Tried Daddario NYXL, Another New World

[Recover9720]

I've been searching for the string that can shine my Modulus Quantum (EMG DCs).

I used Daddario XL, DR Low Rider Nickel, and DR Hi-Beam.

The XL gave me the consistent tone we all know. Everything is average level but I was not too fond of its Low-B. It was quite far from clarity, and of course, died really quickly.

Low Rider was better but it was dark so it didn't match with my Quantum that much. I also thought Low-B was not enough for me. Not bright, not dark, somewhere in between.

Hi-Beam was the string I used the most lately. It is really easy to play, really smooth feeling for my finger. What I didn't like was its string tension. A little bit floppy for my taste, and too bright. EMG's brightness + Hi-Beam's brightness = briiiiiiight.

The luthier I know recommended me the NYXL. So I changed my string to NYXL two days ago. Brilliant. It maintains brightness but not super brightness like Hi-Beam. It is rougher than Hi-Beam but not that much. I think it is smoother than XL. I recorded some lines after changing the string and found Low-B is really tight and clear. You can HEAR the note, not just a low boomy sound.

Daddario's new string is really awesome. I should check out more time to see how it dies and how it maintains its tone. At least for now, I really like it.

 

[El Trueno]

I’ve had mixed results with the NYXL. On most basses I’ve strung with them they were too bright for my tastes. But I put them on my Klos Apollo (also has a composite fretboard) and it really makes it sing. I doubt I’ll ever use any other strings on that bass.

 

[jeffb28451]

My experience is that they are very bass specific. some of my basses are just not happy with them and it's a rather expensive experiment. I've used Roto 66 for years and like the Hi-Beams, but the NYXL punch is a different voice and a nice change.

 

[relayer66]

They are my favorite strings at the moment, I’ve been using them for a few years on my JBs, MM and Ric. I used to like Pro Steels for their zing, great price, but they didn’t last long, and are rough to the touch. The regular XLs didn’t have as much brightness as I like. The NYXLs, to me, have the best of both worlds and last a long time.

 

[Geri O]

I’m a little hesitant to post my experience with the NYXLs because it’s probably just my preferences that caused me to move away from them and go back to Pro Steels.

I started using NYXLs around the first of this year and I was really liking then, especially their long life. But after a few sets, I was not liking the tone of the B string and E string (.135 and .105). I tried a few single strings as replacements thinking there might be an issue with those strings from the sets. And I even tried a lighter gauge of NYXLs. (I keep thinking that at my age, I should start using lighter-gauge strings, but I keep going back to the mediums). But no better luck with the lighter gauges, either.

So I’m back to using the Pro Steels and I’m settled in with those (hopefully from here on out…). Much happier with the B and E strings from those sets.

That's just my experience and I don’t mean to dissuade anyone from using the NYXLs.

 

[michael_t]

I started using NYXLs around the first of this year and I was really liking then, especially their long life. But after a few sets, I was not liking the tone of the B string and E string (.135 and .105). I tried a few single strings as replacements thinking there might be an issue with those strings from the sets. And I even tried a lighter gauge of NYXLs. (I keep thinking that at my age, I should start using lighter-gauge strings, but I keep going back to the mediums). But no better luck with the lighter gauges, either.

So I’m back to using the Pro Steels and I’m settled in with those (hopefully from here on out…). Much happier with the B and E strings from those sets.

Just curious....

What would happen if you were to mix and match ProSteel B and E with the NYXL A-G? You say the NYXL's are longer-lasting, so you would end up having to replace only the B and the E more often than the rest.

I ask because my string experiments of late have included the idea of mix and matching the low B on my two Yamahas for better tonal balance, and I've had good success doing that.

 

[Geri O]

Just curious....

What would happen if you were to mix and match ProSteel B and E with the NYXL A-G? You say the NYXL's are longer-lasting, so you would end up having to replace only the B and the E more often than the rest.

I ask because my string experiments of late have included the idea of mix and matching the low B on my two Yamahas for better tonal balance, and I've had good success doing that.

Sounds like a good thing to try, no doubt!

I’m probably too lazy to deal with mixing and matching (yeah, that’s pretty damn lazy!….), but it’s certainly an interesting experiment. And despite my predisposition on mixing strings, I’d bet curious to see what others thought.

And I think, if I were more diligent about wiping down my strings after a gig and maybe even try a “string cleaner”, I might see longer life from the Pro Steels.

I’m getting 7-8 weeks a set from them now. But I ran one set of NYXLs for nearly 4 months before they were getting a little dull.

For my tastes in string tone, that’s remarkable.