DR Strings - Hi-Beams - Bass Guitar Strings 4-String Set - Medium 45-105 - Stainless Steel Round Core - Bass Guitar Accessories (MR-45)

Over the last 10 years or so, I've been pretty obsessive about trying out new gear - amps, instruments, effects, etc - always wondering if there's something better for me out there. As I've evolved as a player, my tastes have also changed a bit. I've been with DR Hi-Beams for a while now, though, and usually only buy another brand if I'm in a pinch (got a show tonight and I forgot to buy new strings, that kind of thing). Here are some reasons I prefer these strings over your run-of-the-mill roundwounds: First of all, I personally cannot tell a difference in sound or feel between most strings of similar gauge and materials. D'Addario, GHS, Ernie Ball, etc all have their standard nickel roundwound strings, and they all sound and feel the same. DRs are different, though, and I suspect this is due to their round-core construction. The majority of strings out there are constructed with a hexagonal core. A round core makes the string a bit more flexible and appears to affect the tone. So, compared to other stainless strings, I find that the Hi-Beams have a bit rounder of a tone, not quite as bright or as "clangy" as most stainless strings. The softer feel makes them play just a bit easier than other stainless strings of the same gauge, in my opinion, which keeps my left hand a bit more relaxed - always a good thing. They also appear to last quite a while while still maintaining a useful tone. Don't get me wrong, they have a "zing" when they are fresh that fades quickly like any other string, but they maintain a solid tone for quite a long time. I find I don't have to change them nearly as often, and in some cases I actually like the sound they have when they are well-worn. They don't seem to become quite as "dead" sounding as other strings. Also, in terms of feel, they don't feel quite as rough as other stainless strings I've tried. They aren't as smooth as nickel strings, but they are closer to that feel than most stainless strings I've used. When playing an instrument with "standard" stainless strings, the strings feel more like sandpaper compared to the Hi-Beams. So, in summary, if you are like me and want a versatile string with a unique feel, these strings are perfect. I prefer to have a hi-fi string and then roll off the treble when I want a darker sound - you can always cut frequencies, but you can't put them back in if they aren't there to begin with. This is why I almost never use flatwound strings - they sound great, but when I need that treble back for another song, I have to switch instruments. These sound good on every bass I've tried them on, and will likely be my go-to string for quite some time. Until I feel the need to try something new again, that is.

I've played, recorded and performed with nearly every bass string out there. For me the DR Hi Beams are the absolute best string I have used - Period. They have a great, flexible feel, sound fantastic with plenty of high-end bite, a nice smooth mid presence and a deep, satisfying low-end and they stay in tune extremely well. They also last a reasonably long time for this "I ruin strings 1/2 way through a set" bassist. Anyway, strings are a very subjective item, so I cannot promise these will be loved by everyone. But if you're looking for a great set of SS bass strings and have not tried Hi Beams yet, please do so. One warning: Because Hi-Beams are wound on a round core, they must be bent at the end before you cut them. DR includes an insert to explain this in detail. Please follow these instructions or your strings will sound and feel dead and lifeless. Also, make it a point to wind them up to pitch slower than you normally might. If you follow these two suggestions, you'll at least have the strings at their best for you to evaluate. Hope you enjoy. Cheers to laying down the low-end!!

I just love the feel and sound quality for my Bass guitar

I was Dunlop super bright user for years I loved how bright and crispy they sounded only issue was they last for two weeks tops. So I decided to try else where as much as those strings still have a piece in my heart I’ve decided to try something that will stay bright for longer. I started with Ernie ball they were okay they lasted for two weeks but weren’t that bright than I went to ddadairo they were the worst than elixir and I hated them so I randomly got these hi beams and they have lasted me about three weeks so far and still pretty bright I love the pack job and the quality these string bring and also the price it’s not breaking the bank being able to last a whole month or more is amazing these are a set of strings that I will continue to use probably the rest of my career. My only complaint is they don’t make a .145 gauge for my 5 string bass as some will notice a 34inch scale bass with a 125 is a lil floppy. A 145 does the trick super well. This brand should make single strings for people who want to venture out of the box and be original. Not complaining too much tho since this is the first time I didn’t have to buy two to three times in a month.

I would get these regularly, but they are around the $25 range and just a bit too much to bu regularly. SS with a nice full sound, flexible and easy to play on.

My husband has been buying them for years. He is a bass player and very satisfied with the quality of these strings.

I am a huge fan of complex tone, a la Chris Squire, Pete Townshend, Les Claypool, etc. For the gauge of the string, they are actually MORE flexible under the fingers than thinner strings by other brands (like the Ernie Ball misnomer "super slinky" ), and they have punchy highs and midrange over tones that give you that piano-string-like clarity to cut through the wash of distorted guitars, crashing cymbals and pretty much anything else, and give your bass tone independence and clarity in the mix. The strings have such high output, I find with my set up, when I really dig in, I can even get soft clipping distortion like Chris Squire gets running his split signal through a guitar amp. When I was in my teens, I tried out a bunch of other brands, like GHS bass boomers, and Dean Markley Blue Steels. Nothing compares to DR's quality, sound, complexity of tone, amplitude, and the length of life. My last set I put on while recording an album with my band this past summer. More than 6 months later, after heavy use rehearsing and gigging, they still sound better "dead" than Ernie Ball strings sound when brand new.

I used to buy these strings at a music store, until he went out of business. I was glad they still had them through prime. They have the sound that I prefer over others.

Der Hammer!

These strings are great! They have a really nice sound and arrived fast too.

excellent product

Desde que conocí estas cuerdas me enamore totalmente de su sonido y el tacto, son las mejores, solo estas cuerdas uso, ninguna marca de cuerdas mas.

I'm actually a little speechless, these strings are perfect for metal, rock, blues, jazz, anything. They sound bright, even after 6 months. (I'll be buying more soon, don't worry.) They feel very strong, though relenting on your skin. As someone who plays finger-style, I can't recommend these enough. I personally prefer these over Ernie Ball and D'Addario - the only breaker in this deal is the price. If you're touring and need to change strings every fortnight, (or weekly! ...shudder), the price will become hefty. For the studio? Worth every penny.