Phil
New member
I found this to be a good and interesting read, so just want to share it here.
He claims that his DR Blues .12 have the same feel as his D'addario .10. Now that's something else, I'd buy a pack just to experiment with this claim.
Quoted from the Les Paul forum.
Original link is HERE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
"Hi Fellas,
I was writing a reply to the "Best Strings" thread, but it was gettin' long, and I thought maybe would help some other folks out if I posted it on its own.
I'm sure a lot of guys know this stuff, but for the ones who maybe don't, here goes.
I'm a working player, and my only real pastime is pickin', (fishing's fun if i got a guitar!) I'm not a gear snob, I'll use whatever works, but I try to get the best sound and setup I can, cause I take pride in my work and music.
If you haven't ever tried some high-quality 100% nickel strings, give them a shot. Ever since I bought a set of Pyramid Strings when the shop was out of everything else, I've realized strings matter even MORE than I thought, (which was a lot!)
Best Pure Nickel Strings:
Iif you're looking for warm, sweet or "vintage" sounds, or if bending and vibrato is a key part of your style, some Pure (100%) Nickel strings are the way to go.
But after testing with friends and other players, I've found not all nickel sounds the same. I've heard many times that Nickel from Europe is the highest quality available, and though I hope the US catches up, for the time being the best Pure Nickel strings I've found are:
*Pyramid ($10-12)
*Thomastik BeBop or Blues Sliders ($12-18)
*Snake Oil ($8.50)
and
*DR Pure Blues are exceptional, and are less expensive ($6) and much easier to find than the ones above.
All these strings, in addition to being 100% Nickel, have a Round Core.
(I don't mean Round-Wound, I used to confuse the two!) This is how strings were made back in the day, and it definitely adds to the sustain, elasticity, and durability of the string. I feel it adds a bit more snap and punch too, which is nice in combination with the warmth of Nickel.
(Modern strings use a hexagonal shape, which uneven distributes pressure on the windings, and doesn't vibrate in as pure of a elliptical motion.)
I won't say any of these brands is flat-out superior to the others. As always, there isn't a "best."
But you might prefer one over the other.
Here's my reasoning behind using these high-quality strings, and should pretty much apply to any 100% High-Grade Nickel and Round Core strings you find.
Tone:
Pure Nickel, round-core strings are noticeably warmer in tone. They usually have a softer attack, but sort of "swell" up after you pick the string. They tend to be much more dynamic and responsive to changes in left or right-hand technique. I've generally found them to be very versatile, because they let you use settings that would be too harsh, (lot's of treble on the bridge pickup,) or too muddy, (warm, distorted neck pickup with tone rolled-off,) with other strings.
Just as importantly, whether or not it has to do with the Nickel itself, the fact that you're getting a premium string with top-grade materials means that you'll have much more accurate intonation, especially on chords higher up the neck. Pure Nickel strings make the individual notes in chords stand out clearly, but they always sound harmonious and cohesive.
---
Feel:
These kinds of strings have a slightly warmer (literally), smoother feel. It just feels a bit more natural, (just the opposite of coated strings, IMO.)
They are MUCH more flexible, which = more sustain and easier bends. This is so apparent that usually you can go up 1 or 2 gauges and have the same feel, but with more volume, clarity and tone.
For Example: Compared to D'addario 10's, (D'addario's are very high-tension,) I can perform the same bends with the same effort on a set of DR Pure Blues 12's.
But since they sustain much better than steel/nickel strings of the same gauge, as you increase string size, you'll get all the benefits while keeping your sustain.
---
Durability:
100% Nickel also lasts much longer than part nickel or steel strings. Their durability is almost akin to coated strings like Elixir's, but they don't have that "coated" feel. Their elasticity, and round core also means you'll break less strings. Since I've made the pure Nickel switch, I've only broken 2 high E's in 5 years.
