NBD - But a string question

[Bar Band Bassman]

Got this Wednesday, great price, used from GC. After some cosmetic touch-up I put a set of DR Hi-Beams (45-105) on it. I'd like a RW string that is somewhat brighter and maybe a bit higher tension. It's nice the way it is - I love the wider neck and the action is stupid low! I'm not ashamed to say that my favorite strings are typically the ones marked "on sale" and as a result TI's and other fancy strings are really not on my radar. But I still welcome any and all input from you string aficionados. Oh, and please no snide remarks about the ashtrays. You do you, I'll do me.

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[michael_t]

I put a set of DR Hi-Beams (45-105) on it. I'd like a RW string that is somewhat brighter and maybe a bit higher tension...

Can we assume by "higher tension" you actually mean "stiffer in feel"? Hi Beams are bright but not the stiffest due to the round core. DR Lo-Riders would be even stiffer (= firmer in feel) due to the hex core.

 

[Killing Floor]

Not many strings brighter than Hi Beams. Maybe look at Stringjoy Rangers.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Can we assume by "higher tension" you actually mean "stiffer in feel"? Hi Beams are bright but not the stiffest due to the round core. DR Lo-Riders would be even stiffer (= firmer in feel) due to the hex core.

Yes, stiffer! Thanks for elucidating the distinction!

BBB

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Not many strings brighter than Hi Beams. Maybe look at Stringjoy Rangers.

Thanks!

BBB

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Stiff and bright. Roto 66 swing bass steels. Fits the bill and cheap.

Oddly enough out off all the string makers, expensive and non expensive, rotosound has never given me a dud string.

 

[Yahboy]

Same bass but different color and string choice.
Low action too . 1.5mm on E to 1.25mm on G.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Same bass but different color and string choice.
Low action too . 1.5mm on E to 1.25mm on G.



View attachment 5271697

What is yours strung with?

BBB

 

[winegamd]

D'Addario Pro Steels, GHS Super Steels, or SIT Foundations are the only strings, in my experience, that come close to the brightness of the Hi-Beams. They do, however, have more mids so will sound less scooped.

 

[Yahboy]

What is yours strung with?

BBB

Ti JF344

Amazon $52

 

[lbbc]

Like many here, I've used a variety of strings over the years. For the last 10 years I've only used SIT Powerwound Strings. They give me the sound and tension that feel "right" to me.

 

[Wesley R]

Beautiful machine, congrats. I would toss tape wounds on it. The ones with the lions head on the package.

 

[bassdude51]

Ahh, there ain't nothing like a Bass Ash Tray!

Good luck finding your "strings"! Suggestions may help but your ears have the answer.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[michael_t]

Suggestions may help but your ears have the answer.

Ears... AND FINGERS.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Looks like what I'm really noticing is a mid scoop. May slap a nickel set on to see. Also noticed the "D" string seems a bit lower output. Haven't played unplated steels in years so it might be that they just sound very different.

BBB

 

[logdrum]

Maybe you really need high mids and not the zing of high beams. GHS steels are both stiffer and more high mids than High Beams. Congrats

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Got this Wednesday, great price, used from GC. After some cosmetic touch-up I put a set of DR Hi-Beams (45-105) on it. I'd like a RW string that is somewhat brighter and maybe a bit higher tension. It's nice the way it is - I love the wider neck and the action is stupid low! I'm not ashamed to say that my favorite strings are typically the ones marked "on sale" and as a result TI's and other fancy strings are really not on my radar. But I still welcome any and all input from you string aficionados. Oh, and please no snide remarks about the ashtrays. You do you, I'll do me.

The Bar Band BassmanView attachment 5271580

Round wounds on a PB, a highly underrated combination. Personally I use Lo Riders on mine PB.

RE: Ash tray

I hope you took the foam strip out of it...LOL!!

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Round wounds on a PB, a highly underrated combination. Personally I use Lo Riders on mine PB.

RE: Ash tray

I hope you took the foam strip out of it...LOL!!

It didn't have one!

BBB

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Only judgment you'll get from me on ashtrays is a big, fat thumbs up

As a DR string lover myself, I'd go for stainless Lo-Riders if you want bright with higher tension. Nickel lo-riders if you want a warmer tone. Gorgeous looking bass btw, congrats on the score

 

[bdplaid]

Stiff and bright. Roto 66 swing bass steels. Fits the bill and cheap.

Oddly enough out off all the string makers, expensive and non expensive, rotosound has never given me a dud string.

There's no more classic-sounding string for the P than the Roto 66s.

Otherwise, the stiffest I can think of would be the DR DDT strings tuned to regular pitch. They sound good and bright.
Or you could go up a gauge.