Tension-wise: Super Brights vs XL/NYXL

Aloe

Aloe

Apr 10, 2016
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#1
Hi,

Currently my "to go" set is NYXL 130-100-80-65-45. I'm trying to find a set that has slightly lower tension.

Dunlop Super brights are known as "less tension strings", so looking at the nickel version of those. It's available in two sizes: 125-105-85-65-45 and 120-100-80-60-40, but no idea of the tension (could not find the specs on the net).

My question is: if 125-45 Dunlops have a bit less tension that 130-45 XLs or NYXLs or are they similar? Maybe there's somebody who tried both and can comment on this?

Thanks
 
#4
I've actually replaced a NYXL set with SB nickels 45-125

It's 105 string is indeed thinner than 100 NYXL one and feels a tiny bit softer. Intonation is almost at spot, what makes me think NYXL 130-45 and DB nickels 125-45 in fact have rather similar tension.

Sound-wide the difference is: SB nickels have a lot of upper mids, NYXLs are more balanced, but more trebly as well. Both are rather bright and have this click sound while new (maybe, with Dunlops it's a bit more pronounced).
 
#5
I put the NYXL'S on my Sire P7 replacing regular XL's. I do think the NYXL'S feel better. Maybe just a bit more flexible. I'm underwhelmed though. Better sounding than the XL's with a little more sonic range and harmonic content. But not enough to justify the price. DR Pure Blues sound better to my ear and frankly, so do the Dunlop Super Brights. I like the lower tension of the Super Brights better too.
 
#6
mmbongo said:
Funny thing, I just last night put XLs on a bass that had Super Brights. The Super Brights were 45-105 and the XLs are a custom set 42, 55, 75, 105. The XLs are still a little stiffer so a normal 45-105 set would be a LOT stiffer.
Click to expand...
Hi,
Mai ask where you got that custom set? I like the gauges you picked out. :) I too find the 45-105 set of XLs to be too high in tension for my taste.
Thank you,
Brent
 
#7
BrentSimons said:
Hi,
Mai ask where you got that custom set? I like the gauges you picked out. :) I too find the 45-105 set of XLs to be too high in tension for my taste.
Thank you,
Brent
Click to expand...

Yeah I really like those gauges, they feel great :)

I get them from Bass Strings Online, he can do custom sets from most anything, has a lot of single strings available, and the best prices of anybody.

Buy Single Electric Bass Guitar Strings and put together your own custom set from Bass Strings Online.
 
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#9
I have gone the other way and have now your current/previous "go to set" of NYXL on my main bass and it replaced the Dunlop Super Brights in the gauges you list. I'd say the Dunlop are slightly lower tension. I was a bit worried that the NYXL are are too high tension for me but find them supple enough and not a million miles away tension-wise. For what its worth I much prefer the NYXL tonewise and they also seem to intonate better.
 
#10
I've tried both on my MM Big Al 5 SSS. (130's) I much prefer the NYXLs over the Super Brights. The NYXLs are slightly stiffer. That allows for a lower action. They also feel great. This is my first experience with them. So I cannot comment on the longevity. If they last as long as people are claiming I will be sticking with them.
 
#13
Aloe said:
I compared the .125 XL and the .130 NYXL and would say I cannot tell, whether it's XL or NYXL from just looking at the string, they look pretty much like same to me.
Click to expand...
They marketed NYXL to feature high carbon NY Steel core, which differentiates NYXL from others. So, how about comparing both core wires that come out from the wrap and shown on each ball ends?
 
#14
Aidil said:
They marketed NYXL to feature high carbon NY Steel core, which differentiates NYXL from others. So, how about comparing both core wires that come out from the wrap and shown on each ball ends?
Click to expand...

ball ends look the same on my 125 XL and 130 NYXL strings (well, almost, but I contribute it to NYXL has been used and XL is new: the only thing I see is that NYXL one is more worn out).
 
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