DR String users - comments

[gmel555]

The Sunbeams are round core, so they should feel "softer" more flexible than the Rares which are hex core. My experience is Sunbeams offer more sustain. I like them alot. If you like Sunbeams, try Newtone MasterClass (not the "double wound" though). Masterclass is also a round core string and I like them even more than Sunbeams.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by gmel555

The Sunbeams are round core, so they should feel "softer" more flexible than the Rares which are hex core. My experience is Sunbeams offer more sustain. I like them alot. If you like Sunbeams, try Newtone MasterClass (not the "double wound" though). Masterclass is also a round core string and I like them even more than Sunbeams.

I have tried them ... but not on this guitar.
I still have a custom gauge ( virtually the same gauge as Martin Titanium ) set of Nickel Plated Round Core strings I ordered from Newtone last year that are excellent too.

[Taylorfanguy]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Tried a set of DR Sunbeams on my Epiphone EJ-200 this week.
First I tried the Medium 13-56 and I liked the tone but found them hard on my fingers.
Tried the Light 12-54 and they sounded even better and felt fine.
Very, very impressed.
Clear, loud and well balanced.

I haven't tried DR Rares yet - what can I expect from them?

Dude. Used to love Sunbeams. Still do. But I'm a cheapskate. Can't get them for $5 a pack anymore. They went up to like $8.97 or something. They're easily one of the best strings for overall tone and projection (like a sun beaming, that's the idea), and those harmonics man...incredible... but when I can occasionally get Martin SPs for $3.29 a pack (I find 'em about twice a year and buy a dozen sets each) and sometimes the Lifespans for $6, I just do that. Change more often. Nice zing for a couple months. But I got boring... I need some Sunbeams in my life (but gotta work through the 2 dozen or so odd sets of random brands I have now!)

I still have some DR Life Mellow Yellow. Best strings I ever put on my 720SCA.

[tippy5]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

I haven't tried the Sunbeams but I do like the Rares. They seem to have less tension compared to others. A little warmer also.

My impression as well.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Tried a set of DR Sunbeams on my Epiphone EJ-200 this week.
First I tried the Medium 13-56 and I liked the tone but found them hard on my fingers.
Tried the Light 12-54 and they sounded even better and felt fine.
Very, very impressed.
Clear, loud and well balanced.

I haven't tried DR Rares yet - what can I expect from them?

Sunbeams rock! They are my go-to strings for my D35. I've tried Rares and Veritas. The Veritas didn't impress me and the Rares were ok, but I like the Sunbeams better. I don't think I can pinpoint the quality of Rares other than they are a bit different than Sunbeams.

You discovered something important: Heavier gauge is not necessarily better. A lot of it is that pesky low E string. Heavier gauges stress the fundamentals but at the expense of overtones and harmonics. And it is those overtones and harmonics that sympathize with the guitar's natural response that creates fullness and volume. I thought that if Sunbeam 12's were good Sunbeam 13's would be better. Nope. The 13's sucked the mojo out of my guitar.

Originally Posted by lowrider

I like Sunbeams. I've used 12's but never tried the 13's. They feel great, sound great on most guitars, and last a long time.

See above comment.

Originally Posted by Taylorfanguy

Dude. Used to love Sunbeams. Still do. But I'm a cheapskate. Can't get them for $5 a pack anymore. They went up to like $8.97 or something. They're easily one of the best strings for overall tone and projection (like a sun beaming, that's the idea), and those harmonics man...incredible... .

You can still find Sunbeams (in the US) for $6.59/ea.

[SprintBob]

Another vote for good results with both Rares and Sunbeams. I like the Rares a bit more than the Sunbeams. They both typically last about 4-6 weeks for me if I play them 4-5 times a week.

[taggmike]

I have used rares and sunbeams. I like them both.

[vintageom]

Steve Kaufman told me in a workshop a few weeks ago that he uses DR Rare mediums exclusively over the last few years. He does not like coated strings and these last him a couple of months, with as much as he plays and as hard as he picks.