Has anyone out here in TB land used or compared DR sunbeams to Elixers (4 string set)? I'm especially interested in the feel and tension between the two. Any comparisons is truly appreciated!! Thanks.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
DR sunbeams vs Elixer 4 string set?
- Thread starter rockinpop
- Start date
Elixirs last much longer, but DRs have more punch when new. Elixirs feel strange because of the coating on them, but they aren't 'grippy'. I think the tension is about the same.
Cant Groove @14
Cant Groove @14
Well, the Sunbeams are brighter than the Black Beauties, but that's not the o.p.'s question.
Personally, I like the sound of the Sunbeams on my DiMarzio-loaded P bass!
Personally, I like the sound of the Sunbeams on my DiMarzio-loaded P bass!
Sunbeams definitely have less tension than the Elixirs. I love the playability of DR's round core strings(Sunbeams/Hi Beams/Fat Beams). Both feel very smooth with Elixirs feeling almost slick due to the coating. The Elixirs sound like a week old set of rounds and stay that way for ever. The Sunbeams will be brighter initially, then settle in and eventually die in the end. Lifespan will depend on the usual stuff like your pH, hours, etc...
Both great strings. I like the Elixirs, because I know what my bass will sound like whenever I pick it up, but I much prefer the tone of non-coated rounds.
Both great strings. I like the Elixirs, because I know what my bass will sound like whenever I pick it up, but I much prefer the tone of non-coated rounds.
I've got Sunbeams on my main player; very, very low tension, great mid-range. The only Elixir I used are bronze-phosphor, for my AEB, so the sound is probably irrelevant in your comparison(it's going to be much brighter than the nickel-wound Sunbeams, that's for certain!), but they feel much tighter to me. The coating (mine are Nano-Web coated) is pleasant to the touch, very smooth, and it stays this way a long time.
Elixirs will sounds much closer to a Stainless Steel string and will retain that clarity through their life.
DR Sunbeams are Nickle strings and will be much warmer sounding and lose clarity as they age. I feel the sunbeams are much growlier and musical sounding than the Elixirs.
I'd expect to buy 2 or 3 sets of Sunbeams during the time you used 1 set of Elixirs... unless you play with a pick and then the Elixirs would lose their coating much faster.
DR Sunbeams are Nickle strings and will be much warmer sounding and lose clarity as they age. I feel the sunbeams are much growlier and musical sounding than the Elixirs.
I'd expect to buy 2 or 3 sets of Sunbeams during the time you used 1 set of Elixirs... unless you play with a pick and then the Elixirs would lose their coating much faster.
I used to be an Elixir guy all the way, but lately I've been a lot more comfortable on lower tension strings, like the Sunbeams.
