I've been playing my dragon skins for about a month and they're starting to sound dull, do you guys know any way of cleaning coated strings, I want them to be bright as they were when new
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DR Dragon Skin!!!
- Thread starter mmbongo
- Start date
Most people would use a thicker gauge for drop tuning. .125 is pretty light even for normal tuning.
If your bass is 35" scale that would help.
DR makes "DDT" strings that are designed for drop tuning. I haven't tried them but they may be just the ticket.
I just strung up one of my basses with Dragon Skins and I am blown away. They're so clear and smooth and amaze-balls! I have found my new favorite string.
I didn't do this with the intent of showcasing the strings but I've actually ended up with a good sound comparison of Dragon Skin vs worn in stock Fender strings.
Old Fender strings:
I used the exact same setup on both songs. The settings are identical. The only variable here is the strings.
Old Fender strings:
I used the exact same setup on both songs. The settings are identical. The only variable here is the strings.
I use DR Silver Stars on my jazz and DR Black Beauties on my pbass. I absolutely love those strings. I have found the strings that I will only use from here on out.
He may mean was it torqued/twisted. After the sting is in the post I leave it slack enough for the ball end to spin so that the string lays in its natural way. Then bring up to pitch. Otherwise it stays twisted like turning your hand your forearm twists. This will sound from ok to bad and may misbehave. Life is certainly shortened.
I tried a set of these a couple of months ago,played them for a few hours and took them off. I thought they sounded duller than my Elixirs,and were so rough on the fingers that after 20 minutes of playing,I had to stop. I still have 2 other sets if anybody wants them.
While they do live up to "lasting longer" for me ( after an actual show, my strings are always dead ) I found the tradeoff to be poor for me.
Pro:They sound the same for a longer time
Con: They don't sound as good as SS when new
Pro:They sound the same for a longer time
Con: I don't like the feel
Pro: They sound the same for a longer time
Con: As mentioned previously, be careful with quick slides. I also got a little burn.
I could only come up with one Pro, my experiment has ended and I'll be back to DR Low Riders SS.
Pro:They sound the same for a longer time
Con: They don't sound as good as SS when new
Pro:They sound the same for a longer time
Con: I don't like the feel
Pro: They sound the same for a longer time
Con: As mentioned previously, be careful with quick slides. I also got a little burn.
I could only come up with one Pro, my experiment has ended and I'll be back to DR Low Riders SS.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Okay, so I'll do a review of Dragon Skins that I put on my bass last weekend. I play an Ibanez BTB Prestige 1005E? ('02, Japanese), through a GK 1001RB-II and a Markbass Traveler 102P. My main sound is a nice, warm, but rather modern/clear tone, utilizing both pickups 50%. The bass eq is: BASS flat, MID 100%, TREBLE 60%, and the mid switch at it's lightest (first, clearest?) position for a good amount of growl, as opposed to thump. I have a tone that covers the entire spectrum, for a band mix, I think. The other tones that I use, are a Miller-ish slap tone with the mid on my bass almost at flat, and a sweet Jaco-ish burp tone with enhanced harmonics, with me favoring the bass's pickup blend knob about 25% more for the bridge pickup. My amp has the pre-gain up to around 11:00, presence to 2:00, contour at it's minimum, 5-string button engaged, TREBLE at 2:00, HIGH-MID at 1:00, LOW-MID at just before 3:00, and BASS is variable (depending on room), and is usually around 1-3:00. My post gain (BOOST) is the same as pre-gain, at 11:00. The horn atteuator on my cab is set flat.
So, the last number of years, I'm guessing four or five, I've been a devoted Elixir guy. I love their crispness that lasts, but the last few strings have been flaking and dying quicker than ever before, specifically the E and A (general reduced quality for Gore, probably = LAME), so I wanted to look elsewhere. These new DR's sounded promising.
First off, these strings need a lot of stretching to settle in, even though they're a good bit less tension than my previous strings. I really like the lighter tension...strings feel more alive (especially for slapping), and I can play longer. I was able to get my action even lower than before, too. I noticed that they are definitely louder than Elixir, but the G sounded abnormally less-bright, or just more subtle in attack, compared to the other strings, which sounded new"er". The strings as a set are not as bright, or "metallic", or "zingy" sounding as new Elixirs. The volume from all of the DR strings is the same, though, but the tamer G was different. I wasn't sure how these new strings would stack up through my rig, and most of all through my in-ears (for live shows), but they sound great. Even with the G issue, these strings are more responsive, aren't as clacky, have more authority (LO-MIDS), and even though they're warmer, they don't sound slightly artificial to me, like the Elixirs can be. I was afraid, from reading previous reviews, that harmonics would be less on these strings, but they actually sound better. The don't sound "pingy" like the Elixirs did, but more focused. I thought the .125 B would be way too floppy and light, but it actually feels comparable to my Elixir .130, after having adjusted the trussrod and bridge saddle. I want to point out, too, that the DR low-B, unlike the Elixir, is not tapered, and yet getting the thing to pitch isn't that tough, and the intonation is pretty good. All low strings should be tapered, in my opinion, as it makes for more accurate intonation and stable tuning. The feel is certainly rough compared to Elixir, but not bad enough to cause said finger burns like people have complained about. Play more, and stop blogging...you'll get those calluses that you need! Anyway, I don't think the DR's are sticky at all, either. After a week, with one 4-hour show, and a 45-minute set, the D has definitely tamed it's brightness, and the G's brightness is basically gone. I'm talking a good bit about the acoustic (unplugged) tone here. Amplified, there's still some brightness on the G, and the D is still fairly crisp. The B, E, and A haven't really changed much...still good clarity and growl. If the set stays like it currently is, brightness-wise, then I'll be happy. If not, then I'll move on to something like the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings.
