DR Dragon Skin Plus

[Jamieboy]

Tried a set of these as I saw they're relatively recently introduced and my low riders needed replacing. Figure I'd try something coated to see if they last much longer, which can only be a good thing, right.

 

Got the "quantum" nickle 45-100 set and fitted to a sandberg california tt4. As far as im concerned this is a great match. The bass is already pretty bright and clear but these seem to have tightened up the low end further and just sound great to my ears. Maybe not to everyone's taste, of course.

 

They did seem to have a bit of friction against the fingers to play straight out of the packet but after playing in for an hour or so it's either gone or I no longer notice it.

 

If they last well, then I've probably found a string I'll stick with. For now.

 

Wonder if anyone else has tried them and their thoughts.

[Robert Manning]

I also just got a few sets of these exact strings. 
 

normally use elixir nickel light or super light. 
 

found them to be quite expressive and responsive due to the round core (I think) compared to the elixirs 

 

using them on a p bass + and a jazz

 

if the different kind of coating works almost as good as the elixirs I may be a convert - but will have to live with a bit to see how long it takes for them to die. 
 

they’re on Amazon for £26 which is pretty cheap which gave me the nudge to try them - I just hope they stay that price ha!

[Jamieboy]

Yeah i agree. I've got elixirs on my pbass (which tbh I don't use often) and def find the dragon skin plus more flexible and responsive. More "bounce" If that is a thing?!?

 

26 quid sounds mega value, nice one. Think I paid 33 or so but that's still way less than elixirs and similar to low riders which are what I'd been using on my main bass previously. 

 

I'll try to remember to report back in a couple of months re how they're lasting. 

[funkle]

Interested to hear how all this turns out. I’ve just cottoned on to Elixir Stainless Steels and they sound and feel great. It’s got me looking at the Rotosound Nexus as well as the Dragonskins. 

[Supernaut]

Still give me finger burn after changing the formula. 

[Jamieboy]

So I've just taken off the dragon skin plus strings I put on in January. They lasted well for most of that time but did die off quite a bit over the last few weeks. That is home practice for 30-60 mins  probs 5 days a week with a rehearsal or gig every couple of weeks.  YMMV of course. Had hoped for a bit longer, but really great strings.

[Chienmortbb]

On 01/03/2025 at 12:19, funkle said:

Interested to hear how all this turns out. I’ve just cottoned on to Elixir Stainless Steels and they sound and feel great. It’s got me looking at the Rotosound Nexus as well as the Dragonskins. 

I love the Nexus and am surprised they are not shown more love. 

[brickers]

@Jamieboy how long would you say these last compared to something like dr hi beams? i usually use flats so don't have a clue how long rounds last. just got some hi beams, which i love the flexibility and sound of but still not sure of the zing and the texture. dragon skins look like they might be the fix!

[Jamieboy]

Hi @brickers

 

I've used DR low riders and Fat Beams, but not high beams, so can't make a direct comparison. Compared to those I'd say the dragon skin plus last longer but not dramatically so, like elixirs do. I much prefer the feel over elixirs though - but I guess that's an entirely personal thing.

[acidbass]

Recent convert to Dragon Skin also.  I use them both on 4 string J bass and 5 string multiscale Dingwall.  I believe they are coated Hi Beams.  Great string with plenty of bounce and life!

[funkle]

I’m getting a little tired of the higher tension of Elixir SS, even the lighter sets. I do like how smooth they feel though. 
 

Does anyone know if the Dragon Skin steels feel very grippy? I might try the quantum nickels if so…or maybe I’ll get round to the Rotosound Nexus sets I keep thinking about…

[fretmeister]

This thread is interesting to me.

 

I think I'd like to try some coated strings on my Pingray. I usually have a problem with nickel skin reaction, but this would let me have more choice.

 

I'm thinking about Elixir's but open to others.

 

On 05/03/2025 at 16:03, Supernaut said:

Still give me finger burn after changing the formula. 

 

Is this a reaction to DR's coating material?

 

On 20/07/2025 at 09:45, funkle said:

I’m getting a little tired of the higher tension of Elixir SS, even the lighter sets. I do like how smooth they feel though. 
 

Does anyone know if the Dragon Skin steels feel very grippy? I might try the quantum nickels if so…or maybe I’ll get round to the Rotosound Nexus sets I keep thinking about…

 

I want something smooth feeling as well. I've got flats on other basses so I want rounds on this bass but I do like to minimise string noise.

 

What coated strings have the lowest finger noise?

[Jamieboy]

Well, we're all different of course but I don't get any reaction or finger burn from the DRs. As I said originally there was a slight friction for the first hour or two but then nothing.

 

Speaking purely about smoothness/string noise, IMO Elixirs are the smoother/less noisy of the two, althoigh the DRs are smoother than their uncoated strings. However, also IMO I don't like the Elixir higher tension and lack of zing/chime compared to the dragon skin plus. All personal preference and I'd say both are good options depending on which details you prefer.

[funkle]

Good responses. I’m going to try these Dragon Skins out then. Though one thing I need to check - do they allow strings to ground properly at the bridge? (i.e. Is the coating conductive?)

[acidbass]

I would say that there is a little bit more grip than Elixirs, but not really noticeable.

[Supernaut]

1 hour ago, fretmeister said:

This thread is interesting to me.

 

I think I'd like to try some coated strings on my Pingray. I usually have a problem with nickel skin reaction, but this would let me have more choice.

 

I'm thinking about Elixir's but open to others.

 

 

Is this a reaction to DR's coating material?

 

 

I want something smooth feeling as well. I've got flats on other basses so I want rounds on this bass but I do like to minimise string noise.

 

What coated strings have the lowest finger noise?

Not a reaction. I have no allergies. Their coating is just really rough when doing slides. 

[fretmeister]

Thank you.

 

I will flip a coin as to which to try first then!

[Supernaut]

I really like D'Addario XTs when going down the coated route. 

[Jamieboy]

5 hours ago, funkle said:

Good responses. I’m going to try these Dragon Skins out then. Though one thing I need to check - do they allow strings to ground properly at the bridge? (i.e. Is the coating conductive?)

Never had any grounding issues that I've been aware of, on any coated string. Is that really a thing? 

[funkle]

27 minutes ago, Jamieboy said:

Never had any grounding issues that I've been aware of, on any coated string. Is that really a thing? 

Yes, it is. I have had an issue on my Precision with it. Turns out my Precision doesn’t have pickup polepieces that are grounded. So, if I don’t have a good path to ground (e.g. because the strings are coated in non-conductive material), I get a ton of noise touching the polepieces. Like when Elixirs are installed. 

Edited 10 minutes ago by funkle