DR Pure Blues Bass Strings...

[IvanBassist]

I have a set of these that have been sitting around.. Going to put them on my SR1800 to replace the Roto nickels I just put on that have a weakness on the top end.

Can't comment on Rotos, but I think these have a bit less top end than the D'addarios EXL that I've used before

 

[The Rage]

Throughout this discussion, it is evident how the same strings may sound/feel different to each person.
I've installed the strings on my Spector some months ago and they're still very bright. For now they are my favourite sounding DR strings.
To me the only downside is they feel a lot stiffer than Dr-Lo rider or d'addario nickels i'm used to play.

 

[trothwell]

Throughout this discussion, it is evident how the same strings may sound/feel different to each person.
...
To me the only downside is they feel a lot stiffer than Dr-Lo rider or d'addario nickels i'm used to play.

Different indeed! I thought they were much more flexible than Lo Riders or D'Addario Nickels...

 

[TomB]

I picked up a 5-string set of these. Great full tone, kind of a soft feel. Does anyone know where to find tension specs for them (or any DR strings, for that matter). Thx!

 

[bholder]

Jason at bassstringsonline keeps a massive database of technical data on strings including tensions.

 

[michael_t]

Does anyone know where to find tension specs for them (or any DR strings, for that matter). Thx!

Jason at bassstringsonline keeps a massive database of technical data on strings including tensions.

DR does not publish tension info on any of their strings, period.

 

[bholder]

DR does not publish tension info on any of their strings, period.

Ah, did not know that. Hmmm. Well then. They do feel lower tension.

 

[michael_t]

Ah, did not know that. Hmmm. Well then. They do feel lower tension.

The lower "tension" you're feeling has to do the "flexibility/suppleness" of the round core.

 

[bholder]

The lower "tension" you're feeling has to do the "flexibility/suppleness" of the round core.

There's something different about the feel of the surface of the strings to the touch as well even before I go to fret or pluck them.

 

[michael_t]

There's something different about the feel of the surface of the strings to the touch as well even before I go to fret or pluck them.

DR strings in general are smoother in surface texture compared to other rounds.
Or, the different feel could be the special nickel alloy used for the wrap wire.

 

[songwriter21]

I usually play Elixir, but I did try these and put them on a loaner bass from a friend. They last a long time (for non-coated), feel great, and only lack a little in the hi-mid department, compared to Elixir. I think they're pretty decent.

 

[TomB]

DR does not publish tension info on any of their strings, period.

Uh, ...ok. Then can anyone who's used these comment on the tension put on the neck (not the stiffness to the fingers) compared to, say, D'Addario XL's or GHS Pressurewound, who DO publish their tensions? ...thoughts appreciated.

 

[TomB]

Uh, ...ok. Then can anyone who's used these comment on the tension put on the neck (not the stiffness to the fingers) compared to, say, D'Addario XL's or GHS Pressurewound, who DO publish their tensions? ...thoughts appreciated.

So I got my answer the "guaranteed" way , in case anyone else was interested in the question. I changed out the Pure Blues 5-string set (45-125) for a GHS Pressurewound set (44-128). With no other adjustments, the change produced a bit more truss rod relief (went from the thickness of a piece of paper to the thickness of a business card) and a gain of a 1/32nd +" in action at the 12th fret. So they're not only softer in the feel, they're also lower in actual tension than the PW's, which I've found in the past to be about equal to XL's.

 

[michael_t]

So I got my answer the "guaranteed" way , in case anyone else was interested in the question. I changed out the Pure Blues 5-string set (45-125) for a GHS Pressurewound set (44-128). With no other adjustments, the change produced a bit more truss rod relief (went from the thickness of a piece of paper to the thickness of a business card) and a gain of a 1/32nd +" in action at the 12th fret. So they're not only softer in the feel, they're also lower in actual tension than the PW's, which I've found in the past to be about equal to XL's.

This actually does make sense... at least to a certain degree.
The regular GHS Boomers (hex core) 45-65-85-105 have a total tension of 186.5 lbs. while the Round Core Boomers of the same gauges weigh in at 173.5 lbs.

 

[rockscott]

I use them on my birdsong, its like they were made for the birdsong bass! I have become a big fan of dr strings. i use the highbeams on my gibson. i plan to try their flats on my artcore 140 when i get her back in the game!