Oh, and one very important thing, and I don't know why they do this, but DR makes these strings REALLY long-scale. My Ibby has a pretty generous 35" scale, and these could fit perfectly on a 36", as the B-string's final wrap JUST starts to wrap around the post, but not enough to really jeopardize anything. These strings are not for regular 34" scale basses...sorry, Fender people. :-\
Overall, I'm pleased. Like I said before, ultimately, these strings will stay on only if they don't die any further. I hope this clears up some of the mystery behind these strings for you all!
Cheers!
P.S.-www.bassstringsonline.com has the 5-string set for just under $40, and the shipping is REALLY fast.
So, the last number of years, I'm guessing four or five, I've been a devoted Elixir guy. I love their crispness that lasts, but the last few strings have been flaking and dying quicker than ever before, specifically the E and A (general reduced quality for Gore, probably = LAME), so I wanted to look elsewhere. These new DR's sounded promising.
First off, these strings need a lot of stretching to settle in, even though they're a good bit less tension than my previous strings. I really like the lighter tension...strings feel more alive (especially for slapping), and I can play longer. I was able to get my action even lower than before, too. I noticed that they are definitely louder than Elixir, but the G sounded abnormally less-bright, or just more subtle in attack, compared to the other strings, which sounded new"er". The strings as a set are not as bright, or "metallic", or "zingy" sounding as new Elixirs. The volume from all of the DR strings is the same, though, but the tamer G was different. I wasn't sure how these new strings would stack up through my rig, and most of all through my in-ears (for live shows), but they sound great. Even with the G issue, these strings are more responsive, aren't as clacky, have more authority (LO-MIDS), and even though they're warmer, they don't sound slightly artificial to me, like the Elixirs can be. I was afraid, from reading previous reviews, that harmonics would be less on these strings, but they actually sound better. The don't sound "pingy" like the Elixirs did, but more focused. I thought the .125 B would be way too floppy and light, but it actually feels comparable to my Elixir .130, after having adjusted the trussrod and bridge saddle. I want to point out, too, that the DR low-B, unlike the Elixir, is not tapered, and yet getting the thing to pitch isn't that tough, and the intonation is pretty good. All low strings should be tapered, in my opinion, as it makes for more accurate intonation and stable tuning. The feel is certainly rough compared to Elixir, but not bad enough to cause said finger burns like people have complained about. Play more, and stop blogging...you'll get those calluses that you need! Anyway, I don't think the DR's are sticky at all, either. After a week, with one 4-hour show, and a 45-minute set, the D has definitely tamed it's brightness, and the G's brightness is basically gone. I'm talking a good bit about the acoustic (unplugged) tone here. Amplified, there's still some brightness on the G, and the D is still fairly crisp. The B, E, and A haven't really changed much...still good clarity and growl. If the set stays like it currently is, brightness-wise, then I'll be happy. If not, then I'll move on to something like the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings.
Oh, and one very important thing, and I don't know why they do this, but DR makes these strings REALLY long-scale. My Ibby has a pretty generous 35" scale, and these could fit perfectly on a 36", as the B-string's final wrap JUST starts to wrap around the post, but not enough to really jeopardize anything. These strings are not for regular 34" scale basses...sorry, Fender people. :-\
Overall, I'm pleased. Like I said before, ultimately, these strings will stay on only if they don't die any further. I hope this clears up some of the mystery behind these strings for you all!
Cheers!
P.S.-www.bassstringsonline.com has the 5-string set for just under $40, and the shipping is REALLY fast.
I recently had dragon skins installed on my ibanez sr 506 and id have to say that has been one of the best decisions i have made.
I've been exclusively using elixirs for this bass since i bought it back in '04. As much as i like elixirs, like the poster above me stated it does feel a little rough on the fingers, but that's what callouses are for.
The tone is nice and bright (due to being steel coated strings) but it does sound more focused. The B-String could have been a little easier to installed if it was tapered but luckily it wasn't a deal breaker ( are you listening DR???)
Im glad i got the 3 pack special (many thanks to bassstringsonline!)
I've been exclusively using elixirs for this bass since i bought it back in '04. As much as i like elixirs, like the poster above me stated it does feel a little rough on the fingers, but that's what callouses are for.
The tone is nice and bright (due to being steel coated strings) but it does sound more focused. The B-String could have been a little easier to installed if it was tapered but luckily it wasn't a deal breaker ( are you listening DR???)
Im glad i got the 3 pack special (many thanks to bassstringsonline!)
