Never tried the SB Steels so curious to see how they compare to the Hi Beams. Anyone had experience of these two strings?
I'd say they are pretty similar with the Hi-Beams having a little more brightness to the string. Seeing as the SBs are generally cheaper, I'd throw caution to the wind and give them a try for a set.
If memory serves, the tension and feel are similar (anyone else care to comment? Please do so now!). I'd say longevity will also be similar. Saying that, I'm not sure I can definitively comment on longevity - I made the mistake of using Fat Beams, before Hi Beams and Marcus Miller Dunlop Super Brights before regular Dunlop Super Brights. In both cases, I did wait to go back to my original choice but I was desperate to go back to the Fats & MM DSBs. Someone else, help the OP out!
When new, Dunlops are punchier in the mids and fuller in the lows. And as they age, I'd say Dunlops are overall notably fuller sounding.
Dunlop SB are good strings but DR HI Beam have a more longevity. I prefer HI beam string balance, but SB have a little more tension because of hex core. I love the two.
My string of choice at one time was the DR Hi-Beams but I gave the Dunlops a try after I had to buy strings in a pinch and none of my local shops had DRs in. I was perfectly happy with the Dunlops and haven’t gone back. The performance is on par and I have a slight preference for the Dunlops. The price difference is the cherry on top. I’ve actually moved on to Dunlop Nickle Super Brights, still plenty bright but better mids and they last longer for me.
In the seven years I have been member here, the two new strings I've seen as genuine 'game changers' are EB Slinky Cobalt Flats and Dunlop Super Bright Steels. YMMV
Thanks guys - I'm basically after Hi Beams but a little less bright, a little more mids and the same sort of tension and feel. These sound like the string I may be after.
I've used both. Have a set of super brights on my Bossa Jazz right now. I'll be going back to Hi Beams. I don't care for the feel of the Dunlops. They are rough. Hi Beams just seem more refined to me. Similar in sound, but just better feeling.
I agree, DR has it going on in the feel of string to string balance. All of their models. Superbrights are better than many, in this regard. But DR and Fodera are probably the best at this single aspect.
I used the Dunlop Marcus Miller and prefer the Hi beams. I still have not found a better string for me. I have not tried the Dunlop SB but the hi Beams I found to be significantly brighter and longer lasting than the Marcus Miller Dunlop's. But this Tread isn't about The MM Dunlop's. So I should give the SB a chance.
Good man, Stan! If they don't agree with you, I'd recommend DR Lo-Riders which will have a bit more tension. Or DR Fat Beams with a lot more booty than the Hi-Beams but a similar feel. Enjoy!
They arrived yesterday and I've already strung them up. Initial thoughts: They're not as bright as Hi Beams They're not as smooth as Hi Beams They have more mids than Hi Beams They have around the same tension but they seem to flex quite a bit more than Hi Beams? Not sure if this is just me. I do like them so far...
Used DR HI Beams for many years, until I had my bass tuned up. Guitar Center did not have HI Beams in stock so they recommended Dunlop Marcus Miller Super Bright. I have to say, they are on par with HI Beams. I just order another set for my other bass. Dunlops are cheaper but I still would use DR'S at the drop of a hat.