DR Sunbeams undersized, or...?

[deBont Amps]

So, I just got my first set of DR Sunbeams. Bought a medium-light set (45-65-80-100) to try something else for a change. Something felt 'off' so I measured them and they came out as 40-59-73-93. I get that string sizes are not an exact number, but that's a noticeable difference and measures more like the Sunbeams light (40-60-75-95). I'll contact the seller, but first wanted to double-check if this is to be expected from DR Sunbeams...

 

[michael_t]

So, I just got my first set of DR Sunbeams. Bought a medium-light set (45-65-80-100) to try something else for a change. Something felt 'off' so I measured them and they came out as 40-59-73-93. I get that string sizes are not an exact number, but that's a noticeable difference and measures more like the Sunbeams light (40-60-75-95). I'll contact the seller, but first wanted to double-check if this is to be expected from DR Sunbeams...

Sounds to me like this is a case of 40-95 being packaged as 45-100 by error.

 

[Vinny_G]

^^ Or it's a fake.

 

[deBont Amps]

I don't know, it's an odd one. It came from a reputable reseller, but besides the wrong thicknesses, one string (D) came with a different color ball end and sounds inconsistent with regards to the E and A string. The package also wasn't sealed, but I don't know if this is something DR does.

 

[tindrum]

I don't know, it's an odd one. It came from a reputable reseller, but besides the wrong thicknesses, one string (D) came with a different color ball end and sounds inconsistent with regards to the E and A string. The package also wasn't sealed, but I don't know if this is something DR does.

Different colored ball end?? That’s super odd especially considering DR only uses brass ends. I strongly suspect that set was returned or tampered with. BTW DR does not seal their packages.

 

[Yahboy]

Recommend Trusted, responsive and helpful seller

String by mail

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[PrimitiveMan]

I'd contact DR directly as well, their customer service is great. I'm sure they'd want to know if someone is selling different strings then their own.

DR does not have colored ball ends

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I'd contact DR directly as well, their customer service is great. I'm sure they'd want to know if someone is selling different strings then their own.

DR does not have colored ball ends

This ^

DR will probably be glad that you informed them too. If someone is selling "DR strings" with wrong sizes and colored ball ends (see above), that sounds pretty shifty and a mistake DR couldn't make if none of their ball ends are colored. Hopefully the next set you get will be to your liking, they make a fantastic string.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So, I just got my first set of DR Sunbeams. Bought a medium-light set (45-65-80-100) to try something else for a change. Something felt 'off' so I measured them and they came out as 40-59-73-93. I get that string sizes are not an exact number, but that's a noticeable difference and measures more like the Sunbeams light (40-60-75-95). I'll contact the seller, but first wanted to double-check if this is to be expected from DR Sunbeams...

I would return this set. Further, while you said this was a reputable dealer, you should no problems. If they do give you problems, their reputation is highly disputable. This set based on tour description has been opened and string removed and replaced. It does not sound like a DR issue.

 

[deBont Amps]

Updates! First I contacted the seller. They checked and the other sets they had in stock measured the same and had a white ball end on the D as well. So replacing them was useless, since this wouldn't resolve my initial complaint. They offered to take the strings back for a full refund, which is cool, but they sent another set by mistake . As expected, this new 45-100 set measured too thin as well and came with the white ball end.

So I contacted DR as well. They confirmed the white ball end is normal. Sourcing only brass ones was an issue during the pandemic. The gauge was still puzzling, so they offer to send me a set straight from the factory. Once this arrives, I can clear up if this is an issue with the batch my seller has is stock, or DR Sunbeam string gauges are just one step lighter then stated on the box. To be continued.

 

[michael_t]

So I contacted DR as well. They confirmed the white ball end is normal. Sourcing only brass ones was an issue during the pandemic...

Interesting... Maybe DR will decide to keep the white ones as part of their own ball end color scheme.

 

[MonetBass]

Interesting. I happen to have a new set up DR Sunbeams I purchased last year (not yet installed), so I got them out and they all have the brass ball ends. I didn't measure them, but they all appear to be the correct gauges.

 

[michael_t]

The gauge was still puzzling, so they offer to send me a set straight from the factory. Once this arrives, I can clear up if this is an issue with the batch my seller has is stock, or DR Sunbeam string gauges are just one step lighter then stated on the box...

Interesting. I happen to have a new set up DR Sunbeams I purchased last year (not yet installed), so I got them out and they all have the brass ball ends. I didn't measure them, but they all appear to be the correct gauges.

One thing I don't like about the way DR strings are packaged is the paper sleeves inside are too generic with no info on the specific type/gauge/winding length. No way of telling if any wrong ones get mixed in. (I know, I know... It saves them money doing it this way. )

 

[Lo-E]

The folks at DR are straight shooters. I’ve never had an issue that they didn’t resolve. Good people, good product.

I expect the replacement strings will be correct. You probably got a batch that was simply mis-labeled.