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Sadowsky Nickels vs. DR Lo Rider Nickels

Which string to replace Sadowsky Black Nickels

  • Sadowsky Blue Nickel

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • DR Lo Rider Nickel

    Votes: 6 66.7%
  • Total voters
    9
slagbass

slagbass

Apr 5, 2005
922
1,753
Canada
#1
I've got a '77 ash/maple P bass that I use for rock that I really like with Sadowsky Black Nickels. The higher tension and relatively subdued mids on the Sadowsky Black strings seems to work well for me on that particular bass.

Alas, it's time to change them out and I've run out of Sadowsky Black Nickels. I do, however, have a stash of both Sadowsky Blue Nickels (that I use with both jazz and Alder/rosewood P basses with good success) and a few sets of DR Lo Rider Nickels (that I use on an FBass PJ5 that work well). Which of those two strings do you think would be the closest match to the Sadowsky Black Nickels?
 
#2
I voted Sadowsky but if you like nickel and want some stiffness you might look at Diadarrio or labella rx nickel. Theres also Rotosound nickels. Its worth mentioning that Roger Sadowsky goes through Labella for his strings. Maybe the rx nickel would work for you. I know they sell for cheaper than Sadowsky strings. I really liked the stainless Sadowsky strings but didn't like how much they cost.
 
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#4
michael_t said:
Are you sure about this? I know the old Black Label Flats were made by La Bella before they were discontinued several years ago. But I don't think the current Blue Labels are by La Bella as far as I know, although I'm not 100% sure.
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Im not 100% sure either but due to the history i wouldn't be shocked if Sadowsky strings are all a custom wound Labella. He could very well mix and match but as a company having everything under 1 company is easier. Only having to deal with Labella vs them and whoever else too.
 
#5
GTHintz said:
Im not 100% sure either but due to the history i wouldn't be shocked if Sadowsky strings are all a custom wound Labella. He could very well mix and match but as a company having everything under 1 company is easier. Only having to deal with Labella vs them and whoever else too.
Click to expand...
IMG_0614.jpeg
 
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#6
Its been a while on both but I went thru multiple sets of Sadowsky Blue Nickels and found them to be a very full spectrum string. Mids were present but not harsh. Highs were present but not extreme. These are great nickel strings IMO. I compared them to one set of Black Nickels that seemed to have fewer mids if I recall correctly. And I only tried one set of Dr Low Rider Nickels on a L2500 and found them to really lack any treble bite. The Blues have noticeably more high end than the nickel Low Riders which seemed to be more thumpy and mid range emphasized.
 
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