• 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

D

Dan_reeves

Guest
Jun 14, 2013
1,290
1,810
#1
Hi all, I am thinking of giving these a try. Before I order them, could you describe them tonally to me? I am aware of their suppleness and round core nature - so I am not really asking about feel. More so, how do they sound to you? Where do they fit in the spectrum of typical nickel roundwounds? I am very familiar with the tone and nuances of XLs, Slinkies and Boomers (hex core version only). Are they more like one of these in tone?

Full disclosure - I have played Pure Blues and did not like them. Should I take that as I most likely won’t care for Sunbeams either? I know ultimately I just need to try and find out on my own but I’d appreciate some perspectives first. Thanks!
 
#2
The way I would describe the tone of the SBs is "full, warm bottom with sparkly top end that's never harsh". Very different from XL Nickels, Slinkies or Boomers in the sense the SB's mids are somewhat scooped, but in a very pleasing way without the clang of the XL Nickels or the grind of the Boomers.

The PBs are stronger in the mids than the SBs with a tighter low end.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ()smoke(), MonetBass, mcnach and 7 others
#3
michael_t said:
The way I would describe the tone of the SBs is "full, warm bottom with sparkly top end that's never harsh". Very different from XL Nickels, Slinkies or Boomers in the sense the SB's mids are somewhat scooped, but in a very pleasing way without the clang of the XL Nickels or the grind of the Boomers.

The PBs are stronger in the mids than the SBs with a tighter low end.
Click to expand...

Thanks - appreciate your thoughts. I have read through the other threads on the subject and watched a few YouTube videos. What I have disliked about YouTube is it seems like every person who plays these neglects a set up before demoing them. Buzz city. I don't understand it - I would at least set up my bass for them before the demo! The bass I would put the Sunbeams on is a violin bass. It has GHS Precision Flats on it now that are brand new - it is tub city. I think I like the idea of a darker sound but it needs more definition. I realize Pressurewounds are another option I might look at.
 
#7
Dan_reeves said:
I have read through the other threads on the subject and watched a few YouTube videos. What I have disliked about YouTube is it seems like every person who plays these neglects a set up before demoing them. Buzz city. I don't understand it - I would at least set up my bass for them before the demo!
Click to expand...

I never look to YouTube for string reviews anymore for this very reason. String choices are such a personal matter that only I can decide what sounds and feels good by trying them on my bass in a specific musical context I play in.

Dan_reeves said:
The bass I would put the Sunbeams on is a violin bass. It has GHS Precision Flats on it now that are brand new - it is tub city. I think I like the idea of a darker sound but it needs more definition. I realize Pressurewounds are another option I might look at.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that DR's "short scale" is 33.75" in winding length (ball end to taper), which is most other companies' "medium scale". I think that's what's needed on a violin bass. While, the GHS Precision Flats come both in "medium scale" (35.5" winding) and "short scale" (32.75" winding), the Pressurewounds are only available in "short scale" (32.75" winding).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bret Music
#8
michael_t said:
I never look to YouTube for string reviews anymore for this very reason. String choices are such a personal matter that only I can decide what sounds and feels good by trying them on my bass in a specific musical context I play in.



Keep in mind that DR's "short scale" is 33.75" in winding length (ball end to taper), which is most other companies' "medium scale". I think that's what's needed on a violin bass. While, the GHS Precision Flats come both in "medium scale" (35.5" winding) and "short scale" (32.75" winding), the Pressurewounds are only available in "short scale" (32.75" winding).
Click to expand...

Good to know - the Precision Flats I am using on mine are the medium scale version.
 
#9
michael_t said:
Keep in mind that DR's "short scale" is 33.75" in winding length (ball end to taper), which is most other companies' "medium scale". I think that's what's needed on a violin bass. While, the GHS Precision Flats come both in "medium scale" (35.5" winding) and "short scale" (32.75" winding), the Pressurewounds are only available in "short scale" (32.75" winding).
Click to expand...

Our short scale (32.75" wind) is no problem on a violin bass. I bought one specifically to use when I was working on revamping them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Murch, One Way, Aqualung60 and 5 others
#11
Dan_reeves said:
The bass I would put the Sunbeams on is a violin bass. It has GHS Precision Flats on it now that are brand new - it is tub city. I think I like the idea of a darker sound but it needs more definition. I realize Pressurewounds are another option I might look at.
Click to expand...

Now that we know your violin bass can take GHS "short scale" with 32.75" winding length, I would also suggest the Balanced Nickels for the "darker sound with more definition" you're after.

Pure Nickel on a round core means a warmer and smoother tone than the PWs, but still with a roundwound definition and clarity.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Root 5
#13
After trying dozens of rounds, Sunbeams are the only rounds I will use now. Warm and smooth with just enough top end and a great feel

When you get them - read the back of the package to see how many layers are wound on each string to get the right sound! I think there are 5 or more layers on the E.
 
  • Like
Reactions: comatosedragon, Bassist30, FirewalZ and 2 others
#14
The description of the Sunbeams as warm and smooth is spot-on. Both the Hi-Beams and Pure Blues have more of an upper mid-range bite while Sunbeams are perhaps a bit more polite and more balanced across the frequency bands. They do have something in common with D'Addario XLs but the overall effect is of more character (XLs are a bit bland) and a greater sophistication of tone. It might help to know what bass you plan to put them on. I have them on my relatively new G&L LB100 and I find they're a good match with the stock-wound Lindy Fralin pickup that's in that bass at present. They're an excellent string for many purposes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dan_reeves
#15
I've used both Sunbeams and Nickel-wound lo-riders on my G&L L2500. I prefer the feel of the hex on the lo riders, but tonally, they both sound right at home on the G&L in that I'm able to get that buttery smooth lo-mid thump without too much eq manipulation. I've also tried Rotosound, Elixir and La Bellas, but always find myself coming back to the DRs.
 
#17
jmlee said:
The description of the Sunbeams as warm and smooth is spot-on. Both the Hi-Beams and Pure Blues have more of an upper mid-range bite while Sunbeams are perhaps a bit more polite and more balanced across the frequency bands. They do have something in common with D'Addario XLs but the overall effect is of more character (XLs are a bit bland) and a greater sophistication of tone. It might help to know what bass you plan to put them on. I have them on my relatively new G&L LB100 and I find they're a good match with the stock-wound Lindy Fralin pickup that's in that bass at present. They're an excellent string for many purposes.
Click to expand...

It started life as a Jay Turser violin bass, but I have changed enough that I am not sure I consider it that anymore. :thumbsup:
 
#18
michael_t said:
Now that we know your violin bass can take GHS "short scale" with 32.75" winding length, I would also suggest the Balanced Nickels for the "darker sound with more definition" you're after.

Pure Nickel on a round core means a warmer and smoother tone than the PWs, but still with a roundwound definition and clarity.
Click to expand...

Alas, I measured to make sure, and from ball end to nut is 33" and some change - so the GHS short scale offerings are out. Basically any string with a winding length between 33" and 35" fit it.
 
#19
Sunbeams are my favorite string. I find that there is absolutely nothing harsh about them, and that they are very clear compared to most other similar strings (d'addario, etc.). The high end is "sweet". They sound great with my geezer pbass pickups, and on my peavey foundation with the non-ferrite pickups. I like them less for jazz basses. I use Elixirs more, just because they last so long, but they don't sound as good, at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bogwart and Bassist30

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back