What does DR stand for and is there a place where I can buy just the first and second strings, I love the sound of the wrapped strings I have but would like to find something else for the 1st and 2nd. I think it's mostly the way I pick the first two strings with my fingers coming up because when I pick the same string with my thumb going down it sounds fine, none of the shrill edge.
Found them and which do you use, the DR Sunbeam PB or DR RARE PB?
I'm curious as to what might happen if I installed either lighter or heavier 1st and 2nd plain steel strings, which would be the same as from a medium set, i.e. .12 and .17 and maybe being thicker they would tame down a bit or maybe going the other direction, it's something to think about.
I'm also aware that my guitar might open up a bit after a month or three of playing every day, I know they are likely to get more of that after 8-10 years from what Bob Taylor says but some of that I know happens in the beginning as well.
Jannie
DR is the brand name.
The RARE and Sunbeams are very different strings(the wrapped ones). RARE are hexcore, Sunbeams are roundcore. They will give different tone to the same guitar. Sunbeams being roundcore will have an easier feel in fretting and bends, to my ears they sound darker/smoother with less bite than a hexcore string set.
if you do try Sunbeams, be sure to wrap them on the tuning post before you cut them-if you cut then wrap, the outside winding usually slips off the inner core wire(ask me how i know). all roundcore should be treated this way(wrap then cut).
i'd definitely recommend trying both sets, who knows, you might like one.
as far as the trebles, you can purchase single strings from 'stringsbymail' and 'juststrings'. one place carries more choices IMO and right off i can't remember which one. and yes, going up a gauge can change things-tone/sound/feel. you just need to try for yourself to see what you like.
daddario makes a neat set(made for DADGAD players) called EJ24. this has the light gauge middle strings from the EJ16 pack, and the low E, high e and B from the EJ17 pack. so you have heavier "med" strings on the low/high E and B, the middle A/D/G stay light so they are easier to fret.
its a nice set, i use them sometimes on certain instruments. really nice for downtuning/alternate tunings
d
