Hi Beam feel with warmer tone

[Eric Swaim]

Hi- Beams will eventually loae their edge. Sounds like you need a Nickel set to cut the highs right out of the package. DR are my favorite brand. You might try GHS Boomers or GHS Basics for less highs

 

[J.Wolf]

I reviewed a bass that came with R Cocco steels and LOVED them. Super impressed with those strings on that bass. Then I bought a Nickel set for a 4 string I had and they stayed on that bass for about 9 minutes. Couldnt stand them. Weird how that works, as I've generally preferred nickel strings.

 

[petrus61]

Is there a reason you’re not considering Sunbeams?

 

[coreyfyfe]

fat beams?

Thought the same thing when I saw the title.

 

[waynobass]

Sunbeams are the nickel version of Hi-Beams.

It took 15 posts before the obvious answer, Sunbeams.

 

[J.Wolf]

I always want to like sunbeams and never quite seem to. Havent tried them on this bass yet, but tried a couple other round core nickel sets that didnt quite match up tonally.

 

[bkbass2000]

I have enjoyed the DR nickel low riders I have on my jazz. Recently ordered another set. Fwiw I prefer regular low riders on my 5 string.

 

[pickles]

You should try dunlop super bright nickels. I was a long time high beam player and am a total convert.

 

[SactoBass]

Sunbeams

^^^THIS! DR Sunbeams. I have those on my P bass and my J bass. I have been using those strings for at least the past 20 years, and I love the sound and "feel" of them.

 

[dairyman3833]

I like the feel of Hi Beams on my 33" six but they're a little bright and upper mid shy for my tastes. What is out there in a six string set that has that nice taut feel but is a little warmer sounding?

Fat Beams, the B and E are more round but the higher strings still ring crystal clear and cut through the mix!
They are the best strings I've ever played! Now if you get them and you don't like them, next up would be going to Low Rider strings, and after that I'd say go Nickel plated [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Nickel set as usually their not as bright as steel strings. After that if you don't like them then change string company. Go to La Bella [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]try the tapewound ones if you want them to be rounder than nickel. If that's too round for you try La Bella's nickel plated steel. So this would still cut through the mix but be rounder than the High beams and DR nickel plated, but on all of the strings mind you. So you high C string might not cut through the mix. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
After that would be Thomastic strings, but they are about $90 per set, and I think since you play a 6 you have to get them custom, not sure on that though. http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/family-detail/Infeld%20bass%20guitar.
Ahh nope you don't have to get them custom. Here they are but they are over a hundo....Invalid Link Removed

Then after that you could go with Cat Gut strings but they are 100$ per string so it would be $600 to string you sixer....Invalid Link Removed

 

[J.Wolf]

I just ordered a set of Fodera SS 34-130 strings, was able to find them on ebay for about $30 shipped which was a great deal.

Depending on how they go, I'll check out Fatbeams and Sunbeams on this bass next. As much as I want to like light gauge strings, my right hand is just too heavy for them.

 

[eriky4003]

If Slapinfunk says Fats, it's Fats! From what I've read here, they are the same string as Hi-Beams but wound slower to bring out the bottom. If you love the feel of Hi-Beams, you will get the warmth in Fat Beams.

 

[ColonelZulu]

Sunbeams

 

[J.Wolf]

If I said, I want "bite" without "brightness", would you think i was crazy? This was my experience of Sunbeams, they were nice and warm, and felt great but didnt have any bite.

Perhaps there's a better descriptor than bite, like "leading edge attack" or something.

 

[Tom Howland]

Warmer==Sunbeams.

 

[Mastermold]

Here comes the Sun?

 

[mikeswals]

I have used Dunlop super rights. Initally they are very bright, but they die off much faster than any DR's do. So if the goal is dulled down rounds, then the super brights will get there sooner.

I have mainly used highbeams and fatbeams over the years and I cannot tell the difference. I'll buy whichever is on sale and stock pile them. I've got a collection of similar basses and will still string one with HB's and one with FB's and side by side still cannot tell a difference, especially the B strings.

 

[drewphishesp]

pressure wounds?

 

[Madhouse27]

I find the DR nickel lo-riders pretty hard to beat.

 

[mikeswals]

Both the Lowrider and the Fodera are a hexcore strings and feel really stiff compared to Highbeams.
I really did not get along with Fodera strings they were so stiff.