Why You Should Try Pure Nickel Strings

[Seadonkey]

great info man going to try out the dr blues tommorow!

[zoso777]

Originally Posted by gmacdonnell

"I think the Gibson pure nickels sound and feel very nice- but they're not as flexible as the DR, Thomastik, Snake Oil, etc. They also seemed to have a bit less sustain, and didn't last quite as long. Tonally though, they might be just perfect, depending on what you're looking for."

They use nice nickel and are very well made, (Gibson makes a great string,) but they use the modern "hex" core, instead of a round core. To my ear, that makes them somewhere between a set of nickel-plated and the pure nickel, round core. They bend easier and are warmer, but they aren't quite as flexible, and don't sustain as well, (though still very well.)

But they might be the perfect string for you- I know a lot of guys who swear by them, and they certainly sound nice on a Les Paul.

Very nice post! Thanks for your words! Yes,this should be sticky!

[derock85z]

tried a few sets of strings. elixir,dr,d'addario,fender,gibson,dean martin,ernie ball and the favorite brand i used to use is no longer around. They were called Eleca, they were great pure nickle string, nice warm sound with great sustain. for some reason the local shop that had them sadi they went out of business and no other company sells them....

and for that reason i use dr pure blues. i use a lot of vibrato and bends along with fast, hard picking at some points and all the types of dr's hold up even the colored strings. they have great sustain and a wonderful sound all along the fretboard. all my guitars have dr's and all the people i have turned on to dr now wont go back to there old brand. they are great for the price and the sound

[zoso777]

Originally Posted by gmacdonnell

Hi Fellas,

...
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.
---

Should I conclude that if I use 09´s EBall´s(SSlinky) would be the same as a 10´s or up pure nickel?

[rob999]

I tried DR Pure Blues on my 2 LPs a while back but my body chemistry does not agree with them....

They turned black after about a week, that is with about an hour of play per day and wiping them down before putting it away. This my be related to the fact that I can not wear anything with silver in it, same thing happens, it turns black within a week. Guess I'm odd...

[5F6-A]

[Extremerocker827]

Would nickels work on Les Pauls or would they be to muddy and too warm?

[5F6-A]

I love my nickels on my LP!! Unless you play extreme metal I'd say ...give them a go!

[SpinWheelz]

I just bought a bunch of D'Addario strings that have the wound G string - I've yet to try them - based on some advice I'd read about this as a means to address the G string that often goes out of tune. Any of these nickel strings have wound G strings?

That said, I'm trying a set of DR Blues strings upon the endorsements in this thread, wound G or not!

[gmacdonnell]

The DR Blues have an unwound 3rd (G) string. In general, most of those sets have an unwound 3rd unless they're .012 or higher on the 1st string.

Wound 3rd's don't go out of tune so much as you just have to readjust your intonation carefully- and it's important to take into that consideration how often you bend the 3rd string.

I used wound 3rd exclusively for a long time and loved them. It was only when I started playing more "pedal-steel" inspired bends and things, I really wanted that plain unwound 3rd.


And generally, Extremerocker827, pure nickels sound great on a Les Paul. I mean, that's generally speaking THE classic hard-rock/early metal or blues-rock tone we think of.


And zoso777, I'd say that most likely, with a set of pure-nickel strings, that yeah, a set of 10's would probably have the right feel if you're used to nickel-plated 9's.

You'll also probably find that it depends on whether the core is a hex shape or round too, as the round cores make it, (IMO) even easier to bend and vibrato.

For instance, the Gibson Vintage pure nickels, a 10 would probably feel just right.

With the Pure Blues, the 10's might be even easier than you're accustomed to, which ain't no bad thing, my friend!

[5F6-A]

I've just installed a fresh set of TE sliders in my Strat... wow!! What a sound!!

[zoso777]

Originally Posted by gmacdonnell

...
And zoso777, I'd say that most likely, with a set of pure-nickel strings, that yeah, a set of 10's would probably have the right feel if you're used to nickel-plated 9's.

You'll also probably find that it depends on whether the core is a hex shape or round too, as the round cores make it, (IMO) even easier to bend and vibrato.

For instance, the Gibson Vintage pure nickels, a 10 would probably feel just right.

With the Pure Blues, the 10's might be even easier than you're accustomed to, which ain't no bad thing, my friend!

Thank you so much my good man!

[GuitarnLax36]

i use the ernie ball regular slinkys will the pure nickels be better? Sure sounds like it lol

[Extremerocker827]

Thanks gmac! Those are most of the genres I go after, I especially like blues-rock.

[Horse]

Bro, thanks fro this thread, you describe EXACTLY the kind of tone i like, im a slowhand, and warm, swelling vibe is heaven to me, thanks dude, im gonna order me some!

Best

[5F6-A]

once again, something that I thought common knowledge is not as common as I thought. Pure nickel strings sound better for anything but extreme metal.
Period.

[Minneapolis Slim]

I came around to this line of thinking about a year ago and noticed my whole way of thinking about tone has changed. I found I used to be a treble junky but was always having problems getting "that tone" from any given rig without extensive tweaking.

What changed me were the GHS Santana Big Core strings, the first pure nickel strings I actually liked. Put a set on my LP VM Studio and it transformed the guitar. It became much warmer, more woody tone on solos and I wasn't tweaking the amp all the time. I backed off my treble settings on my amps and went with a more neutral EQ all around, basically just a little deviation one way or the other from straight up on the tone controls depending on the room. I'm in the zone now all the time!

