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Hex core Boomers vs DR DDT tension-wise?

BeyondFiredUp

BeyondFiredUp

Jan 29, 2005
345
289
Arizona
#1
For those of you who've experienced both of the same gauge (45-105) it would be much appreciated to have your opinions. Yes, I know the DDTs are SS and the Boomers are NPS. Just wondering about experiences with the "standard" 45-105 sets and the tension. I have the GHS tension chart. Unfortunately, DR does not have one to my knowledge... Thanks very much!
 
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#5
BeyondFiredUp said:
Yes, tension. But other opinions regarding stiffness/flexibility are welcome.
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I have no experience with the DDTs and DR does not publish tension numbers, so it's hard for me to compared the two.

Having said that, I don't expect a drastic difference between the two in terms of the actual pulling weight when comparing the same gauges. The difference between the two, if any, would be more in terms of stiffness, DDT being the stiffer of the two due to the thickness of the core wire. As I understand it, one of the main features of DDT is their larger-than-average core diameter to achieve the tuning stability for down-tuning, which translates to being stiffer in feel.
 
#6
Yes, those are my thoughts without currently being able to do a side by side comparison. I currently have a set of the DDTs on and like them, but I really prefer nickel no matter how much I try to like SS. Wish they made a nickel version...if any DR Reps are eavesdropping, lol! It also seems like I always go back to Boomers regardless of how many different strings and brands I try. Boomers just seem to be what feels right for my style of playing and sound I easily get from them. Not a glamorous or trendy choice but I seem to always return to them.
 
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#7
BeyondFiredUp said:
I currently have a set of the DDTs on and like them, but I really prefer nickel no matter how much I try to like SS. Wish they made a nickel version...

It also seems like I always go back to Boomers regardless of how many different strings and brands I try. Boomers just seem to be what feels right for my style of playing and sound I easily get from them. Not a glamorous or trendy choice but I seem to always return to them.
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Have you considered trying the DR Nickel Lo-Riders? As a hex-core roundwound, they're the closest sibling to the DDT, although I don't expect them to be quite as stiff.

The NLRs are very different from the Boomers in their tonal character, though. While the Boomers are all about the low-mid punch and grind, the NLRs are a bit more "refined" in their character with smoother mids.
 
#8
Thanks for asking Michael. Yes, I have tried the nickel LRs and was not a fan. As you mentioned, the tone didn't have the thick low mids I like. Actually, I've tried every single DR string, SS and NPS, every one, except the MMs and I am not really interested in them. The DDTs are my last attempt.

I seem to like the inherent tonal qualities of nickel, but mostly GHS strings but mainly the Boomers. I even used to play the Brite Flats for a couple of years. To each his own I suppose.
 
#9
BeyondFiredUp said:
I have tried the nickel LRs and was not a fan. As you mentioned, the tone didn't have the thick low mids I like.

I seem to like the inherent tonal qualities of nickel, but mostly GHS strings but mainly the Boomers.
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Welcome to my world!

While I liked the NLRs for their clean, smooth mids when I tried them on my Fender J several years ago, I've recently been re-discovering the Boomers for my P bass. There is nothing like the Boomers and their mid character that can bring out the bark and bite out of my P bass. "Rude and unrefined" but in a very good way. ;)
 
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