in 105 and nickel are my go to string... Ill take sunbeams in a pinch but they have to be 105s...

 

[LittleWall]

Yeah, the black finger tip thing will cease as you play them. As Cutter says, it's an oxidation thing. It's happened with the bronze strings on my acoustic, as well as nickel strings on basses and guitars. It's normal.

My sister has a nickel allergy and let me tell you, you'd know for sure if you did. Bright red skin, bumps, blisters, and pain. But hey, maybe you can get gold plated strings.

 

[factory presets]

I've been thinking about that for me but the fretting hand hasn't been a problem aside from black residue but it's mainly the index finger that gets tore up and I bet the nitrile gloves wouldn't last me more than a few minutes. I'm not too gentle with my attack especially when I'm adding dynamics.

Routinely see Scott's glove in tatters. And that's the left hand one. So I expect you're right about the life expectancy. But he still uses them so I thought they might be worth a try.

 

[GTHintz]

Routinely see Scott's glove in tatters. And that's the left hand one. So I expect you're right about the life expectancy. But he still uses them so I thought they might be worth a try.

Unless I want to look into the wonderful world of Trojan products and see if that material might last longer. Sounds insane but I'd give it a go! Hahaha

 

[FirewalZ]

Sometimes the strings are just dirty with grease or grime from the manufacturing process, you can wipe them down before you put them on?

 

[j0616bass]

Pretty impressive that it only took three brands, actually! Haha. It's an adventure. I've found that my tastes have changed somewhat over the years.

Or, more probably, I just pay a lot more attention now than I did as a younger guy!

 

[bigjames]

I have been in a search for the right strings. I have usually just took what I had and played but recently got picky about the tone I want. I had played Fender strings which I didn’t like. I have used Ernie Ball Slinky’s for last 10-12 years. I love them when they are new. But they fade and sound dead to quickly. I bought a new bass and it came with DAddairio strings. I liked them ok but after research and information that they last longer than lost I decided to try DR Strings. I put a set of Pure Blues on. It’s a sound I could live with but in my present quest I don’t want something I can live with. I want the right ones. So Afterlistening to their sound samples I switched to DR Fatbeams. I was less impressed with them compared to the Pure Blues. The Fatbeams seemed impotent or anemic. They lacked the attack I want. I guess I am looking for that strong fat growl tone. I also think I have a nickel allergy. My fingertips turn black when I play nickel strings. So I ordered a set of DR Low riders. While waiting for them to come in I found a set of Nickel Low Riders locally. I am trying to get away from nickel because allergy but figured I would rather put them on play them till the stainless Low Riders come in. So I switched and put snicker Low riders on this evening. BOOM! There was the tone I always hear in my head I’ve been looking for. Wow. I was smiling so big while I played, shaking my head in happy amazement at the sound I was getting. At this point I have the same feeling they say you get when you find that special someone that is it and you marry. I just know that these strings are the ones. So I have resigned to fact that I’m going have to tolerate the possible allergy to nickel because I don’t think I can find better. I do have a set of regular DR Low riders on order to so I guess I will store them away or put on one my other bass. Anyway I think I am drawn to the hex core strings and hope that these DR strings give more longevity. Thanks for listening and think this may help someone else. I never tried the other DR strings such as Sunbeams, Hi Beams and others but see no need to now. I know everyone’s ear is subjective and hears different
so others may hear opposite but for me I’m happy, well except for the allergy thing.

Haha...this is awesome. DR Sunbeams here. I bought both Sunbeams and Lowriders...put on the Sunbeams first and have not looked back. I love them.

 

[GIBrat51]

I have been in a search for the right strings. I have usually just took what I had and played but recently got picky about the tone I want. I had played Fender strings which I didn’t like. I have used Ernie Ball Slinky’s for last 10-12 years. I love them when they are new. But they fade and sound dead to quickly. I bought a new bass and it came with DAddairio strings. I liked them ok but after research and information that they last longer than lost I decided to try DR Strings. I put a set of Pure Blues on. It’s a sound I could live with but in my present quest I don’t want something I can live with. I want the right ones. So Afterlistening to their sound samples I switched to DR Fatbeams. I was less impressed with them compared to the Pure Blues. The Fatbeams seemed impotent or anemic. They lacked the attack I want. I guess I am looking for that strong fat growl tone. I also think I have a nickel allergy. My fingertips turn black when I play nickel strings. So I ordered a set of DR Low riders. While waiting for them to come in I found a set of Nickel Low Riders locally. I am trying to get away from nickel because allergy but figured I would rather put them on play them till the stainless Low Riders come in. So I switched and put snicker Low riders on this evening. BOOM! There was the tone I always hear in my head I’ve been looking for. Wow. I was smiling so big while I played, shaking my head in happy amazement at the sound I was getting. At this point I have the same feeling they say you get when you find that special someone that is it and you marry. I just know that these strings are the ones. So I have resigned to fact that I’m going have to tolerate the possible allergy to nickel because I don’t think I can find better. I do have a set of regular DR Low riders on order to so I guess I will store them away or put on one my other bass. Anyway I think I am drawn to the hex core strings and hope that these DR strings give more longevity. Thanks for listening and think this may help someone else. I never tried the other DR strings such as Sunbeams, Hi Beams and others but see no need to now. I know everyone’s ear is subjective and hears different so others may hear opposite but for me I’m happy, well except for the allergy thing.

Glad you found "your" strings relatively quickly. Lots of people take a long time before they do. Personally? Over most of a lifetime of playing, I've learned pretty much which strings work best on a given bass (and I have a lot of them) to give me the tone I want. But, even after all this time, I sometimes still have to experiment. Makes Life interesting...

The fact that your fingertips turn black when you play nickel strings really does not by itself indicate you have an allergy, just that your body chemistry/acidic perspiration is reacting with the nickel and causing oxidation. Actual nickel allergy symptoms would be in the nature of itching, rash, inflammation, blistering, irritation, etc.

Yeah, ^This^ Nickel's never bothered me, and aside from strings, I used German Silver (usually nickel/copper/zinc alloy) drafting and surveying instruments for hours every day, for 30+ years, with no problem. But, I know lots of people that were allergic to nickel, and yes; the symptoms are pretty much exactly as described. In addition to your body chemistry reacting to the nickel, the left over finishing/polishing compounds that some companies use on their strings will also turn your fingers black. Which is why it's a good idea to always clean new strings before you install/play them...