DR Strings?!?!

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Hey guys!

My new RG came with a set of DR 10's....

I know it is a completely different guitar and even gauge than I am used to, but the strings feel and sound sooo much more alive than my D'addarios.....almost as if I'm playing an acoustic.....it's amazing!

So, does anyone else have any experience with DR strings? My SZ is setup with 11's, and I'm thinking about putting DRs on it instead of the D'addarios I've been using for the last 2 years......

[AaeCee]

I use DR 'Pure Blues' 10s on several guitars. A nice warm sounding string, and for some reason they always feel slinkier than most others to me.

[ibanez4life SZ!]

That's something I'm looking for! My D'addarios get way too stiff too fast.

[Teleplayer]

I've used a couple types of DR's. IMHO, they have always felt far too "spongy" for me.

[kanegon]

I use zebras on a piezo/hum Hamer Duotone. Unique, they alternate bronze and steel winding for more acoustic-electric effect. Why didn't anyone think of this? Works as advertised.

[straticus]

I've been using DR Tite-fit 10-46's for the past few years and I'm sticking with them.

[mybusinessmy]

I've been using D'addario 9's. DR makes a very high quality string, but D'addario has always felt best to me.

[twferrill]

I love the feel and tone of the DR Pure Blues. However, I have found that I tend to get about 5 or 6 bad strings out of every 10 packs. I find that I get more consistency out of D'addario.

[JoeP]

I''ve been using DR's since they came out. Never have any problems with them. I have found, that if you take your strings when you re-string, and grab them and pull them out away from the guitar to stretch them, you break the wrap away from the core, ie,, bad strings.....

But, I just string it up, bend them just like playing alot of bends that you do normally playing, and i've never had a problem with the strings being bad.

[waynesmith]

I use DR Pure Blues 10-46 on my strat. They seem to sound better with strats. They also seem to last longer. On my Les Pauls I like Snake Oil Brand 10-46 the best...Great vintage tone and feel....

[Darth Tater]

I love the feel and tone of the DR Pure Blues. However, I have found that I tend to get about 5 or 6 bad strings out of every 10 packs. I find that I get more consistency out of D'addario.

I used to get DR Pure Blues until I found the SIT Power Grooves. Very similar strings (pure nickel) at half the price. Check 'em out.

[glahnb]

I swore by Pure BLues until I tried Snake Oils. I like them better.

The few few backs of DR I bought had faulty strings. DR was great about it, sending me a few new sets.

Bryan

[slowburn]

I like snake oils and dr pure blues.

[flicker180]

i'm sold on Snake Oils but i LOVED DR strings when i was using 'em.

dave

[leofenderbender]

Another vote for DR Pure Blues 10s.

[brad347]

I have also experienced faulty strings from DR. It's an issue that I think they're working on but they still haven't gotten it hammered out as far as I know. I can't handle the D'Addario's... it feels like you're playing on some wire from the hardware store. I used to use the Pure Blues back when I was playing .011s.

Now I've bitten the bullet and I just buy Thomastik Infelds... they're way more expensive but I can get roundwound .012s and .013s that don't feel or sound like poo. I like the Jazz BeBop models for all styles... .012s for blues, rock, r&b and .013s for jazz.

I think of the mass-produced strings I like DRs the best.

[TS808]

I was using 9's until recently I saw a few posts on here about the DR Pure Blues, so I strung up my guitars with DR Pure Blues 10's. The feel of the DRs are really cool...I had tried Ernie Balls and D'Addario 10's in the past but they always felt too stiff for me. The DRs are definitely much "looser" and love the tones on my strat even more.

[levelfrets]

I've tried to go through a DR phase but I couldn't handle the inconsistancy. They feel and sound good but they give you intonation issues bad. I literally had to re adjust my intonation everytime I used them. I use D'addario's now because the are the most consistant string I've used. I can set the intonation once and be done. The feel isn't as good but at least my chords play in tune. It's a trade off I guess, I'd rather be in tune.

[ibanez4life SZ!]

I'll give them a shot....but if the inconsistency becomes a big issue, I might be staying with d'addario....

Most people here have mentioned putting the strings on strats for a more vintage tone....one thing I forgot to mention, I'm not really looking for too vintage of a tone.....

I own a Mesa Recto and stay on Channel 3 Modern quite a bit.....

Can they still get dirty and in your face well?

[brad347]

Can they still get dirty and in your face well?

they're strings. You're the player. :)

[DucRyder]

I have used DR tite-fit or pure Blues on my Gibsons for years. I tried a set of Snake-oils (vintage type) and felt I lost some zing. YMMV

[slider313]

I tried the DR .010's, pure blues on my Les Paul and felt they were quite stiff compared to the D'Addario's. I find the D'Addarios are the most consistant and priced right.

