Why You Should Try Pure Nickel Strings

[Goostah]

I just recently swapped over to DR Pure Blues (from EB Regular Slinkies) after following this thread. Strat and a Les Paul.

First impressions, tone was very middle of the road, not too bright or trebbly, not too dull or mellow. Even when I look at them strung up I get no placebo unlike say for new EB's which screams bright.

DR's felt very easy on the fingers. Bends are like butter but I'm putting in a little more into hammer ons.

Love the way DRs come to tune very quickly and don't need stretching. With the EB's, after installing the strings I'm spending another 15-20 minutes going through an intense stretching routine before they hold tune. The DRs required no stretching, just a few minutes of noodling. Also EB's settle into their current tuning which means a tuning change involves, tuning to a new tuning, strumming vigorously, retuning to new tuning , repeating this 3 or 4 times. DRs on the other hand are very quick to change tunings and pretty much stay bang on after one go at the new tuning.

Now the downside of DRs, and it's a big one for me - intonation. I did the 90 degree kink for the DR wound strings before installing and my Strat has run out of saddle movement on the E and A strings. I've never had this problem before. Also, clearly the inner core is moving within the wound as the saddle adjustments I'm making aren't correlating with how I would have expected the intonation to change.

I really like DRs for the feel and the middle of the road tone. I have another set that I'll put on soon and just hope that I got bum set. But somehow, reading the comments it seems like DR has some consistency problems.

[Xavier_32]

Originally Posted by Goostah

I really like DRs for the feel and the middle of the road tone. I have another set that I'll put on soon and just hope that I got bum set. But somehow, reading the comments it seems like DR has some consistency problems.

Pure blues definitely have consistency problems. It's just not rampant. I'd say that in my experience, one out of every 5-6 sets has one wound string that I just can't intonate, or that buzzes against the fretboard no matter what I do. I'm pretty sure it's because the wrap slips from the core.

That being said, they still sound great.

[Bionic Muffins]

official convert here. i just had to change my amp setting a little bit (turn up treble) as to keep the neck humbucker from being too muddy, but yet the bridge pickup is not too harsh because of the eq change thanks to the nickel strings.

i was running the bass at 7 treb and mids at 5.5 now im running it more like bass 6, mids 5, treb 7.

[TerribleRacket]

Does anyone know if the DR Pure Blues .12s have a plain or wound G? Neither their packaging nor website indicate a (p) or a (w), but the .24 weight looks promising.

Thanks for your help.

[Lampens]

I just swapped some dr pure blues on my lp. Things I noticed. They feel slinkier then ernie balls, same size though 10-46. They don't have that nasty new string zing ringing against the frets, or not nearly as much as the EB's. Intonation is perfect. I didn't have to stretch as much. Hardly any stretching to keep it stable tuning wise. Don't know if they sustain more or sound clearer, because putting on new strings always has that effect. Now I'll have to see how they'll hold up. Not disappointed anyway for now.

[ducblancpale]

Just got my pyramids....is there any special method to install pure nickel strings?

[colchar]

Originally Posted by ducblancpale

Just got my pyramids....is there any special method to install pure nickel strings?

The only thing I was told was not to stretch them the way you would with normal strings. Give them a bit of a stretch after you first tune them up, retune them, and let them stretch when being played.

[Dolebludger]

I don't know if pyramids have round cores on the wound strings or not. But if they do (like DR PBs) it is extra important kink the strings with needle nose pliers about 1 1/2" out from the tuner shaft before winding. The first wind should have the string passing over the portion in the tuner shaft hole, and subsequent winds should be below. Failure to follow this procedure may result in intonation problems due to slippage of the wrapping wire. But this has more to do with the core than the material of the windings. So if pyramids (never used them) have a hex core, this might not be as necessary.

[ducblancpale]

Originally Posted by Dolebludger

The first wind should have the string passing over the portion in the tuner shaft hole, and subsequent winds should be below.

The pyramids do have a round core. I understand the part about kinking the strings but can you please clarify what you meant by the above? Especially the part about the first wind

[SJS Rocks]

I moved over to Pure Nickel strings years ago. For a long time I was using Ernie Ball 2221 Slinky Nickel's. Then I went to Tomastik-Infield Blue Sliders for a few years. Then I was turned on to DR Pure Blues. For the money and long life you can't go wrong with DR Pure Blues. I think I will stay with them for a while.

[Dolebludger]

In more complete answer to the string installation question above, the wound string should be kinked with pliers about 1 1/2" from the tuner post, when the string is installed straight from TP to tuner post. Then the kink should be positioned right before the string goes through the tuner post hole on its way to the TP. Then, as you turn the tuning key to wrap the strings around the tuner post, the first wrap of the strings around the post should be above the kinked string that is in the tuner post hole. Subsequent wraps of the string should be below or under the kinked string on the post.

