DR Hi Beams vs GHS Super Steels

[bassnyc1]

As I posted on another recent thread, I've used DR strings; particularly Hi Beams for many years. Recently I'm thinking about switching for my basses that I use SS strings on. I've been impressed with GHS in general but I've never tried Super Steels. Anyone have any experience with these two?

 

[trothwell]

I've used both. My recollections...

Super Steels feel more stiff and a little rougher. Where the Hi Beams are pretty mid-scooped, the Super Steels are stronger in the mids, and indeed have a solid tone all the way up and down the spectrum.

They do sound a bit twangy to me, which I didn't care for. I personally would suggest trying GHS Progressives. Not steel, but a nickel-iron alloy.

 

[Linnin]

They do sound a bit twangy to me

Twang is an acquired taste in tone. Fender Twang. The Nashville Sound. The Bakersfield Sound. That whole Western Swing Thing = Fender Twang + your swingin' talent.

Of course electric bass guitars didn't have 'twang' back then, and more's the pity. Today it's alt country; punktry, and Americana. You need twang!

 

[bassnyc1]

I've used both. My recollections...

Super Steels feel more stiff and a little rougher. Where the Hi Beams are pretty mid-scooped, the Super Steels are stronger in the mids, and indeed have a solid tone all the way up and down the spectrum.

They do sound a bit twangy to me, which I didn't care for. I personally would suggest trying GHS Progressives. Not steel, but a nickel-iron alloy.

Thanks for your reply.

Regarding Linnin's post, twang can be good but for the type of music I play and the basses that I play, I need something with more mids. Taking Rotosound Swing 66 and DR Lo Riders out of the equation, anyone else suggest a SS string?

 

[madjazzbass]

This is the Exact same question I had; Are there Bassist here that have played both GHS Super Steels and DR High Beams; and Is there a favorite/preference for most between the two? Which of these two sets do most players tend to lean towards/prefer? Thanks.

 

[sonojono]

This is the Exact same question I had; Are there Bassist here that have played both GHS Super Steels and DR High Beams; and Is there a favorite/preference for most between the two? Which of these two sets do most players tend to lean towards/prefer? Thanks.

When it comes to strings for me it really depends on the bass you're wanting to try, as each strings may vary on how your bass reacts to em. Between Hi-Beams and Super Steels I much prefer Hi-Beams on a Jazz bass and Super Steels on a bass with humbuckers

 

[michael_t]

Are there Bassist here that have played both GHS Super Steels and DR High Beams; and Is there a favorite/preference for most between the two? Which of these two sets do most players tend to lean towards/prefer? Thanks.

I don't have any personal experience with the Hi Beams, but I've been able to compare the Super Steels (40-102) and the DR SS Lo-Riders (40-100), which are the hex-core counterpart to the round-core Hi Beams.

To my ears, the LRs sound cleaner and crisper while the Super Steels have a bit more of the vintage flavor with some grind in the mids. The LRs also feel smoother in texture, which I liked.

Hex core vs. round core... The main difference between the LRs/SS's and the HB would have to do with stiffness/flexibility, which is a matter of personal preference.

 

[madjazzbass]

I don't have any personal experience with the Hi Beams, but I've been able to compare the Super Steels (40-102) and the DR SS Lo-Riders (40-100), which are the hex-core counterpart to the round-core Hi Beams.

To my ears, the LRs sound cleaner and crisper while the Super Steels have a bit more of the vintage flavor with some grind in the mids. The LRs also feel smoother in texture, which I liked.

Hex core vs. round core... The main difference between the LRs/SS's and the HB would have to do with stiffness/flexibility, which is a matter of personal preference.

Yes, I have recently found that out, each Bass sounds quite different with the same exact string set, You have to try different sets of strings on a particular Bass 'til you get the tone/sound you're looking for, Thanks again.