I bought a Fender American P here in the classifieds a little while back that came with a new set of DR Sunbeams on it and I love the sound and feel. With the tone rolled most of the way back to the sweet spot, it just sounds huge and warm.
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DR Sunbeams
- Thread starter slapmachine
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Bassist4Eris
Frat-Pack Sympathizer
Another Sunbeam fanboy here. I use them on my main bass, a Carvin 6er. They've got enough top end to get a good slap tone, which is important to me, but they're not as bright as, say, a D'addario nickel wound, or a stainless steel string. I agree with previous comments about them giving me an instant tone upgrade. I've got a four-string set that are going on my Ric this weekend. After years of Rotosound 77 Jazz Flats on that particular axe, I've decided to go back to rounds, and Sunbeams it is.
I also have a Carvin 4-string that I've been "auditioning" different DR strings on. Last ones were Nickel Lo-Riders. They sounded a lot like the Sunbeams, but the stiffness was not for me. Right now I've got Fat Beams on her, in a last ditch attempt to like stainless steel strings. I consider this bass to me my "slapper" so I had to try 'em. I can say that I like them better than any other ss strings I've tried, but next set for this bass is gonna be another pack of the ol' tried-and-true Sunbeams.
I also have a Carvin 4-string that I've been "auditioning" different DR strings on. Last ones were Nickel Lo-Riders. They sounded a lot like the Sunbeams, but the stiffness was not for me. Right now I've got Fat Beams on her, in a last ditch attempt to like stainless steel strings. I consider this bass to me my "slapper" so I had to try 'em. I can say that I like them better than any other ss strings I've tried, but next set for this bass is gonna be another pack of the ol' tried-and-true Sunbeams.
I like the Sunbeams too but they don't sound that much better than D'Addario XL to justify the difference in cost. IMO
Fat Beams are some of my favorite SS strings on fretted instruments. Also, love your signature. (Psst. Try Fodera's as well!)
For nickel strings it's Sunbeams or D'Adarrio XL's.
Sunbeams sound great, I like there lower tension.
My favorite 5-string, set.
Good to hear! I love DR strings - especially FatBeams. I just put on a set of Hi-Beams which are great as well and this morning just ordered a set of SunBeams to try.
I also recently tried Fodera Diamond stainless strings - they seemed very similar to FatBeams but more even with a less scooped sound than the FatBeams.
I also recently tried Fodera Diamond stainless strings - they seemed very similar to FatBeams but more even with a less scooped sound than the FatBeams.
For me the sunbeams didn't do it. I also don't like flatwounds much. I think the combination of darker sounding nickle, compression winding, and the round cores were too dark for me. I prefer D'addario Nickles in lower tensions (XL220 or custom balanced sets); with Fender 7250L's being another set I can dig.
But for stainless strings, I love hi beams and fat beams.
And honestly, Lo-Riders have too much tension for me. I wish DR made them in a lighter set than they offer. Sadly I need to try Steel Lo-Riders again, and in the lowest gauge possible.
But for stainless strings, I love hi beams and fat beams.
And honestly, Lo-Riders have too much tension for me. I wish DR made them in a lighter set than they offer. Sadly I need to try Steel Lo-Riders again, and in the lowest gauge possible.
