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DR Sunbeams - Gauge Selection

V

Von Fett

Sep 1, 2011
16
0
#1
String hysteria has brought me this place. I am hopeful. I feel like this might be the end of my search.

Before making my purchase, I desire to know which set will achieve more balance (both tonally and tension-wise):

Medium-Lite (.045 .065 .080 .100)

-or-

Medium (.045 .065 .085 .105)

I spent a good while searching the forums for a thread that would answer this question, but to no avail.

-VF
 
#2
Von Fett said:
Medium-Lite (.045 .065 .080 .100)

-or-

Medium (.045 .065 .085 .105)

-VF
Click to expand...

I have been using DR Sunbeams .040-.100 for very long time. Now I have one of my 5 string bass strung with .030 High C, with .045-.105

In my opinion, .045-.105 is very nicely balanced. G and D strings are naturally associated with higher tensions, so going with thinner low strings (with less tension) might not be a wise choice. That said, this is my personal experience only – I just prefer to couple 40&60 with 80&100.
 
#6
i second whats already said. 40-100 or 45-105. but thats just an opinion. i like flop on the higher strings. less so on the deeper ones. (it makes it difficult to play fast at neck position)

on a side note. sun beams are great strings my set is on for three months now and the tone is super warm and they play very very smooth. seem to improve with time. 45-105

i got a 40-100 reserve but im afraid they will be too floppy but then again, i love bendings
 
#7
Von Fett said:
Carlis, does the lighter set feel at all wimpy to you or does it still produce a big sound?

I play mostly fingerstyle with a decently light touch.
Click to expand...

All I can say is that the lighter set still produces a big, warm sound to my ears – a bit thinner than its medium counterpart if you A/B test them, of course.

Sunbeams strings have a very light tension compared to other products, and the 40-100 gauge seems to have a tension "too loose" to some players, but I like the way it is easy to my fingers. Again, just preference.

btw, I got my strings from bassstringsonline.com – Jason gave me not only good price but also valuable advice when I was searching and trying different possibilities...
 
#11
I am running the 40-120 Sunbeams on a DJ5 five string and have to tune down a half at practice. They are great as long as you arent a person who favors overly low actions. I can't get too crazy digging in but I am not forced to barely make contact with the strings either.

Considering that the tone leaves me weak in the knees without major string clack ( DJ5/Streamliner/Dually) I think the P will be just fine.


I also have a set of 40-100 on my Jazz and it too does fine tuned down, as long as I don't get all Robert Trujillo on it. :p

Buy what you like and do a set up.
 
#14
My initial impression is that these strings rock. I've never been satisfied with the way a string sounds and feels right out of the box, but Sunbeams really hit the spot.

I've barely spent any time with them yet, but so far I do not regret my decision.
 
#15
Neither set is tension balanced, almost all string sets are middle and/or top heavy, you may have noticed 105-45 is middle heavy. For your next set you might like to consider a custom set of single strings designed using the 'XL nickelplated roundwound long scale' chart here http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
Consider 105 80 60 45. bassstringsonline.com is an excellent place to build a custom set.
 
#16
Von Fett said:
My initial impression is that these strings rock. I've never been satisfied with the way a string sounds and feels right out of the box, but Sunbeams really hit the spot.

I've barely spent any time with them yet, but so far I do not regret my decision.
Click to expand...

they will mellow out in about 1-2 month of heavy playing. my current set sounds very thin and smooth. they still have a lot of upper mids but the trebly zing is gone. no piano strings
 
#19
Gorn said:
Anyone try the .040 .060 .075 .095 set on a jazz bass? I like very low action and can tolerate some buzz. Has anyone put together a good custom low tension custom set?
Click to expand...

I put a custom set of .045 .060 .080 .105 on a Yamaha BB424X (PJ style). The balance of the strings is very nice but I can't get too low if I wan't to have a variety of sound. With that I mean 1) the rock/metal clank style - playing towards the neck with the strings hitting the frets 2) smooth, clean and warm all-round tone. If you only want sound 1) you can of course put them really low. I found a great middle of the road setup which allows me to get sounds 1) and 2). They are by no means floppy as a lot of people say. And I've played a 45-105 hex core set for a while so I do have a fair comparison.
 

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