[Goldstrat]

Me too!

Another vote for DR Pure Blues 10s.

[BBQLS1]

I complained to a friend that alot of the strings I've used had some weird sound that I didn't like. It was some weird fluctuation in frequency that I couldn't put my finger on. Almost like when strings get old but not the dead part, just the frequency fluctuation part. He turned me on to the Pure Blues and I love them. All I hear is the note I'm supposed to. I'm not sure what it was, but I'm very happy with them. They cost a bit more, but they are worth it to me. There are a couple of guys who are selling them cheap (cheap as far as DR) on ebay. I got six sets for 32 bucks.

[ScottB]

I've been using Pure Blues for a while, but I've noticed they don't last as long as D'Addario's for me. I kill the D. It gets worn out over the frets and ends up unravelling before it actually breaks. It starts to sound really funky before it starts to go, too.

They sound great when they're new, though, and a new set will definitely get me through a three set night.

[mybusinessmy]

I have also experienced faulty strings from DR. It's an issue that I think they're working on but they still haven't gotten it hammered out as far as I know. I can't handle the D'Addario's... it feels like you're playing on some wire from the hardware store. I used to use the Pure Blues back when I was playing .011s.

Now I've bitten the bullet and I just buy Thomastik Infelds... they're way more expensive but I can get roundwound .012s and .013s that don't feel or sound like poo. I like the Jazz BeBop models for all styles... .012s for blues, rock, r&b and .013s for jazz.

I think of the mass-produced strings I like DRs the best.

Wow, that is the first time I heard that about D'addario strings...whenever I try expermenting with anything other (except Elixir which is great, IMO), I feel like I am playing on wires. I also use size 9 gauge on my Strat, which I love the loose feel and a less thick strat sound.

[908SSP]

I tried DRs a couple years ago they turned black and rough on me in a couple days which is very unusual for me, strings typically last a long time those didn't.

[brad347]

Wow, that is the first time I heard that about D'addario strings...whenever I try expermenting with anything other (except Elixir which is great, IMO), I feel like I am playing on wires. I also use size 9 gauge on my Strat, which I love the loose feel and a less thick strat sound.

I'm only talking about gauges .011 and above, I have literally zero experience with anything under that.

[Moushegh]

I use Pure Blues and Tit fit, 10's on my Strat.

[go7]

DR pure blues or try DR exended life,the only coated strings allowed in my house. SIT are nice as well .Like to try some of these snake oils?

[mybusinessmy]

I'm only talking about gauges .011 and above, I have literally zero experience with anything under that.

I once tried D'addario 11's, and I couldn't stand them, but I think a lot of that has to do with the gauge, which I am not fond of.

DR pure blues or try DR exended life,the only coated strings allowed in my house. SIT are nice as well .Like to try some of these snake oils?

And if you like extended life, for you strings, try Stringlife. (stringlife.com)-was distributed by DR before, I believe. On Elixir strings you only get coating on the 3 bass strings, but with this product you can do it on all strings, (apply it), and I have found that it helps.

[LaXu]

I will never buy DR strings again. Had a set that was dead straight out of the box. Without changing setup (the previous strings were DRs too) in any way the new strings were rattling against frets (and I certainly don't go for a really low action or anything) and sounded crap. Changed the strings, no problem.

Another set I had had an A-string that could not be intonated normally. On the Wilkinson VS100 trem I had on the guitar where I put those strings I had to move the A-string saddle out of it's slot and about half a centimeter towards the neck to get intonation working. Replaced the string and intonation could be done normally again.

Since then I've moved to Snake Oil strings. Despite being slightly more expensive, they sound more pleasing to me. D'Addarios are also ok in my book.

[mybusinessmy]

I will never buy DR strings again. Had a set that was dead straight out of the box. .

That actually did happen to me 2 times with DR Lowrider Bass strings. Dead strings right out of the box. They used to be the only string brand I would buy for my bass, because they lasted longer than the usual variety strings.

[BBQLS1]

I tried DRs a couple years ago they turned black and rough on me in a couple days which is very unusual for me, strings typically last a long time those didn't.

The chemical composition from the sweat in peoples hands can have a different effect on the strings. The composition of many strings can/will be different depending on make and model. Sometimes you just have to find the strings that work right with your sweat.

[BBQLS1]

Another set I had had an A-string that could not be intonated normally. On the Wilkinson VS100 trem I had on the guitar where I put those strings I had to move the A-string saddle out of it's slot and about half a centimeter towards the neck to get intonation working. Replaced the string and intonation could be done normally again.



