DR Sunbeams and the D18

rokdog49 · #1 10-31-2019, 05:51 AM

My Newtones finally bit the bullet On the D18 this week so I replaced them with my favorite alternate, the DR Sunbeam Lights 12-54. Man I love those strings, great tone and very easy to play.
That’s all.

Lillis · #2 10-31-2019, 06:27 AM

I had Sunbeams on my Breedlove during my extensive string experimenting when I first got it. I remember really liking them (I must have because I then bought six sets) In a week or so I'm going to put them on both guitars. Looking forward to it. I'm hoping to find these to be the best strings for both guitars. Between the playing feel,sound and price it would be nice to settle on these.

vindibona1 · #3 10-31-2019, 09:54 AM

IMO, Sunbeams should be at the top of everyone's list for strings to test. Cheap. Great sounding. Easy to play. While just speculating, I think Sunbeams might be a great string choice and complement the natural sound of mahogany B/S guitars.

Brucebubs · #4 10-31-2019, 01:59 PM

Unbelievably good on my Epiphone EJ-200.

I'm leaving this set on as long as possible to see how long they last.

They're beginning to look a little tarnished but still sound amazing.

I plan to try them on all my other guitars too.

emuhunter · #5 10-31-2019, 02:45 PM

I haven’t had a chance to try any DR strings but am intrigued.

In really general terms what kind of tone do they impart?

Brucebubs · #6 10-31-2019, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emuhunter

I haven’t had a chance to try any DR strings but am intrigued.

In really general terms what kind of tone do they impart?

Sunbeams are round-core strings - don't go cutting them!
Good volume, excellent tone and a slightly softer feel/less tension than hex-core strings.
What I like most is their string to string clarity and balance.

I even tried the hex-core DR Rares back-to-back with the Sunbeams for comparison.

Rares were OK but too similar to other PB strings out there - Sunbeams are a little special.

jayhawk · #7 10-31-2019, 03:50 PM

I pretty much only play Sunbeams on my acoustics. Wish they offered them in 12 strings.

There is the old tail that you can’t cut them. Not true, I use them on my Eastman with a slotted headstock. The trick is you have to put a sharp 90 degree bend before you cut them. Do that and they won’t unravel. I even use that technique on my paddle heads, now. Makes stringing super easy.

Jack

rokdog49 · #8 10-31-2019, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emuhunter

I haven’t had a chance to try any DR strings but am intrigued.

In really general terms what kind of tone do they impart?

I would classify it as nicely balanced with a rich, warm tone and very nice sustain. They are also “one of those” that sounds great right out of the pack.
They do seem to last and they are definitely easy to play and nice to the touch. I’m pretty much locked into them for the D18 along with the Newtone Heritage brand.

lowrider · #9 11-01-2019, 03:42 AM

Sunbeams are one of my favorites. The sound, the feel, and the longevity. One thing I do notice is that they last about 6 to 8 weeks, sounding great, and then drop dead and feel like rubber bands.