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DR Nickel Lo Riders: higher tension alternative?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by LamarKafka, Dec 16, 2017.

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  1. Dec 16, 2017 #1
    LamarKafka

    LamarKafka

    Oct 25, 2015
    Edinburgh
    I've been using DR Nickel Lo Riders on my Jazz and love the way they sound, feel, etc. However, I've found that they're a bit looser than I'd prefer for most styles of playing (especially since I often tune down a half step). The .045-.105 set I use is the heaviest one they make for 4 string, as far as I'm aware. Are there any strings that come close to their sound and feel with a little bit higher tension?
     
  2. Dec 16, 2017 #2
    petrus61

    petrus61

    Dec 18, 2011
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Nickel Lo-Riders. Same feel as Sunbeams, just a bit stiffer.
     
  3. Dec 16, 2017 #3
    michael_t

    michael_t

    Feb 11, 2013
    49.8951 N, 97.1384 W
    GHS Boomers (regular hex-core version).
     
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  4. Dec 16, 2017 #4
    LamarKafka

    LamarKafka

    Oct 25, 2015
    Edinburgh
    Not sure if I worded something incorrectly but I'm already using the Nickel Lo-Riders, never tried Sunbeams.
     
  5. Dec 16, 2017 #5
    petrus61

    petrus61

    Dec 18, 2011
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Gosh...don't know why I read "Sunbeams"! :rollno:. In that case, I've found D'Addario XL's to be slightly stiffer than Lo's, with GHS Boomers being considerably stiffer and something like Rotosound nickels being stiffer yet.
     
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  6. Dec 16, 2017 #6
    Linnin

    Linnin

    Jul 19, 2012
    Linningrad, Earth
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  7. Dec 16, 2017 #7
    fakeneckplate'65

    fakeneckplate'65 Supporting Member

    Feb 4, 2014
    Columbus, OH
    Labella Nickel roundwounds are quite stiff..
     
  8. Dec 17, 2017 #8
    Jim C

    Jim C I believe in the trilogy; Fender, Stingray, + G&L Supporting Member

    Nov 29, 2008
    Bethesda, MD
    Another vote for XL's.
    Not sure if they are higher tension but feel stiffer.
     
  9. Dec 18, 2017 #9
    LamarKafka

    LamarKafka

    Oct 25, 2015
    Edinburgh
    So it seems like hex core Boomers and D'Addario XLs are my best options. Can anyone who's tried both give some thoughts on the difference between the two? The Boomers seem to have higher tension and more of the sound I'm looking for (dark and punchy but still distinctly roundwound), while the XLs are cheaper, easier to find, and I've had good luck with their EXL guitar strings. Also, how much truth is there to the rumour that Boomers go dead extremely quickly?
     
  10. Dec 18, 2017 #10
    michael_t

    michael_t

    Feb 11, 2013
    49.8951 N, 97.1384 W
    My experience is with the D'A EXL170BT (45-60-80-107) and the GHS Boomer custom, 45-60-80-105.

    The Boomers are stiffer-feeling, but only slightly; it's not a night-and-day difference.
    Tonally, the Boomers have a little more meat down low with punchier low-mids, while the XL Nickels are brighter with a bit more of the hi-mid clang.

    Here's a comparison in terms of the actual tension numbers:

    Boomer Custom Balanced:

    G 045 - 44.8
    D 060 - 42.2
    A 080 - 45.0
    E 105 - 42.2

    Total 174.2 lbs.

    D'Addario EXL170BT:

    G 045 - 42.52
    D 060 - 40.86
    A 080 - 40.05
    E 107 - 39.45

    Total 162.88 lbs.
     
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  11. Dec 18, 2017 #11
    LamarKafka

    LamarKafka

    Oct 25, 2015
    Edinburgh
    It seems like Boomers would be the better fit. I'll pick up a set next time I see one and hope my body chemistry agrees with them.