• 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

lijazz

lijazz

Dec 5, 2008
389
54
Isle of Long, New York
#1
Been playing DR High beams, like them a lot except for two broken Gs, tried Lo Riders, like them also, but much string noise as is with the HBs, now want to try Sun Beams. How will they compare with the other two as far as finger noise/brightness and clarity of sound etc.?

Please opine.

Thanks.
 
#2
lijazz said:
Been playing DR High beams, like them a lot except for two broken Gs, tried Lo Riders, like them also, but much string noise as is with the HBs, now want to try Sun Beams. How will they compare with the other two as far as finger noise/brightness and clarity of sound etc.?

Please opine.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I should also mention I play an 08 MIA Jazz (passive) through an Ampeg BA115 (tweeter detached).
 
#4
Jerry Ziarko said:
Do a search for sunbeams in the strings forum. There is a ton of info on them. Start with this one, it's a good one.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486488&highlight=sunbeams
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerry, I just glanced at this previous thread and now I am thinking about not only the difference between HBs, LRs and Sunbeams, but also about how Nickel plated LRs fit into the mix. How do they compare?

I guess what I am looking for is the thickness in bottom end of SS LRs, midrange growl of HBs, but smooth texture (less finger noise) of Nickel. That being said, which of the four mentioned would give me this.

Any others out there please give opinions as well. I love DR strings in general but now seem more conflicted than ever.
 
#11
I've never tried SS Low Riders (in general I don't like SS strings though I dig broken in Hi-Beams) but I don't remember the nickel Low Riders having a lot of finger noise. That said, I only tried them once and it's been awhile since then so I can't say for sure.
 
#13
I hate to throw more gas on the fire, but have you ever tried Black Beauties? Less finger noise for sure. They don't have that over the top zing when new, but they do keep their sound for a very long time. They are basically coated High Beams. The tension is the same, but they do sound different to my ears. I tried Sunbeams on a walnut Cirrus that I owned, and loved them. They are loose tension however. To me they felt great, but they may not be everyone's cup of tea. I tried a set of nickel Lowriders just once. I really didn't care for them, but that's just me.
 
#15
i used lo riders/hi beams/sunbeams on various basses,and i like all of them,but the sunbeams have a smoother feel and sound,slinky even. they are very bright as well-i have a 40-100 set on my rick 4000,and it has a very glassy cutting tone. i don't seem to be able to get a lot of thump with this setup,however!
 
#18
Actually Sunbeams are my favorites strings alongside wit nickel LowRiders. I drop tune half a step and have a Pbass and a Jazz.

The Sunbeams have less tension and are more flexible and the LowRiders, but the sound and feel is awesome. I use them on my Jazz bass. Very rich and smooth sound; details and nuances of my playing really come out without being overly bright or harsh.

On my Pbass I use the LowRiders. I tried Sunbeams on it, but prefer the higher tension and aggressiveness of the LowRiders.

If you tine your bass normally, I think the Sunbeams less tension wont be as noticed as with drop tuning like I do. Their sound is excellent IMO.
I've played a loooot of strings and I keep coming back to DRs and Sunbeams and LowRiders as already explained.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back