Example: If I'm gigging 6 nights a week, and playing 10+ hours a day (gigs, practice, rehearsal, lessons,) a set of Pyramids last me at least 2 weeks, usually 3, before they're noticeably, (but not much) less bright. (DR, Thomastik and Snake Oil last similarly long.) My hands don't sweat much and I always rub down my guitar and strings after playing. Even if I'm just noodling.
---
Cost:
Before using 100% nickel I was changing strings every other day, which I couldn't really afford. I would have changed them every day if I could've. The tone just faded away and the intonation got noticeably worse. I bought D'addario's in bulk, for $3.50 a pack. I eventually switched to Webstrings.com (similar to D'addario's) and paid about $2.50 a pack.
I even tried a bunch of coated strings, but I kept breaking the the Elixirs and Cleartones, and really don't like the feel, even of the DR coated set.
I also felt they dulled the tone a bit. So I never used them long-term.
So based on the prices I paid here's some figures.
Average One-Month String Costs:
*D'Addario's: 15 x 3.50= $52.50
*Webstrings: 15 x 2.50= $37.50
*Thomastik Blues Sliders: 2 x 12= $24.00
*Thomastik BeBop: 2 x 16= $32.00
*Pyramid: 2 x 10= $20.00
*Snake Oil: 2 x 8.50= $17.00
*DR Pure Blues: 2 x 6= $12.00
Obviously, the pure Nickel, round-core strings are the least expensive, especially the DR Blues set. So, I've actually saved money by using pricier strings, (same lesson I've had to learn with guitars and cars!) Even if you don't play as often, or don't change strings that much, you'll probably find they you won't be spending as much money or time on your strings, giving you more time to play your guitar!
---
Conclusion
Just buy a set already!
Seriously though, I hope this was helpful. It took a lot more time than I'd thought. But if it helps some guys out, it's worth it. I've got to get back to recording, but I'll pop back later when I get a break, in case there are any questions.
BTW, for further reading, there's are good GP article here: Pure Nickel Strings
Anyway, good luck, God Bless, keep on smiling and keep on pickin'.
Gabe"
He claims that his DR Blues .12 have the same feel as his D'addario .10. Now that's something else, I'd buy a pack just to experiment with this claim.
Quoted from the Les Paul forum.
Original link is HERE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
"Hi Fellas,
I was writing a reply to the "Best Strings" thread, but it was gettin' long, and I thought maybe would help some other folks out if I posted it on its own.
I'm sure a lot of guys know this stuff, but for the ones who maybe don't, here goes.
I'm a working player, and my only real pastime is pickin', (fishing's fun if i got a guitar!) I'm not a gear snob, I'll use whatever works, but I try to get the best sound and setup I can, cause I take pride in my work and music.
If you haven't ever tried some high-quality 100% nickel strings, give them a shot. Ever since I bought a set of Pyramid Strings when the shop was out of everything else, I've realized strings matter even MORE than I thought, (which was a lot!)
Best Pure Nickel Strings:
Iif you're looking for warm, sweet or "vintage" sounds, or if bending and vibrato is a key part of your style, some Pure (100%) Nickel strings are the way to go.
But after testing with friends and other players, I've found not all nickel sounds the same. I've heard many times that Nickel from Europe is the highest quality available, and though I hope the US catches up, for the time being the best Pure Nickel strings I've found are:
*Pyramid ($10-12)
*Thomastik BeBop or Blues Sliders ($12-18)
*Snake Oil ($8.50)
and
*DR Pure Blues are exceptional, and are less expensive ($6) and much easier to find than the ones above.
All these strings, in addition to being 100% Nickel, have a Round Core.
(I don't mean Round-Wound, I used to confuse the two!) This is how strings were made back in the day, and it definitely adds to the sustain, elasticity, and durability of the string. I feel it adds a bit more snap and punch too, which is nice in combination with the warmth of Nickel.
(Modern strings use a hexagonal shape, which uneven distributes pressure on the windings, and doesn't vibrate in as pure of a elliptical motion.)
