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DR Pure Blues or Dunlop Super Brights?

Bluebard

Bluebard

Oct 21, 2014
402
103
30
Buffalo
#1
Hello all,

I'm looking into getting a new set of nickel roundwounds. I'm presently considering the DR Pure Blues and Dunlop Super Brights. Anyone have any experience with these, that they might compare them or provide any info or advice about them?
Thanks! i appreciate it.
 
#3
SuperBright Nickels are the only string I'll use now, but I love DR as well. I was curious about the PureBlues when they were announced, but when they came out the reaction seems to be a huge...'meh'. I'd still like to try them though, but they certainly don't have the passionate fanboys like the SuperBrights have (me being a proud SB fanboy of course!)
 
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#6
The hard part for me with the Super Brights is deciding whether I like them better live or dead. I go back and forth constantly and I can't make up my mind. Love the new zing but they darken up so nicely and still have some zing when needed when they're dead. Not tried the DR's but I'm very much into the SB's.
 
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#7
What gauge would you guys recommend? .40-.100 or .45-.105? I play mostly fingerstyle, don't have the strongest hands in the world, but I've played mostly standard gauge until now. Are the standard gauge SBs pretty light tension? I want light tension, but I guess I'm wondering if the light tension SBs will be super light tension or not. What gauge of the SBs do you guys use?
 
#8
Bluebard said:
What gauge would you guys recommend? .40-.100 or .45-.105? I play mostly fingerstyle, don't have the strongest hands in the world, but I've played mostly standard gauge until now. Are the standard gauge SBs pretty light tension? I want light tension, but I guess I'm wondering if the light tension SBs will be super light tension or not. What gauge of the SBs do you guys use?
Click to expand...

I like a lighter tension as well. I was using the 40-60-80-100 Sunbeams. I bought the 45-105 Super Brights because that's all that was available at the time, and the tension is very similar on both. Very playable and easy on the fingers. You'll like 'em!

Also, make sure you order the nickels, NOT the stainless steels. It's easy to confuse the two and seems to be a fairly common problem as well since the packaging looks almost identical on both. The part number I use is DBSBN45105.
 
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#9
Buzz E said:
I like a lighter tension as well. I was using the 40-60-80-100 Sunbeams. I bought the 45-105 Super Brights because that's all that was available at the time, and the tension is very similar on both. Very playable and easy on the fingers. You'll like 'em!

Also, make sure you order the nickels, NOT the stainless steels. It's easy to confuse the two and seems to be a fairly common problem as well since the packaging looks almost identical on both. The part number I use is DBSBN45105.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks Buzz E!
 
#14
I'm loving the Dunlop Super Brights, I haven't tried the DR Pure Blues, but I've always been impressed with DR.
Oddly, I didn't care for them on my P-Bass (I prefer the Sunbeams for that bass). These so far though are the best thing I've put on my Fender Jazz.
I esp. love the color they provide in the midrange, and great high end transparency without being harsh.

With the bridge soloed, I've gotten the best mid range growl. Also, less of that "J Mid scoop" with both neck and bridge pickups on. I've tried the D'Addario XL, DR Sunbeams
and High Beams also on this bass.
 
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#15
I am loving these Super Brights! They are so bright and rich and carry so much emotion, can't stop playing them xD
Unfortunately, I got distracted while stringing and clipped the A string a bit too short, so it only wraps around the nut/post about 1.5 times. Do you think that'll be a problem as far as going out of tune or breaking? It is staying in tune so far, but it looks kind of funny with the almost horizontal break angle. Since I have a Fender J-bass, I'm a bit worried that there isn't enough pressure, which might lead to buzzing in the nut slot. None so far though. Do you guys know of any tricks to decrease the break angle? I know that's a bit far-fetched. Otherwise, do you know of anyplace I could get an individual SB string? I've searched the internet, and can only seem to find them in packages of four or more.
Thanks guys! Your advice on these strings certainly led me the right way.
 
#20
Are all the DR bass strings round core, or are some hex core? I've got a set of Pure Blues 45-125's on order for my Ibanez BTB. Not sure what to expect. Hopefully they will feel smoother than whatever is one there now (mystery strings 50-130 by caliper measurement). I've got DR Sunbeams on my '72 Martin D35 and they are pretty awesome on that guitar.
 

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