DR Nickel Lo-Riders

[michael_t]

What am I giving up going from 45-105s to 40-100?

Consider trying Sunbeams - similar tone, easier on the fingers

When I tried the SB 45-105 and the NLR 40-100 back-to-back, I ended up preferring the NLR for their comfortable but firmer feel. The SB in comparison were a little too loose and bouncy under my plucking fingers despite the larger gauges.

You wouldn't be losing too much in tone going from NLR 45-105 to NLR 40-100, while gaining in playing comfort. Going from the NLR 45-105 to the SB 45-105, you will lose some of the low-mid punch, not to mention it will take some adjustment in your playing technique.

Based on my experience, the NLR (hex core) and the SB (round core) do not sound or feel similar.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I liked the tone of Sunbeams, but they were too flexible for me. Of course I've played Roto Swings for about 3 decades

 

[Selim]

Consider trying Sunbeams - similar tone, easier on the fingers

Thanks -- I played on flats almost exclusively for the last 30 years, but I did actually try Sunbeams years ago (same music style, different bass tho).

I liked the warm tone and I remember them being easy to play -- so I can see why you would recommend them. But I think they might be a little too "soft" for my needs. I guess "soft" means "flexible"?

You wouldn't be losing too much in tone going from NLR 45-105 to NLR 40-100, while gaining in playing comfort.

Thanks, that's good to know. I suspect that bit of firmness that the NLRs give (because of the core design?), gives a nice thumpy attack, that nice front end to the note. I like that.

 

[michael_t]

I suspect that bit of firmness that the NLRs give (because of the core design?), gives a nice thumpy attack, that nice front end to the note. I like that.

Yes, the punch comes from the hex-core design; at least it's one of the factors contributing to the way they respond to the plucking input.

The NLR on my P bass (40-95) are now 2 mths old and they haven't lacked in punchy warmth despite the relatively light gauges.

 

[Selim]

Thanks, I think I’ll give the 40-100 a turn — not an expensive experiment.

 

[michael_t]

I recently found out I suffer from a condition commonly known as CSCD (Compulsive String Change Disorder). Every once in a while, I get these sudden uncontrollable urges to change strings on one of my basses for no apparent reason.

My 2-mth fling with the Nickel Lo-Riders came to an abrupt end last night as I had an episode of CSCD very unexpectedly. When I put them on my P bass back in March, my intention was to stick with them at least long enough to be able to assess their longevity. I guess I'll never know now...

 

[Ricky Rioli]

My 2-mth fling with the Nickel Lo-Riders came to an abrupt end last night as I had an episode of CSCD very unexpectedly. When I put them on my P bass back in March, my intention was to stick with them at least long enough to be able to assess their longevity.

If this makes you feel any better, it only took me a couple of hours before I knew I was done with mine

What was it about them that made it so easy for you to turn your back on them?

 

[michael_t]

What was it about them that made it so easy for you to turn your back on them?

The funny thing is I can't think of anything negative to say about the NLR as they were living up to my expectation for "punchy warmth and smooth, clear mids".

I guess I just missed the extra punch and crunch of my beloved Pressurewounds, not to mention their smoother feel.

 

[michael_t]

If this makes you feel any better, it only took me a couple of hours before I knew I was done with mine

How about you? Why only two hours with them?

 

[Ricky Rioli]

How about you? Why only two hours with them?

They didn't have any nervy quality for my gentle touch to play with. They seemed to be awaiting my input, whereas what I like is to have a string that has its own bite, which I then have to control. I can see why the Roto Bass are cheaper than these NLRs, but they suit me much better, so.... :gallic shrug:

 

[michael_t]

They didn't have any nervy quality for my gentle touch to play with. They seemed to be awaiting my input, whereas what I like is to have a string that has its own bite, which I then have to control.

I think I know what you're saying...

I've always described the NLR (and DR strings in general) as being "refined". What I found out was this "refined" quality also translates to being "polite". The Pressurewounds have this mid-forward quality that needs to be tamed in certain musical contexts, which is something I was missing.

 

[pbass2]

I’m just getting around to trying these 45-105 nickel low riders on a new Fender AO 60s jazz.

Don’t know tension numbers and I don’t follow them anyway — if they feel good and you can get around on the bass and do the things that you want to do ..

But I find these very comfortable to play on, just slightly more taut than the stock Fender nickels that were on the bass when I bought it. I like the tone more than the Fenders too — more “mature” with a more musical midrange and less clang. Also, like that they sound like they will have a little thump to them once they are worn in.

I’m coming mostly from flatwounds, so qualify with that

I lean towards classic, usually flatwound, warm tones, and 45-105 NLRs are my second fave string after Labella flats, and that includes other flats. I have Labella flats on all my basses except my Jazz that has Nickel Lo Riders. I actually put the same Labella flats on my Jazz a couple weeks ago as an experiment, and just last night the Lo-Riders went back on. I use that bass for all kinds of genres--I'll just slap some foam under the strings and use it for my Americana gig--sounds great. Crank up the treble for pickstyle rock--also great. 70's finger funk--perfectamundo! I even put the old set back on (put on a new set that had been in my case for almost 10 years and had a bad G string--would not intonate no matter what--that was a first for me). Anyhow, they're the first rounds I've encountered that really get better with age the way flats do.

 

[smeet]

I think I know what you're saying...

I've always described the NLR (and DR strings in general) as being "refined". What I found out was this "refined" quality also translates to being "polite". The Pressurewounds have this mid-forward quality that needs to be tamed in certain musical contexts, which is something I was missing.

Interesting. How are the highs and lows on the Pressurewounds?

 

[michael_t]

How are the highs and lows on the Pressurewounds?

The lows on the PWs are punchy and full-bodied, more so than the NLR. More crunch in the mids and not a whole lot of zing up top.

 

[Selim]

Anyhow, they're the first rounds I've encountered that really get better with age the way flats do.

That is good news! I am firmly in the “dead rounds” camp — where dead means a useable, musical quality.

This summer will be the first time I’m using rounds in a music setting where I’ve always used flatwounds.

 

[pbass2]

That is good news! I am firmly in the “dead rounds” camp — where dead means a useable, musical quality.

This summer will be the first time I’m using rounds in a music setting where I’ve always used flatwounds.

They sound right up your alley. They have minimal "zing" as they age, but just have a nice taught punch. You can dial in clank if you want. The closest thing I've encountered to the NLRs were the old Fender original nickel roundwounds I used to use back in the 90's.