SMR-45 Hi-Beam Stainless Steel Bass Guitar Strings - .045-.105 Medium Short Scale Review

Simply the best

After using DR Hi-Beams on all of my long scale, fretted basses, I finally tried the short scales on my new Fender Mustang, and they really made it pop! Going to switch to these for ALL of my short scale basses. (After trying D'Addario Nickel Wounds and Pro Steels - these were a big improvement!) And they are actually LONGER (33.75") than most other brands' "Short Scale" strings,… read more which means more ability to fit a slightly longer than a normal 30" short scale bass. I have never found a steel bass string with a brighter, stronger, and more even tone. And they also outlast anything else I have tried. Look no further!

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Muddy

I have never tried DR strings before and I can say I will never in my life put them on another one of my instruments after this. They sound HORRIBLE! Muddy. If my bass farted this is the noise it would make.

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Just what the DR ordered.

Recently picked up a set to try out on a Gretsch G2220, and having been unsatisfied by the meager short scale pickings of Ernie Ball or D'Addario, threw a set of these on. Incredible definition, and clarity where it counts without high octave "janglyness". Also gave it a try with a very finicky Ibanez GSRM20 that I could never get "right" (usually sounded lifeless in the mids at… read more first then thin once the strings settled in after a few hours). Not so with these. Not sure if it was the first set or just the way they feel in general but they almost feel like "coated" strings, little grabby but nothing offputting and not worth knocking any off the rating. Definitely worth keeping a set around.

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My Favorite Strings

I've been using DR Hi Beams for years on my 34" scale basses. When I purchased my short scale bass (30") I was thrilled to find out that DR made a short scale set. They are as bright and responsive as the full scale set. I have had no fit issues. For the stainless steel punchy sound these are my go to string set.

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Shortest bass strings ever

Yep, these don't fit my short scale Ibanez bass. They come to like the 3 fret. They are not short scale, they are children's bass strings. If your instrument is bigger than half sized these won't reach. I held them up to my 6 string Les Paul and they wouldn't reach the tuners on that either. Sad cuz I love DR strings and was excited to try these. Bought these a couple months back… read more and I can't return them. To the dumpster with my money!

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