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DR hi-beams E-string question

smeet

Gold Supporting Member
Nov 27, 2006
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Sammamish, WA
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So I've been using SS LoRiders for a while (on my Sadowsky 5), and I'm trying out a set of HiBeams (40-60-80-100-120). I like them overall. I'm suprised by how sweet the high notes sound, and the B string is nice and defined. But... The E string is noticeably lower in volume than the other strings. It doesn't sound "false" or dull or anything. Is this a bad string, or just the way these strings sound?
 
Sounds like a bad string to me, its been a few years since I had a set, but I didnt notice that. If it is a pain take the set back to the shop or site you bought them from, or DR failing that.

Its unlikely but could there be something making contact with the string where the shouldnt be (like at the bridge or tuner)? I would think that would cause it to sound dull though.
 
Is it the “E” or the entire string? Is the string sitting down on the nut and saddle ok? We have to be careful when putting on bass strings; we’re not talking about puny, short guitar strings. Be VERY careful not to twist the strings laterally when putting them on. Make sure they can naturally twist at the bridge as you tighten them up until the last moment.

Try taking the “E” off, give it a good wiping, and reinstall it with the “no twist” thing in mind. Also, drop it to “D” and see if it changes things.

I just put High Beams on my bass and, after three weeks, are settling down.
 
Pony up for a new set. They are great strings.

When I pay $30 (or any amount) for something, I don't expect to pay again to replace a faulty product. Would you buy a second amp if the first one didn't work properly?

SteveC said:
You can get a single string, but if they are old, and one is bad, why not start fresh?

The strings are old, but I just opened the package and put them on my bass, they have only been played for a couple of days. I will probably pick up a single E.

It's the entire string. The string actually sounds fine and true, it's just lower in volume than the other strings, very strange. And it is definitely strung properly with no twisting etc.

I'll try dropping it to D and see if it makes a difference.
 
smeet said:
When I pay $30 (or any amount) for something, I don't expect to pay again to replace a faulty product. Would you buy a second amp if the first one didn't work properly?

Not the same situation. Strings are very disposable items.

But, since you just opened the pack (even if you don't know when you bought it), you should just contact DR and tell them about the E, see what they say. And no DON'T soak the string!
 
I've had the same problem and it was a faulty string. The center core was bent or something causing the problem. Oddly, DR High beams are the only set that happened to me on. And I switched because of it happening more than once. I also had a G string unwind on me, again a unique DR problem.