DR Sunbeams - accidental purchase!

[Baker69]

I went to buy some DR Hi Beam strings yesterday and for some reason I came away with a set of DR Sunbeams!

I only noticed the wording on the packaging today, I haven’t opened it so I could return them to exchange for Hi-Beams? I’ve only ever bought 2 sets of Hi-Beams and usually use Ernie Ball Slinky’s but thought I’d give them another try.

I’ve just been reading some very favourable reports on TB about Sunbeams so would it be worthwhile giving them a try or would I be better off with the Hi-Beams as I have used them previously and know what to expect from them? Since using the Slinky’s I do however now seem to edge towards Nickel wounds as opposed to Steel so perhaps the Sunbeams may be more to my liking?

 

[Gorn]

This seems like a pretty low-stakes decision to make. I think you should probably try them.

 

[bholder]

Try them, you might like them. Definitely a different "flavor" than Hi Beams. Like from surgical steel scalpel to a buttered ear of corn on the cob different. Richer. Smoother. And easier on the fingers. Sheesh, making myself hungry here, I should write ad copy!!

 

[Baker69]

This seems like a pretty low-stakes decision to make. I think you should probably try them.

It’s a 5 string set and (in my opinion) quite an expensive purchase compared with my usual EB Slinky’s.

What interests me is that according to the reviews I’ve read is that the Sunbeams have a nice warm sound to them, I think I will keep them as if I return them it will intrigue me as to what they would have been like.

 

[Baker69]

Try them, you might like them. Definitely a different "flavor" than Hi Beams. Like from surgical steel scalpel to a buttered ear of corn on the cob different. Richer. Smoother. And easier on the fingers. Sheesh, making myself hungry here, I should write ad copy!!

Yes I think I will keep them and give them a go, they do sound very tasty!

 

[Killing Floor]

I would try any set of strings I can. That’s how you find what you like best.

 

[IPA]

I enjoy sunbeams, but for me they have been displaced by GHS balanced nickels for soft nickel rounds

 

[buldog5151bass]

Sunbeams do have a nice warm tone. I prefer the tension/stiffness of her core, so I use Lo Riders.

 

[hasbeen]

Try them, you might like them. Definitely a different "flavor" than Hi Beams. Like from surgical steel scalpel to a buttered ear of corn on the cob different. Richer. Smoother. And easier on the fingers. Sheesh, making myself hungry here, I should write ad copy!!

mmmm....buttered corn on the cob.

 

[hasbeen]

Years ago, Bobby Vega said to me "I let the bass decide what strings it wants". 100%. Some of my basses get Sunbeams (and all my freltess) and others get Hi-Beams.

My USA Lakland and Ken Smith gets Hi-Beams. My J basses all get Sunbeams.

 

[Ellery]

I wanted to try flats for the first time on a less-used bass of mine. Went into guitar center and asked what is a good set of flats. Guy at the counter recommends one and I buy it. Get home, they're rounds!!

 

[Geddaric]

I wanted to try flats for the first time on a less-used bass of mine. Went into guitar center and asked what is a good set of flats. Guy at the counter recommends one and I buy it. Get home, they're rounds!!

Goes to show that you DON`T always get what you pay for.

 

[Low Down Brown]

I used Hi-Beams once and just wasn't a fan. Then recently, I picked up a 32" Maruszczyk Jazzus 5-string and the string choices are limited, so I gave the Sunbeams a shot. They're perfect for that bass. Nice and warm when I want it, slappy and snappy when that's called for....and the B is nice and tight.

 

[BobKos]

I like DR strings for sure. Hi Beams and Pure Blues are my favorites depending on the bass. I have tried Sunbeams a few times and they have never stayed. IMO they are very unremarkable. There are others that praise them so to each his own. JMHO

 

[IPA]

I like DR strings for sure. Hi Beams and Pure Blues are my favorites depending on the bass. I have tried Sunbeams a few times and they have never stayed. IMO they are very unremarkable. There are others that praise them so to each his own. JMHO

I think the unremarkability may be the selling point. Theyre very neutral to me in tone and feel.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I like Hi-Beams too, but my favorite is the stainless lo-riders for brighter tone. If I want something darker/warmer, I typically go to flats.

 

[mdogs]

There is a reason they are more expensive than EB strings.

 

[Baker69]

I’ve tried flats (TI) on a P Bass and a Jazz Bass, didn’t like them unfortunately. I still have the strings and will probably sell them at some point.

 

[thisSNsucks]

Sunbeams are great strings. I find they’re a secret weapon on basses that have weaker necks.

 

[Baker69]

There seems to be mixed opinions on the Sunbeams, I think I’ll still give them a try though as I like the feel of Nickel wounds. If anyone had asked me 3 or 4 years ago I would have said I preferred Stainless!