DR Sunbeams

[Dan_reeves]

Round Core strings will be more flexible than most, and Sunbeams are not high tension. If your coming from stiffer and higher tension flats, you may need to lighten up a bit with your right hand. This is one reason i like them, especially for longer gigs.

The interesting thing about the flexibility of the Sunbeams is that I didn’t need to do any set up work on the Ray or P bass, and I only needed a very slight adjustment on the Jazz 5. They do have a liveliness that I have missed coming from the stiffer flats.

 

[Bassist30]

Sunbeams on my Fender Original Jazz is such a perfect combination. I have Hi Beams on now and it just isn't playing the way I like it. Still good but with a rosewood neck the sunbeams have a fat punchy sound that I like. Having the Hibeams on my sadowsky with maple neck is another story. It loves hiBeams. It all comes down to what the bass needs. But yet you don't come out losing with sunbeams on most basses.

 

[Dan_reeves]

Just wanted to post an update here - I did take the Sunbeams off for a bit and put flats back on. Now, I am back with the Sunbeams. They still sound great even though I have taken them off a few times.

I do like playing flats, but when I want rounds I really think this is the string for me.

 

[Phaidrus]

Sunbeams are “home base” for me in the string world. I own and play a ton of different sets but usually end up stringing some Sunbeams on one of my basses just to have them for comfort

I ran them for ages on my ‘76 Jazz, but only in recent years have I found that I actually prefer them on a P Bass. As other forum
members have noted, the flat-ish / lightly scooped mids of the SB pair beautifully with the mid-hype of an Alnico 5 or ceramic Precision pickup: the combo makes for a very balanced tone.

I didn’t like the Sunbeams as much as Nickel Lo Riders on my P Basses with A2 and A3 Precision pickups…. Not a conclusive comparison, since body woods / necks are different, but still worth mentioning.

So which set would you recommend for a Pbass with V-Mod pickup (A2 bass side, A5 treble side)? SB or nickel Low Riders?

 

[Dan_reeves]

So which set would you recommend for a Pbass with V-Mod pickup (A2 bass side, A5 treble side)? SB or nickel Low Riders?

Well, I am not sure that I can - I have never played either Low Riders or the V-Mod. So hard to say. I like Sunbeams on my P Bass with SDQP pickup. Sorry I am not more help - maybe others can chime in and make a suggestion.

 

[Stan_da_man]

So which set would you recommend for a Pbass with V-Mod pickup (A2 bass side, A5 treble side)? SB or nickel Low Riders?

I went from Sunbeams to Fat Beams to SIT Foundations. Foundations to me seem to incorporate the best elements of SBs and FBs.

 

[dsteinschneider]

I ordered Sunbeams for my fretless PJ but I also put a set of D'Addario ENR71 half rounds on the order just in case. I was just finishing re-wiring the 80's EMG active PJ set when they arrived and for some reason I went with the ENR71's. Someday I'll try these Sunbeams

 

[rashrader]

I just put a set of Sunbeams on a bass equipped with an EMG DC40 in the bridge and CS40 in the neck position along with an EMG BQC System Preamp.

I think this is the tone I’ve been looking for. Nice warm mids and a controlled top end. Seriously., I set the EQ Flat and it just sounds right. Of course I tweak it a little, especially if I solo a pickup. Anyway, I think this could the beginning if a long relationship.

 

[Jim C]

I've been using Sunbeams for at least the last 7 years and I like the tension and the feel but sometimes want a little more upper mids (but without being harsh).
I tried Super Brights but I lost some of the warmth.
What would you guys recommend? Maybe Slinkies for a J bass and SR?

 

[michael_t]

I've been using Sunbeams for at least the last 7 years and I like the tension and the feel but sometimes want a little more upper mids (but without being harsh)

The feel of the Sunbeams but a little more upper mids? Try the DR Pure Blues. A little more bite without being harsh.