DR high beams vs low riders.

[michael_t]

1. Will they sound darker than my high beams?

Yes, the Lo-Riders are slightly darker than the Hi Beams as they are a bit more mid-focused with less top end.

Another option for you would be the Sunbeams, which are basically the nickel-plated version of the Hi Beams. They would give you a smoother top end with less clank and a mellower, warmer bottom.

2. Will they raise my action because they are higher tension? ARE they higher tension or is it just that they're less flexible?

Every time you change the type/gauges of strings, you should always do a complete setup.

That said, when I tried the Sunbeams and the Lo-Riders back to back last year, I only had to do a minor truss rod tweak, maybe a quarter turn. One thing to keep in mind is "tension" (overall pulling weight exerted on the neck) is not the same as "stiffness/flexibility". When we talk about the hex-core strings being "stiffer", that doesn't mean they're harder on the neck necessarily.

 

[eriky4003]

Scott,
Another great set to try is the DR Fat Beams which reside on my 5-string active Yamaha. Slightly tamed highs (compared to the Hi Beams) but a meatier bottom. Similar feel to the Hi Beams so if you don't appreciate the Lo Rider tension, try the Fats.
All this Lo Rider talk is making me salivate to plug in my Ricky tonight. I'm using Lo Riders on this bass as I had an extra set that's not needed on another bass yet (the Lo Riders still sound great on my BB300 even after almost a year!).

 

[scottfeldstein]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. One thing I'm still unclear about, though. Do lo riders have higher tension than hi beams or are they just less flexible?

 

[elgecko]

1. Yes

2. Probably. Both.

 

[Mickeyb48]

I've been using HiBeams for a couple of months. Last night I had our church bassist use mine during soundcheck and did some recording. I was real Happy with the sound through the PA. After I played the samples through a set of Genelic studio monitors, my Geddy sounded great.

I am curious about trying some Lo Riders. I like my action low, and wondering will the Lo riders be less floppy, and do the strings have that same tightness in the windings as the Hi-Beams.

I hope I'm asking the right question in the tightness of the wraps. I like the smoothness of the Hi-Beams, wonder about the same on the Lo riders.

Thanks

 

[Pier_]

will the Lo riders be less floppy

yes, but not the same sound. Lo Riders are typical hex core strings, with big mid frequencies