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
So the new tone basically died on my strings...not worth the price. The only nice aspect was the tension/flexibility. I just put on some D'Addario EXP's, and they put the Dragons to absolute shame...what a new coated string should sound like. Now, hopefully they last longer than the DR's....
Oh, and my new strings were around $10 cheaper than DR. DR's are over-priced.
Oh, and my new strings were around $10 cheaper than DR. DR's are over-priced.
I was given a set of the DR EXTRA's in Evergreen at NAMM 2010 (which unfortunately they dont make anymore) that I used on my Nordy vJ5 for a long time.. I generally do like the sound of strings after they've been worn for a bit.. Then changed them out for a set of Black Beauties (the current equivalent, I suppose)
Gonna try the Dragon skins on my 4 string Warwick Thumb NT..
Some different variables of course, but I'll give a comparison for the feel when I get them in..
Gonna try the Dragon skins on my 4 string Warwick Thumb NT..
Some different variables of course, but I'll give a comparison for the feel when I get them in..
EXP's sound and feel better to me too, put the EXP coating on a steel string and I might be sold. Rollin back with Fat Beams in the mean time, something about the sound of steel strings for me.
EXP's are by far my favorite coated string.
I just ordered myself a set of these. I play in a progressive rock band with a pick. I've played Hi-Beams exclusively for about 8 years now, so its worth a shot for me to check these out. Saw a lot of complaints here about how they feel on your fingers (sticky) after sweating. I'm hoping as a pick player I won't be bothered by that as much. If they can be 90% of what the DR's are, they'll be a perfect rehearsal / writing tool for me. I can still cough up the dough for new Hi-Beams for touring and recording when needed.
I've used most everything DR has made, but Dragon Skins may be my favorite overall DR strings.
I've got 4 34" scale basses, and 2 35"s. I've had trouble finding strings I like for 34" scale, and so far the Skins have solved the problem on 3 of those 34" scale basses. The other one has flats. So count me in as a fan. Love the tension on these babies!
Now...where's the .130 and .135 so I can put them on my 5's?!!?
I've got 4 34" scale basses, and 2 35"s. I've had trouble finding strings I like for 34" scale, and so far the Skins have solved the problem on 3 of those 34" scale basses. The other one has flats. So count me in as a fan. Love the tension on these babies!
Now...where's the .130 and .135 so I can put them on my 5's?!!?
You can definitely feel the coating. But it has never actually affected my ability to play. Unlike some other particularly grabby strings I've played, that did actually restrict my fingers. The coating also reduces clackyness and harsh over tones, which is why I've kept them on my Ibanez SRT for so long. That particular bass is very bright. I think probably due to the very ridgid, 5 piece neck that is primarily maple.
Wow! I really dig your pickstyle tone with the Dragonskins. I love Hi Beams but did not like any of the other coated DR strings (nickelplated). Maybe these stainless steel dragon skins would be just right.
After reading all the favorable reviews, I gave the Dragon Skins a try & ordered sets for 3 basses, 2 5-strings and a 6. After lightening the wallet by almost $120, I'm regretting buying these.
I'm going to go against the grain of glowing reviews & love for Dragon Skins and say that these may be the worst strings I've ever used.
These things are DARK, like 3 year old dead string dark. Virtually no treble response at all. No growling midrage here, either, just an overpowering and annoying honk. I've toyed with and adjusted every setting I can on all 3 basses and my amp to try to liven up these strings and make the basses sound good again, but nothing works.
I don't like the feel, either. I barely notice the coating on other coated strings I've tried, but these DS's...oh wow. Someone here likened it to running your fingers across denim; I would go a little further. It's almost like they're coated in tack cloth!
After putting on the first set, I thought maybe it was just a bad set. It happens. The next day I put them on the 2nd and 3rd basses with the same result.
I do like the lighter tension, but that's not nearly enough to keep these strings around.
Dragon Skins?
Do not like!
I'm going to go against the grain of glowing reviews & love for Dragon Skins and say that these may be the worst strings I've ever used.
These things are DARK, like 3 year old dead string dark. Virtually no treble response at all. No growling midrage here, either, just an overpowering and annoying honk. I've toyed with and adjusted every setting I can on all 3 basses and my amp to try to liven up these strings and make the basses sound good again, but nothing works.
I don't like the feel, either. I barely notice the coating on other coated strings I've tried, but these DS's...oh wow. Someone here likened it to running your fingers across denim; I would go a little further. It's almost like they're coated in tack cloth!
After putting on the first set, I thought maybe it was just a bad set. It happens. The next day I put them on the 2nd and 3rd basses with the same result.
I do like the lighter tension, but that's not nearly enough to keep these strings around.
Dragon Skins?
Do not like!
I bought a set of these and used them on our last tour. They certainly feel a little weird. Kind of filmy. I got used to it and played them hard for about 6 shows until they lost their luster for me. We only play 30 minute sets so that's not much playing really. I dug them enough to try one more set for just writing and rehearsing. I don't mind replacing my strings often on tour but replacing them at home is a bit annoying. Still mostly a fan of cleaning hi beams with denatured alcohol but the dragon skin have some utility for me I hope.
