DR Nickel Lo-Riders

[Ricky Rioli]

I'm a bit surprised the GHS Boomers are way down from both D'A and EB on this list.

I suspect that the top 5 are pretty close together, especially compared with the Fenders at #9

Having once spent 30 torturous minutes with a set of 45-105 Pure Nickel Fenders, they all seem pretty easy going to me

 

[michael_t]

Very unexpectedly I have an MIJ PB62 on its way.

When I said what kind of strings I like, the dealer offered to fit some 45-105 Nickel Lo-Riders that he had in, and naturally I jumped at the chance

I'll look forward to your report back along with a few pics of the bass!

 

[Ricky Rioli]

along with a few pics of the bass!

I can supply a picture already....

....along with the extremely tasty information that it weighs only 8lbs! I didn't know alder got that light.

My left shoulder has informed me that I'm no longer playing my Yamaha BB, but the empress G&L I've on order to replace it won't be here until the other end of the summer. So this is for me to bridge the gap. Once I've got the G&L, I'll be passing this on to a friend who is wanting to buy a CAR p-bass, but not just yet. Great plan, what could possibly go wrong?

 

[Selim]

Very unexpectedly I have an MIJ PB62 on its way.

When I said what kind of strings I like, the dealer offered to fit some 45-105 Nickel Lo-Riders that he had in, and naturally I jumped at the chance

At the start of the year, someone whose name I've foolishly forgotten posted this, their personal perception of the stiffnesses of a whole load of 45-105 sets.

View attachment 4660289

Just above the Fenders will do me very nicely

So this list is sorted which way: from tightest to most supple or vice versa?

I don’t know have much experience with round wounds..

 

[Ricky Rioli]

So this list is sorted which way: from tightest to most supple or vice versa?

Tightest-feeling at the top.

My own perception is rather more fuzzy, and in any case I imagine how a string feels must vary slightly on how they're being played — a tense string which seems to be bursting with sound the moment I touch it might seem 'easier' than one where I have to go in search of the tone.

But I've yet to find a reason for disagreeing with this list. Especially the Fenders being a little bit below Daddario / GHS / Rotosound. If the Nickel Lo-Riders can have that slightly more relaxed feel without seeming at all short of punch, that'll be great, I'll be really happy.

 

[michael_t]

I imagine how a string feels must vary slightly on how they're being played —

... and it also depends on how they're set up. A slight variation in action, for example, can affect the way a set of strings FEEL.

 

[Selim]

I like how you can sit tighter strings lower and they’ll still feel solid.

I don’t know rounds very well, but I do know the Fender nickels that came on a Fender bass I picked up recently (American originals 60s jazz). According to the list above, the DR nickel lo riders are only slightly tighter, so they might work out great for my needs.

 

[michael_t]

I don’t know rounds very well, but I do know the Fender nickels that came on a Fender bass I picked up recently (American originals 60s jazz). According to the list above, the DR nickel lo riders are only slightly tighter, so they might work out great for my needs.

The biggest difference you'll notice between the Fender 7250 and the NLR is the surface texture. The NLRs are noticeably finer in texture and smoother in feel.

 

[Selim]

The biggest difference you'll notice between the Fender 7250 and the NLR is the surface texture. The NLRs are noticeably finer in texture and smoother in feel.

I like the sound of that!

 

[michael_t]

I like the sound of that!

The first time I tried the NLRs was 2014. I made a mistake of trying the D'A XL Nickels right after the NLRs, and boy, did they feel rough in comparison!

 

[Winston H]

Just my 2c worth, in the past year I've had Warwick EMPs (came on the bass), Fodera SS, Smith Rockmaster SS and DR Lo Rider SS on my Thumb 6 NT. I've settled in on the LR (30-125) as my go-to for my usual style of heavier progressive rock, however for a more rounded, balanced tone I would choose the Smiths. The LR work really nicely on the Warwick which has a natural abundance of low-mids; the strings put some more emphasis on lows and crisp presence.

I have a fairly low action on my bass, and the hex cores suit that nicely by offering a "just right" feel in terms of stiffness. I swap mine out every 3 months to make sure they retain a bright tone, and I'm typically playing 1-2 hours every day. I wipe down the strings after every use with a microfibre cloth and methylated spirits.

Highly recommend LR as a great string, though I would also recommend you try Smith Rockmasters as an alternative, they are a really nice set of strings to play.

 

[michael_t]

Fodera SS, Smith Rockmaster SS and DR Lo Rider SS on my Thumb 6 NT. I've settled in on the LR (30-125) as my go-to for my usual style of heavier progressive rock, however for a more rounded, balanced tone I would choose the Smiths. The LR work really nicely on the Warwick which has a natural abundance of low-mids; the strings put some more emphasis on lows and crisp presence...

Highly recommend LR as a great string, though I would also recommend you try Smith Rockmasters as an alternative, they are a really nice set of strings to play.

Just to clarify... You're talking more about the stainless steel Lo-Riders, correct? Have you had any experience with the Nickel Lo-Riders, which is the subject of this thread?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Tone and feel are similar to Rotosound Swings.

 

[michael_t]

Tone and feel are similar to Rotosound Swings.

Are you talking about SS or NPS?

 

[Winston H]

Just to clarify... You're talking more about the stainless steel Lo-Riders, correct? Have you had any experience with the Nickel Lo-Riders, which is the subject of this thread?

That is correct. Hence why I said it was just 2c worth.

 

[michael_t]

That is correct. Hence why I said it was just 2c worth.

Cool! I've tried the SS Lo-Riders once before and liked them better than any other SS rounds I ever tried. This coming from a die-hard nickel guy.

 

[Winston H]

Cool! I've tried the SS Lo-Riders once before and liked them better than any other SS rounds I ever tried. This coming from a die-hard nickel guy.

I always used to be a Hi Beam player years ago with my Belman Custom 5, but knowing their characteristics I haven't even tried them with my Warwick. String choice (sound wise) is very dependent on the natural tones of the instrument. That's why I'm such a big fan of LR SS's for heavier rock, and Smiths for overall versatility.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Yes, the 45-105 NLRs have a significantly more gentle feel than Boomers and Roto Bass!

They have also deposited black muck all over my fingertips.....

 

[michael_t]

They have also deposited black muck all over my fingertips.....

This is why I always clean all new strings with an alcohol wipe before installation.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

This is why I always clean all new strings with an alcohol wipe before installation.

These were installed by the seller, so I had not the opportunity of copying the michael_t metho_d, unfortunately. I think my Pro Steels also had some kind of residue on them, but at least that was colorless!