I won't say any of these brands is flat-out superior to the others. As always, there isn't a "best."
But you might prefer one over the other.
Here's my reasoning behind using these high-quality strings, and should pretty much apply to any 100% High-Grade Nickel and Round Core strings you find.
Tone:
Pure Nickel, round-core strings are noticeably warmer in tone. They usually have a softer attack, but sort of "swell" up after you pick the string. They tend to be much more dynamic and responsive to changes in left or right-hand technique. I've generally found them to be very versatile, because they let you use settings that would be too harsh, (lot's of treble on the bridge pickup,) or too muddy, (warm, distorted neck pickup with tone rolled-off,) with other strings.
Just as importantly, whether or not it has to do with the Nickel itself, the fact that you're getting a premium string with top-grade materials means that you'll have much more accurate intonation, especially on chords higher up the neck. Pure Nickel strings make the individual notes in chords stand out clearly, but they always sound harmonious and cohesive.
---
Feel:
These kinds of strings have a slightly warmer (literally), smoother feel. It just feels a bit more natural, (just the opposite of coated strings, IMO.)
They are MUCH more flexible, which = more sustain and easier bends. This is so apparent that usually you can go up 1 or 2 gauges and have the same feel, but with more volume, clarity and tone.
For Example: Compared to D'addario 10's, (D'addario's are very high-tension,) I can perform the same bends with the same effort on a set of DR Pure Blues 12's.
But since they sustain much better than steel/nickel strings of the same gauge, as you increase string size, you'll get all the benefits while keeping your sustain.
---
Durability:
100% Nickel also lasts much longer than part nickel or steel strings. Their durability is almost akin to coated strings like Elixir's, but they don't have that "coated" feel. Their elasticity, and round core also means you'll break less strings. Since I've made the pure Nickel switch, I've only broken 2 high E's in 5 years.
Example: If I'm gigging 6 nights a week, and playing 10+ hours a day (gigs, practice, rehearsal, lessons,) a set of Pyramids last me at least 2 weeks, usually 3, before they're noticeably, (but not much) less bright. (DR, Thomastik and Snake Oil last similarly long.) My hands don't sweat much and I always rub down my guitar and strings after playing. Even if I'm just noodling.
---
Cost:
Before using 100% nickel I was changing strings every other day, which I couldn't really afford. I would have changed them every day if I could've. The tone just faded away and the intonation got noticeably worse. I bought D'addario's in bulk, for $3.50 a pack. I eventually switched to Webstrings.com (similar to D'addario's) and paid about $2.50 a pack.
I even tried a bunch of coated strings, but I kept breaking the the Elixirs and Cleartones, and really don't like the feel, even of the DR coated set.
I also felt they dulled the tone a bit. So I never used them long-term.
So based on the prices I paid here's some figures.
Average One-Month String Costs:
*D'Addario's: 15 x 3.50= $52.50
*Webstrings: 15 x 2.50= $37.50
*Thomastik Blues Sliders: 2 x 12= $24.00
*Thomastik BeBop: 2 x 16= $32.00
*Pyramid: 2 x 10= $20.00
*Snake Oil: 2 x 8.50= $17.00
*DR Pure Blues: 2 x 6= $12.00
Obviously, the pure Nickel, round-core strings are the least expensive, especially the DR Blues set. So, I've actually saved money by using pricier strings, (same lesson I've had to learn with guitars and cars!) Even if you don't play as often, or don't change strings that much, you'll probably find they you won't be spending as much money or time on your strings, giving you more time to play your guitar!
---
Conclusion
Just buy a set already!
Seriously though, I hope this was helpful. It took a lot more time than I'd thought. But if it helps some guys out, it's worth it. I've got to get back to recording, but I'll pop back later when I get a break, in case there are any questions.
BTW, for further reading, there's are good GP article here: Pure Nickel Strings
Anyway, good luck, God Bless, keep on smiling and keep on pickin'.
Gabe"
Last edited:
