Which rounds do you recommend?

bassment_zombie · Post by **bassment_zombie** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 4:58 am

Hey all, I've used the search function and came up with a few good threads about DR strings that discussed string tension, but not so much simply about which DR rounds folks would recommend.

I got my Ric last year, and it appears now that the stock strings are completely and irrevocably dead. Went to rehearsal a couple weeks ago after the holidays, and ended up tweaking the amp every which way with all of us noticing that my Ric & rig simply sounded like it had a bit of a pillow stuffed in the cab....then I got home, and compared by rehearsal recorded tone to earlier rehearsals and noticed the stark difference - yep, strings are dead - duh!

Anyhow, I've read that DR rounds are highly recommended, and would like to hear your experiences with the different offerings and why you prefer one over the other. I do love flats, but am planning to keep rounds on this 4003 for my power-pop trio.

Recommendations? Thanks in advance.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:56 am

If you like lighter tension, and warmer sound, go with the Sunbeams. If you prefer a little more tension, the nickel Lo-Riders are excellent sounding strings. If you like the clank of SS, High Beams are light tension and the SS Lo-Riders are tighter feeling strings. I prefer nickel myself for rounds. I personally use the nickel Lo-Riders on my 4003 for a bright, but warm sound. I use Chromes flats on my C64 and V63. The DR's are also best IMHO for not eating up the frets.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:58 am

One more important thing, DR's last quite a while for rounds.

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 8:46 am

I'm liking the D'Addario ProSteels on my C64S... the EPS165 set.

I needed to tweak the rods a bit after changing over to these, but the sound is bright, aggresive and punchy. They're also pretty long-lasting.

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:56 am

Can anybody tell an ignorant German what "DR" stands for? What is the recommended gauge of the DR round wounds? Maybe they are available under another brand name over here? I guess there are not so many string producing companies, rather they sell similar products under different brand names?

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 12:02 pm

DR is a particular brand of string...

...the manufacturers' website is:

www.drstrings.com

Good strings also!

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:22 pm

I use DR Hi Beams on both 4003 in the 45-105 guage which I find best. My MG doesnt like high tension strings and I get very good results with DR strings. Before I used Rotos and it was warping the neck...DR are low tension...I'll see which results I get...

Today I bought a set of Lo Riders 45-105 to try them out as I want a mellower sound on the MG...My JG has a very clangy sound...The set I got is SS, not the nickle ones....

On my P bass, I use Chromes as I want a mellow deep sound ( similar to J. P. Jones of Led Zeppelin fame)

As far as I'm concerned, you cant go wrong with DR strings...

berth · Post by **berth** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:25 pm

I.m.h.o. Rickenbacker strings are good.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:32 pm

I just started using Hi Beams on my 4004 and they sound great, they give those humbuckers a nice ballsey, growly sound. Since my 4004 is a five string I got a four string set with the round cores for the nice feel they have and got a separate hex taper core .125 B string that sounds great and has good tension. I also have a set of DR Black Beauties waiting to go on my Jetglo Laredo, I've heard good things about the coated DR strings.

stts64 · Post by **stts64** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:11 pm

I am very happy with my LaBella flats on my 4001s

thinneckrick · Post by **thinneckrick** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:33 pm

Ernie Ball extra slinky 40 - 95 low tension roundwounds

toastie · Post by **toastie** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 2:33 am

Well, I've used RS66 since the dawn of time. However, since getting the 4003BB last year, I found I didn't like it with the Rotos - very scooped-mid - so I switched to to Warwick Reds and pushed the E string up from .095 to.100. I really don't like nickel. Have tried Ernie Ball, and Elites - didn't like 'em. I have a set of Fender stainless steel with a taper-core E on my Levinson Blade which is good given the way the saddles are cut.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 3:38 am

I like D'Addario. Nickle XL-170's.

.45 .65 .80 .100

I've recently tried various types, heavier guage, different manufactors ect.... I've come to the conclusion that the above guage works best with my Ricks. I noticed that when I tried the heavier guages .45 .65 .85 .105, I had trouble getting my necks to "flatten" out on the "E" side of the neck, resulting in me having to tighten the rod quite a bit. If you look at the tension listed on the pack there is quite a difference.

As far as the Nickle/Stainless debate I really dont see a big difference in tone. Stainless seems a little "harsher" sounding, thats about it.

I do have DR Highbeams on my 4004. DR makes a fine string.

So without getting to long winded here, I unconditionally endorse D'Addario XL-170 Nickle roundwounds as what I consider to be the best all around string set for Rick basses.

For what its worth.....

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:51 am

To my ears the difference between nickel and SS is very noticeable. I prefer nickel greatly over SS. SS rounds are way too cold and clanky sounding to me. Nickel is much warmer and fuller sounding to me. I guess I'm just an old school player. I use DR nickel Lo-Riders on my 4003. I use Chromes flats on my other Ricks.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:31 am

I use DR Hi-Beams and Nickel Low-Riders. Both are great strings that last a long time, are easy on the frets, and don't load the neck too much.