• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

DR string advise

Almost nobody talks (except the last post) about the DDT strings from DR. Is there a reason for this?

DDT does come up from time to time, but mostly in the context of down-tuning as that's what they're mainly designed for. DDT = Drop Down Tuning. They have thicker hex core wires than Lo-Riders for tuning stability when down-tuned, which also makes them stiffer.
 
I just put the DDTs on my P5. It's the first set of stainless strings I've used in a long time -- I'm a big fan of the feel of nickel. These, however, feel much better than the last set of D'addario Pro Steels I used. They also are a lot more flexible then I expected. I've got the medium 45-125 set on. I'll circle back when they've broken it, but so far I like them. A little bright but that's expected. I'm gonna take them a bit with some eq and see how they sit in a recording mix this weekend.

Edit: also have some songs in drop A and and drop C, so I'll run them through their paces.
 
I started with the Lo-Riders 40-120 as advised by the most of you. They really did answer most of my wishes.
Very good B-string which sounded "piano like" when slapped. I tried the Fat Beams 40-120 yesterday and it was'nt what I expected from these strings. Stiffer than the Lo-Riders and less mids than the Lo-Riders. The B-string sounded far off from "piano like". My next and last goal are the Pure Blues. Not SS I know but I will give them a chance...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Gopherbassist
I started with the Lo-Riders 40-120 as advised by the most of you. They really did answer most of my wishes.
Very good B-string which sounded "piano like" when slapped. I tried the Fat Beams 40-120 yesterday and it was'nt what I expected from these strings. Stiffer than the Lo-Riders and less mids than the Lo-Riders. My next and last goal is the Pure Blues. Not SS I know but I will give them a chance...
Very surprised you found the Fat Beams stiffer than the Lo Riders, round vs hex core, the Lo Riders should be stiffer....

Hmmm....
 
Very surprised you found the Fat Beams stiffer than the Lo Riders, round vs hex core, the Lo Riders should be stiffer...

My experiences with them do tell me Lo-Riders are in fact stiffer than Fat Beams. I can still play FB 45-105 comfotably but I need 40-100 with LR.

Meanwhile, I have one bass strung with Nickel Lo-Riders 45-105, tuned to DGCF.
 
I am sorry if I am maybe lying but the neck of the bass is also more hollow than with the Lo-Riders...
I know ordered the Pure Blues to see how they get on.
Next stop are maybe the Hi-Beams.
No more Fat Beams for me.
I am talking about 40-120 sets.
 
Last edited:
In case anyone is searching for extra info on this, the DR Pure Blues Victor Wooten 4-string set (.040, .055, .075, .095) plus a .125 B-string added seem to be a good balance for the SRMS725.

The stock strings were not my favorite for this instrument, I went straight to the PB’s. Instrument/action set up is a huge part of getting things just right. For me there’s a multi-day process to switch strings, to adjust the action and *maybe* (or seems like) the new strings settle down or I settle into them, or both. The bass’s potential was obvious from the start and once past all of the adjusting, it’s awesome.

In comparison, I have an SR905, 34” scale neck-through from the mid-2000’s that I enjoy, with a PB .040-.100 set plus a .130 B-string. I like them equally, for different reasons. String-wise the SRMS725’s extended scale allows a familiar feel with thinner strings on B E A D—the G string is the same at 34” on both. For these instruments, I think I’m set with the PB’s.

I like to experiment with strings and setup on other basses. I have not had a chance to try the DDT’s but I imagine that I will at some point for a de-tuned 4-string. I’m curious about a .115 for DGCF on a 34” scale, it appears DR only makes that size in DDT… ironically DDTs are advertised to maybe not need a .115, I’ll have to check it out.
 
I have not had a chance to try the DDT’s but I imagine that I will at some point for a de-tuned 4-string. I’m curious about a .115 for DGCF on a 34” scale, it appears DR only makes that size in DDT… ironically DDTs are advertised to maybe not need a .115, I’ll have to check it out.
I've tried the DDT 45-105 for DGCF on one of my J's, and they seemed to work fine as their extra stiffness kept them from being too loose and floppy.

If you're used to the feel of PB 40-95 and 40-100, you may not need the DDT .115 for the low D.
 
Just installed the Pure Blues. Much much more growl and mids than the Lo-Riders and Fat Beams.
Less stiff than the Fat Beams...
And of course less zing...
Excellent and yup, I agree that Pure Blues have nice mids and growl. And, indeed they are more flexible. Great strings. FWIW, all my basses get either Sunbeams or High Beams.

Fun string story- Years ago I had dinner with Bobby Vega. I asked him what strings he prefers. He said he lets the bass tell him what it wants. I'll be damned......he was right and I never forgot it. So, some of my basses want stainless and others want nickel or nickel plated steel.