Author Topic: D R Coated Hi Beams (Read 421 times)

echo008 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2004, 11:52:11 AM »

For what its worth I also noticed a difference when I switched over to monster and cobalt. maybe it was in part pyshcological but I felt like the notes were more articulate and sounded stronger.
- Tom

bsee · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2004, 12:43:43 PM »

On cables, I didn't just switch over. I sat in a Guitar Center one quiet weekday afternoon for over an hour going back and forth with every cable they had. I think I was using either an SWR Super Redhead or an Eden Metro combo and some $2Kish five string bass, probably a Pedulla, Zon or Warwick.

I tried two different sets of tests. In one set, I just switched the cables and left all the other settings exactly in place. The bass response, sparkle, and general output were all better with the Monster. In the other set, I tried to dial in the best sound I could get with each cable. This was harder to do and more subjective. I found I had to add a bunch more EQ to get something I liked with the cheaper cable, and it was never quite as good.

As a cheapskate, I wanted to prove that the $20 cables were just as good as the $35 cable. I couldn't do it.

Also, I just got word back from DR on the coated strings. What they list is what they sell. The coated strings are only available in standard length and 45-105, 45-125, or 30-125 guage sets. Maybe if you were a somebody in the business you could get some special treatment, but I sure as heck don't qualify.

-Bob

(Message edited by bsee on October 25, 2004)

flaxattack · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2004, 06:15:25 PM »

poor bob- you might try this for your short strings. put 2 90 degree bends at the end of the string. make the cut at the furthest leg of the bend so when you cut it the other leg is still at 90 degrees. this might eliminate any unwinding concerns, practice on worn strings, DUH
and imho, monster bass cables do make a difference

flaxattack · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2004, 06:27:04 PM »

pookeymp · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2004, 06:45:31 AM »

Nice...she looks sweet, Jeff.

Mikey/

P.S. I sat down last night for about a good hour comparing my new Cobalt cable to my other inexpensive cables...and I was pleasantly surprised at the difference in the clarity of the tone...particularly noticeable in the high-end.

pookeymp · « **Reply #20 on:** November 03, 2004, 01:05:30 PM »

I just put my DR Reds on yesterday and used them at a rehearsal...to quote Jeff: They are like butta!!!!

Very sweet sounding strings, and the feel is off-the-hook...your fingers just glide around the neck.

Now the test will be to see how long they last...but so far, they're keepers.

Mikey/

dela217 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 03, 2004, 04:56:07 PM »

Anyone know more about these strings? Are they really Hi Beams that are coated, or are they Low Riders or something else? What is the core? I am curious because I love the flexibility of the Hi Beams, but hate the stiffness of the Low Riders. I would like to try out a black set on one of my basses, but I would hate them if they are too stiff. I did a web search on them, but I couldn't find anything about the core construction. In the web search, I noticed that they were called Black Beauties, and not coated Hi Beams. Confused.

bsee · « **Reply #22 on:** November 03, 2004, 06:15:17 PM »

Michael-

Try contacting DR through their website. I asked a few questions about guage availability last week and they got back to me very rapidly.

pookeymp · « **Reply #23 on:** November 03, 2004, 09:15:46 PM »

I'm reading the packaging the strings come in and the HiBeams say: Stainless Steel Wrap on a Round Core and the Red Devils say: Red-Coated over Silver/Stainless Steel Wrap on Round Core.

I've never played the Low Riders, so I can't compare in terms of stiffness, but I've played the HiBeams for a while now, and the Red Devils feel comparable, very easy to bend and move the string, just much slicker to slide the fingers across.

Hopefully someone can give you a more technical breakdown of these guys, but if you like the HiBeams, I think you would be very happy with these.

Mikey/

dela217 · « **Reply #24 on:** November 04, 2004, 08:25:13 AM »

Thanks! That is exactly what I am looking for. I shot off an email to the folks at DR and am waiting for their reply. I like the round core more than the hex core. They are much more flexible. I think I will get some of these too.

Michael

flaxattack · « **Reply #25 on:** November 04, 2004, 08:45:39 AM »

here are the blues...

pookeymp · « **Reply #26 on:** November 04, 2004, 11:57:23 AM »

Hey Jeff,

Where did you find the Blues? I got the Reds from High Note Musical Supply (which was the dealer on ebay), and I see they have the Black Beauties also, but not Blues.

Mikey/

flaxattack · « **Reply #27 on:** November 04, 2004, 01:21:29 PM »

same place pookey. send him a email- but tell him to check the box first. apprarently they are running the shipments for blues so fast that the boxes dont even say the guages and i got 2 g strings and no b string- he called me right away to apologize and the other box he checked was the same- but real easy to do business with-

poor_nigel · « **Reply #28 on:** November 04, 2004, 02:35:27 PM »

Hey Jeff. Pretty strings that sound good! Why don't you whip those sinister red strings off and model the pretty blue ones for us? I'll give ya an Alembic sticker logo and an Alembic magnet logo!

the_mule · « **Reply #29 on:** November 05, 2004, 01:01:27 AM »

I really want to grace my Orion with the black variety! IMHO they would really complement her understated gothic look and she needs a set of new strings before the end of the year after all.

Any of the BeNeLux Alembicans incidentally know if Edwin van Huik has them in stock?

Wilfred