DR strings difference between T.F./P.B./Dime B.

[KLINKDETROIT]

Differences between tite fit, pure blues, Dimebag series? I like either 10-50, 10-52 or 11-50 or 11-52. guages and wonder what the tonal differences are between the different models (tf/pb/db)? I am currently using DR tite fit 10-50 and Ernie Ball for the 7 string stuff.

Side note.
What do you like better between Ernie Ball 10-52 and DR 10-52 and why?

[Mr 9finger]

The main differences between tite fits, pure blues etc.. is how they're wound. Core type, metal type for the wrap yadda yadda

I normally use Hi Beam 9-46 for anything floyded, Pure Blues 10-50 for non locking and my LP knockoff.

I've been having trouble getting hi beams so I bought about 5 packs of tite fits to tide me over.

Hi Beams have a tighter, brighter edgier tone...perfect for a floyded ax.
Pure Blues are more mellow sounding smoother in tone and feel.
Tite fits...meh, they're a bit in the middle, but I'm not over sure I like them. Maybe on a non floyded guitar.

I like DR strings over the others due to the fact they last longer and generally have a better tone for me. They also don't feel like rubber bands on the lighter guages unlike EBs and Daddarios.

[Mr 9finger]

oh yeah and FWIW, the Dimebag sig strings are a custom guaged set of Hi Beams w/ Dimes signature and bigger price tag.

[KLINKDETROIT]

I am thinking the hi beams and Dimebags wont be for me. Do you know if the unwound strings are the same for pure blues as they are for tite fit? I notice they are labeled the same and the wound strings either say tite fit ot pure blues. I have only tried pure blues 10-46 and dont like that light of a string on the lows as I play drop C. Do you find that the DR strings are more flexible than Ernie ball or GHS?

[Mr 9finger]

I think all the plain strings are the same. I think that DR strings are a bit stiffer than EBs and Daddarios. I feel like I have better control over bends and vibrato w/ them. Couldn't say about GHS, it's been a long time since I've used any.

Sounds to me you might be better off w/ the tite fits. Tonally they are like a blend of both. They're bright enuff to keep clarity in there, but smooth enuff to not be harsh.

I'm not sure I dig them due to the fact that I've been using Hi Beams on my floyded guitars for so long that when I switched to a different kind w/ a mellower tone, I constantly miss that edginess that is usually there.

[KLINKDETROIT]

I think the DR is easier to bend like the 10 of DR is like the feel of a 9 from Others? I tried the pure blues in 10-46 but It sounded brighter than the tite fit but it could be because I am used to using 10-50??

[Zerberus]

Never got the try the PB because the Tite-fits in 12-52 have been perfect for years, sorry

[KLINKDETROIT]

Do you find the 12 easier to bend than the 12 guage of other brands?

[MikeS]

If you are in D Standard or Drop C tuning then bending an 11 set should be no big deal.

Try them all out if you can is the only advise I can give. I've played the Tite-Fits, Hi-Beams, and Pure Blues, and the PBs felt the best under my fingers and had the "roundest" tone of the three sets on all my electrics, except for my LP where I tend to prefer the TFs. The plain strings are the same in the TF and PB sets (not sure about the HBs) and I don't find them any easier or more difficult to bend than any other string on the market - though admitedly I haven't played another brand for a couple years now.

As for the physical differences in the sets:

Tite-Fit - Round wound nickel plated steel (round core)
Hi-Beams - same as Tite-Fit but with hex cores.
Pure Blues - Round wound pure nickel (round core)

[Zerberus]

Do you find the 12 easier to bend than the 12 guage of other brands?

10 years ago: yes

Today: no idea, haven´t used anything else since

[KLINKDETROIT]

I am considering goin to 11-50 or 11-52. Do you find the pure blues to have a sweeter tone compared to tite fit? What other string companies have pure nickel? Bending isnt a problem but I heard that DR stings are wound different and have easier bends?

[MikeS]

DR strings are hand made, but other than that the construction of the winds doesn't seem to be any different (nor have I heard otherwise). I have no clue as to who else makes pure nickel strings.

The PBs do have a sweeter, more vintagy vibe than the TFs do. The TFs are also a little brighter. Depending on the instrument, I might be inclined to recommend one over the other, but I do like both the PB and TF sets.