I had this happen once, it took me a while to figure out it was the string. Otherwise no issues.

[mybusinessmy]

The chemical composition from the sweat in peoples hands can have a different effect on the strings. The composition of many strings can/will be different depending on make and model. Sometimes you just have to find the strings that work right with your sweat.

And I think many people don't realize what difference it makes to clean your strings after you play. I have also dampened a cloth and wiped down the strings and it has brought back life into the strings immediately. If your strings are rusting quick, you really need to stop and realize if you are wiping your strings down after you play.

[Robert1950]

I tried a set once and found them a little too harsh.

[fretnot]

I love em. I buy 10-46 Pure Blues in bulk. :AOK

[SwirlCrazy]

I also had problems with the first set of DR's I tried. I'm waiting on some Eric Johnson signature GHS strings to arrive. I'm in a string experimentation stage. The SIT sound interesting too, although I'm not sure about stainless steel wraps. Strats are already bright enough.

[SwirlCrazy]

I love em. I buy 10-46 Pure Blues in bulk. :AOK

Do you buy them in bulk just to be sure you have enough strings to get a good set?


Just kidding!


Do you do anything special to them, like crimping them before cutting the ends?

[Brett Valentine]

I'm pretty much sold on DR's for all my electrics. Pure Blues 0.010's on the Strat and the 335 right now (though I alternate between 0.010's and 0.011's on the Strat). I love the full tone and slinkier feel. On my other electrics, I use Tite Fit 0.010's, and on my acoustics, I use DR Rare Phosphor Bronze mediums.

I definitely have less string poppage issues with DR's and the acoustic tone is pretty bell like. On my Larrivee C-09, the rosewood body really seems to bring out the piano-like tones. I alsu use John Pearse on my bari-acoustic, and they also have a pretty similar tone to my ears.

I'm also using DR Tite Fits on my 6 string bass (hard to find in stores around me these days, and I've never actually seen the Zebras).

Brett

[Brett Valentine]

Now that it is mentioned, I do remember having a bit of intonation problems mostly with the RARES, but putting the Gotoh 510 Contours on the Larrivee (18:1 gear ratio) has really taken care of those tuning issues for me.

Brett

[S. Hawk Ltd.]

That's something I'm looking for! My D'addarios get way too stiff too fast.

Man, I went from D'addarios to Snake Oil Brand back to D'addarios...
SOB's were going dead on me, especially the low E. And they were not lasting as long as when I first stared using them... Too bad because I liked them at first...
Think I'll just stick with the D's....

[mprvise]

I've been using DR's for about four months now with no issues. Pure Blues on most guitars and Tite Fits on the 335 and occasionally the McInturff. I've been through many sets so far. Before that it was Ernie Balls - no issues for 10 years. The DR's sound better to my ears and last a bit longer.

D'Addarios are the ones I'll never use again. Three high E's in a row unwound at the ball (bridge) and I took the box back for a refund.

[mikeller]

Ive been using D'Addario 9.5-44's for many years. Just picked up a few sets of DR Tite-Fit in 9.5-44 (love that gauge) to try on my EJ - plan to put them on later today.

[spacecaptain21]

I'm a DR man as well. Never had a dead string problem (*knock on wood*)...always been great strings.

[meterman]

I've been using D'Addario 10-46 for years and never had a problem, like the sound and feel and they last a long time with heavy bending and whammy abuse. I've used them on Strats, Teles, LP and 335 copies, etc. with good results.

Recently I got an EJ Strat and due to a combination of things it was stiff feeling so my tech friend recommended some DR Tite-Fit 10s which he said would bend easier. At first I got some Pure Blues by mistake and they were the same or even a bit stiffer than the D'Addarios, I preferred the D'As. But the Tite-Fit 10s are definitely slinkier feeling and easier to bend, perfect for some extra give to play the nitro laquered EJ neck in a bit. Now it's feeling better and better with more playing, so I may go back to the D'As at some point b/c I like having just one brand of string for all my guitars, just easier that way.....

[vinni]

Used DR Tite Fit's 0.10's....until I discovered SOB's.....

Vinni

[Chuckracer]

I really love the Tite-Fit 10-50 sets, but I've had enought of in-consistant strings. Seems every two or three sets, I get an A or D string that will not intonate. It happened again last night in the studio rendering one guitar useless.

Time for something else.

[go7]

+1 for DR pure blues. They tell you in the package not to pull them as you would with other strings to set in. Just some bends and retune. Enjoy!