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D'Addario...Flex Steels?

#162
I put my 5-string set on my Spector Webster yesterday.

Unfortunately I did not care for them - or more specifically, the B string. I use the B string quite a lot so for me it's kind of a deal breaker.

The EADG strings seemed good and I thought they sounded pretty decent with the pick although they definitely sound better with fingers. The open low B wasn't too bad but not great. The fretted notes were not very lively at all, even in the low frets. They kind of remind me of the new Spector formula 603's with which I had similar problems.

I've come to realize DR steel Lo-Riders are it for me. FWIW I did not find them similar to Hi-Beams or Fat Beams, both of which I have used very recently. I would put both of those ahead of these in terms of B-string and overall feel and tone.

If anyone's interested in a barely used 5-string set cut for a Spector Euro for cheap, PM me. I'll also be selling off the 6-string set I bought which I haven't opened yet.
 
#163
bunkaroo said:
Unfortunately I did not care for them - or more specifically, the B string. I use the B string quite a lot so for me it's kind of a deal breaker.
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That's too bad. Was it a 130 B? So you dig the steel Lo Riders? I've used these in the past but don't remember much about them. Are they more aggressive than the Hi Beams/Fat Beams?
 
#164
GK Growl said:
That's too bad. Was it a 130 B? So you dig the steel Lo Riders? I've used these in the past but don't remember much about them. Are they more aggressive than the Hi Beams/Fat Beams?
Click to expand...

Yeah 130 B - standard set. I might revisit them when the singles are available if they have a 135 or 145.

I've come to really like the Lo-Riders. I'm actually using 125 B's for the first time in a while since the standard 45-130 set can be a bit stiff on 35" scale. I would say definitely more aggressive than the 'Beams since they have a brighter top end IMO.
 
#166
bunkaroo said:
Yeah 130 B - standard set. I might revisit them when the singles are available if they have a 135 or 145.

I've come to really like the Lo-Riders. I'm actually using 125 B's for the first time in a while since the standard 45-130 set can be a bit stiff on 35" scale. I would say definitely more aggressive than the 'Beams since they have a brighter top end IMO.
Click to expand...

Out if curiosity, I'm wondering if you mainly play with a pick?
 
#172
GK Growl said:
So you play steel Lo Riders with a pick on a 35" scale? Do you detune any or standard pitch?
Click to expand...

Yes to all.

Right now I am using 40-60-80-100-125 on my standard-tuned Spectors. I liked the sound of the 45-130 but they were a little stiff. I also have a bass tuned ADCGF and on that one I go 135-115-90-70-50. I would have gone a little heavier on the low string but that's the heaviest low string they make in steel Lo-Riders. I also liked 110 for the D but I drop C a lot so 115 seemed like a good compromise.
 
#173
Thought I would give them a try after all the hype. These strings are not for me. I don't get it! I put these on my 1972 Stock P Bass and was not impressed. My first impression was kind of like Roto Sounds without any definition and twangy overtones. I am going back to Diaddario XL Nickel 45-105.
 
#174
I really like the Flexsteels! goes perfect with my Fender Deluxe 5 Rosewood. I've been using the Prosteels for a long time and my initial impression on the Flexsteels they're punchier than the Prosteels, slightly timed in the highs than the Prosteels and more clarity in the tone.
 
#176
Now that I have lived with these for a while on my 5-string I have to say I still quite like them on that bass (Ibby SR1205E). My only complaint, and it is minor, is that I would prefer a B-string with a taper to it. It doesn't quite get low enough on these monorail bridges. I am going to put them on my other 5 string (SR505) and see how it works on that bass.
 
#177
I am mostly a fingerstyle player mixed with some slap. I have the 45-130 set on a Xotic XJ-1T 5 string with alder/rosewood.
I like the Flexsteels alot. I see some comparisons to other steel strings but I think these have their own voice that is bright, lively, clear,articulate, and feels more flexible than other similar gauged steel strings. I was not a fan of the prosteels but I dig these. These seem to be a bit more responsive to small changes in attack and dynamics. Nice slap and great snap or pop sound. These strings will not appeal to everyone or sound great on all instruments but it's nice to have another choice. Happy string hunting!!
 
#180
After a couple of weeks I still like them, but I am having intonation issues on G and C I never had with the Nickel Rounds. I'll lower the bridge saddles a little more and see if that helps things. I had thought lower tension would reduce, not increase intonation issues, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Puzzling...
 

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