[Rich]

Just wondering...

Those of you who have recently converted to pure nickel strings, how often do you change your strings? I don't doubt that you might prefer nickel strings over steel or some sort of hybrid, but I am wondering if some of this new found love might be at least in part due to just putting a fresh set of strings on your guitar.

No trolling intended, I'm genuinely curious.

[Dolebludger]

Good point and question about the longevity of pure nickel wrapped strings. This is a very long thread, and you could look at the original post for your answer. I (like the OP) think they last much longer. My changes depend on how many hours I have played the guitar involved. On a guitar I play an average of 2 to 3 hours per day, they last at least 2 to 3 months for me, before I can hear any tone deterioration.

[Rich]

I'm not questioning how long nickel strings last or that they might last longer than steel strings, I'm just wondering if some folks who are recent converts generally change their strings fairly frequently or only after the strings become dull sounding. On guitars I play at band rehearsal (3 1/2 hours per week, plus a few hours at home), I change strings every three to four weeks (roughly 12- 20 hours of play time) and I try to wash my hands before playing and wipe down the strings after rehearsal (not so sweaty at home).

What I'm wondering is if some folks might be loving the sound of a new set of strings regardless of what the strings are made of.

[Rich]

And for clarity, I know there is a difference in sound between steel and nickel strings but I don't believe one is better or worse, they're just different. Personally, I use nickel wound strings because I like a more cutting sound but not as bright as all steel.

[Raz59]

I just bought a set of these...mainly because it was 3 bucks cheaper than a set of Ernie Ball's regulars. Wish me luck guys.

[Dolebludger]

Generally, as mentioned early in this very long, old thread, all strings from the 60s and earlier were pure nickel wrapped. So that's what all of us old guys used when we were in our early years with the guitar. The manufacturers changed to nickel plated steel in a cost cutting effort. I've found that the nickel plated ones start out too bright and "zingy" and then are "broken in" -- and all too quickly go dull. Nickel wrapped, on the other hand, start off with that good broken in tone and stay that way about twice as long as nickel plated wrap.

[TerribleRacket]

Originally Posted by RichCI

And for clarity, I know there is a difference in sound between steel and nickel strings but I don't believe one is better or worse, they're just different. Personally, I use nickel wound strings because I like a more cutting sound but not as bright as all steel.

Rich, I have two Heritage 535s. One will get the last of my normal D'Addarios, one will get a set of DRs (fingers crossed that I get a wound G in the DRs) when the package arrives.

I'll report back.

[Goostah]

Originally Posted by RichCI

I'm not questioning how long nickel strings last or that they might last longer than steel strings, I'm just wondering if some folks who are recent converts generally change their strings fairly frequently or only after the strings become dull sounding. On guitars I play at band rehearsal (3 1/2 hours per week, plus a few hours at home), I change strings every three to four weeks (roughly 12- 20 hours of play time) and I try to wash my hands before playing and wipe down the strings after rehearsal (not so sweaty at home).

What I'm wondering is if some folks might be loving the sound of a new set of strings regardless of what the strings are made of.

When I was using EB Regular Slinkies I used to change strings roughly every 3 weeks, playing on average 2 hours a day. Even though I'm a habitual hand washer, the EB's got ratty pretty quickly and started to loose their sparkle within a week. When I moved to DR Blues from EB Regular Slinkies I was conscious of the new string effect and was more interested in how the brand new DRs compared to brand new EBs. To me the DRs felt nicer and softer on the fingers and the tone sounded middle of the road i.e. as expected, not too spanky bright, not too dark. They have remained this way for the 2 months I have had them on. So yeah, my comments are based on a like for like, new against new comparison.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by TerribleRacket

Rich, I have two Heritage 535s. One will get the last of my normal D'Addarios, one will get a set of DRs (fingers crossed that I get a wound G in the DRs) when the package arrives.

I'll report back.

Very cool! I'm looking forward to learning what you experience.

For the record, after I run out of my current supply of WebStrings (which is around 20 sets at the moment, I intend to try a few sets of the DR strings. If for no other reason, gmacdonnell's cost analysis in the original post makes a lot of sense, as long as I like the way the strings sound.

[homenote]

Seeking your advice,

pyramids Gold vs Classics. What is the tonal differences (flat wound vs the norm) My guitar is slightly on the brighter side with the EB 10s I am currently using. I play mainly blues/blues rock. It is a Max les Paul so I believe all or most of any tonal issues have been addressed. No
complaints just a never ending search for "that tone" in my head.(it's pretty close though)

Thanking u in advance,

[Dolebludger]

Well flat wounds tend to have a more mellow wound with a softer attack. When I was playing back in the early 60's a lot of players used them. I never tried them for this, but I'll bet they'd be great for jazz.

But if you want some round wound PN strings with round cores that sound great and intonate well and won't "break the bank', give Dean Markley Hendrix PN strings a try. I get them in my area for $6 per set. I had some D string intonation problems with Dr Pure Blues, so I switched to these DM strings, with no such problems at all. And, at least, they come close to the "tone in MY head".

[TeleMA50C]

Originally Posted by Jason

Weird. I tried a set of DR pure nickels a number of years ago and found them to be waaaay too bright. Sounded very thin and tinny to my ear.

I had the same experience. I have personally found the Ernie Ball Pure Nickels to be fantastic. To me, there's just something about an Ernie Ball set that says, "LET'S GO ROCK!"

[93foxbody]

Read the entire thread. I've been using 10-46 Gibson Humbucker strings on my 04 epi classsic. I like the sound initially but they seem to dull very quickly. And are hard to tune after about 3 hours of playing. I'm gonna order some DR Blues tonight. I'm looking for that full bluesy/classic sound with the added benefit of a long tune. Great thread gang.

[screamingdaisy]

I like GHS Nickel Rockers. I've tried various brands - including Snake Oil Strings - and truthfully I like the GHS better, even if they're technically less "vintage authentic" than round core strings.

I haven't tried the DRs yet, but I will after reading this thread.

[dubcut]

I like the DR pure nickels, PureBlues(SAME string!) and have them on a squier, my Gibby doublecut, and a fender Heartfield. Love them. super super sound.

QUESTION!!!

I had to drastically alter for intonation all of the guitars the DR's went on. Has anyone else had this problem?

And if left unplayed, guitar in a case, the string became unintoned. ??? What?

I know it can happen a little, but I am talking to the tune of my BRIDGE had to come apart and flip the saddle under two strings to intone strings on initial setup. Then second was the Fender, adjustments spanned the MAX RANGE of the bridge - and still around 3 cents untoned. ANyone else?

Been using for a while, seems like every set does this....

[peterp]

Originally Posted by dubcut

I like the DR pure nickels, PureBlues(SAME string!) and have them on a squier, my Gibby doublecut, and a fender Heartfield. Love them. super super sound.

QUESTION!!!

I had to drastically alter for intonation all of the guitars the DR's went on. Has anyone else had this problem?

And if left unplayed, guitar in a case, the string became unintoned. ??? What?

I know it can happen a little, but I am talking to the tune of my BRIDGE had to come apart and flip the saddle under two strings to intone strings on initial setup. Then second was the Fender, adjustments spanned the MAX RANGE of the bridge - and still around 3 cents untoned. ANyone else?

Been using for a while, seems like every set does this....

See post #285 for comments on how to string to there isn't slippage in round core strings.

I'm curious how best to string round core/pure nickel string on locking tuners. Is it ok to have a short wrap since the tuner is locking on the string or is it better to use a few wraps even though it is locked?

[armycopter]

On the recommendations of players in this thread, I purchased and installed a set of the DR Pure Blues (10's) on my LP today. These strings replaced the original gibson strings that came with on my guitar.

First impression is that these strings are much brighter than the OEM gibson ones. I'm not sure what strings come on a new LP these days but the DR's are definitely brighter. I had to adjust my tone knobs quite a bit from what I had been using in my setup. The jury is still out whether I like them or not. I think my intonation is out (haven't checked it, just tuned up and started playing) so I'll need to check and adjust it. The intonation was spot-on with the original strings.

I'll play these for a while and see if I end up purchasing them again.

I will say that they bend a whole lot easier than the original strings and they feel nicer (IMO).

[Eigen]

Originally Posted by armycopter

On the recommendations of players in this thread, I purchased and installed a set of the DR Pure Blues (10's) on my LP today. These strings replaced the original gibson strings that came with on my guitar.

First impression is that these strings are much brighter than the OEM gibson ones. I'm not sure what strings come on a new LP these days but the DR's are definitely brighter. I had to adjust my tone knobs quite a bit from what I had been using in my setup. The jury is still out whether I like them or not. I think my intonation is out (haven't checked it, just tuned up and started playing) so I'll need to check and adjust it. The intonation was spot-on with the original strings.

I'll play these for a while and see if I end up purchasing them again.

I will say that they bend a whole lot easier than the original strings and they feel nicer (IMO).

This goes against my experience with round core pure nickel.

To be honest it is most likely that the original strings were way past being due for a string change and had gone dull.

[armycopter]

I put a few hours of playing on the strings last night. I still contend that they are brighter than the original gibson strings but they do sound really nice.

I set the intonation (the top E string was the furthest out and took quite a bit of saddle adjustment to get it right) and then experimented with everything from clean to hard distortion. They have great clarity, and individual notes are heard when chords are played even on high gain settings.

Overall, I like the strings and will probably try other nickel brands. Up until now I've always used steel.