I've pretty much converted to using pure nickel on all my guitars. I stayed with the GHS Santana strings, but recently put a set of TI Blues Sliders on my Strat. Very nice strings indeed! I was surprised to see the gold color on the unwound strings, they look kinda classy

It's pure nickel for me all the time now. BTW, my main genres are surf, rockabilly, '50s guitar music and classic rock. Perfect for every sound I need.

[wormburner]

I just took the Brite Wires off my Elitist LP and installed a set of DR nickel Pure Blues for the very first time. BUT.... I can't plug her in until my baby boy wakes up from his nap - IT'S KILLING ME!
I will report back.

[Es Paul]

Awesome! I thought I was the only one, a weirdo if you will, for using pure nickels. I feel at HOME! Gmac, this is great info. I installed a fresh set lastnight(EB's). It brings joy to my ears just listening to it dry. They accentuate the "honk". We did a 20 min. jam version of "D'yer Maker and the solo's were jumping out of the track! Creamy, oh so creamy! My buddy play a Schecter SH1 Hollow with Seymour duncans that sounds unreal.But, lastnight he couldn't get over the sound of my R9. I'm telling you, its the Pure Nickels!!!

[loverockkid]

Thanks alot gmacdonnell My next strings are going to be Pyramids thanks bud.

[wormburner]

Originally Posted by wormburner

I just took the Brite Wires off my Elitist LP and installed a set of DR nickel Pure Blues for the very first time. BUT.... I can't plug her in until my baby boy wakes up from his nap - IT'S KILLING ME!
I will report back.

The verdict:
The change to the pure nickel DRs was significant. Output increased overall. It's not just the highs that get enhanced, but the whole sound spectrum. The lows are deeper, more articulate, and it made the neck pickup less muddy. Most significantly, the strings push the mids harder, and that gave both pickups more of a PAF growl - VERY NICE vintage sound. I am now closer to the sound in my head.

Down side:
You may need to roll down the treble a touch to calm the highs. But that has the added benefit of enhancing the growl from the mids. Also, these strings have less overall tension than my Gibson Brite Wires, resulting in a very faint fret buzz. Barely noticable, but I may be able to get away with a jump up to 10s.

For the Elitist owners:
Somewhere in these forums, a Gibson dealer was quoted as saying the 50sr and 60st stock pickups are modeled after the Gibson 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus. I thought that was a load of crap until today. Those pickups love these pure nickel strings. I'm willing to bet any humbucker will love them.

Last word:
gmacdonnell - THANK YOU. Your recommendation was dead on !

[paulygates]

I tried Pyramids about 6 months ago as someone on a thread here recommended the warmth of the nickel and the round core. I did find they lacked a lot of brightness. I like a lot of gain but I not really a metal player. I like to back off the volume on the guitar to tame it.
I may try some more brands based on this thread.

[R9.]

For me, it's Alnico II = pure nickel strings, Alnico V = nickel wound strings.

A while back, I put Gibson Vintage Reissues on all my Gibsons and didn't like how my LP Custom, LP Standard, SG Standard & ES-335 sounded. One by one, I went back to Gibson Brite Wires and in each case I thought "that's better." I use VRs on my four reissues and they all sound great. I tried BWs on them and it worsened all four.

The only thing I could think of was the pickups. All the ones with Alnico IIs sound great with PNS, all the ones with Alnico Vs sound great with NWS. To my ears, the combo of Alnico II + NWS, or Alnico V + PNS contradict each other.

I think Gibson VRs are great strings. The only other pure nickel strings I've tried are Fender's PNS and they're also pretty good.

[zoso777]

Originally Posted by R9.

For me, it's Alnico II = pure nickel strings, Alnico V = nickel wound strings.

A while back, I put Gibson Vintage Reissues on all my Gibsons and didn't like how my LP Custom, LP Standard, SG Standard & ES-335 sounded. One by one, I went back to Gibson Brite Wires and in each case I thought "that's better." I use VRs on my four reissues and they all sound great. I tried BWs on them and it worsened all four.

The only thing I could think of was the pickups. All the ones with Alnico IIs sound great with PNS, all the ones with Alnico Vs sound great with NWS. To my ears, the combo of Alnico II + NWS, or Alnico V + PNS contradict each other.

I think Gibson VRs are great strings. The only other pure nickel strings I've tried are Fender's PNS and they're also pretty good.

Dear R9,after all, should I soothe my soul and hope for better tone? I ask because I´ve just ordered a set of Gibson VR for my R9 that has EBalls and I was afraid GVRS would not sound ok or even "buzz"

[gmacdonnell]

wormburner:

I'm happy i could be of help! i know how hard it is to get "That" sound we hear in our heads. And yeah, you could probably up the gauge a notch- that would most likely take care of any buzz and give you some more punch and tone as well.


paulygates:

I agree with you about the Pyramids. They're a very creamy sounding string, and it's not the best match for every guitar. That's why I posted a ew of my favorites, because if you like that sound, feel and quality, you can probably find the perfect tone in that bunch.

Maybe the DR's or the Snake Oil "Rock" string would be perfect.


R9:

Yeah, some guitars might need more bite than those Gibson Vintage Nickels can give. The DR's and Snake Oil "Rock" strings, and maybe a the Thomastik's might be a better match.

Gibson makes a great string, but I don't think they make the best pure nickel string, esp. for darker or creamier Gibson guitars, ironically enough...

Zoso777:

I wouldn't worry about it too much: finding the perfect string and gauge isn't something you can get right in one or two tries.

If you find they're too "loose" try a gauge up. And if you find the tone isn't exactly what you want, whether it's too dark or bright, post your findings here and 5F6-A, myself or one of the other guys should be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck, my friend!

[zoso777]

Originally Posted by gmacdonnell

wormburner:


Gibson makes a great string, but I don't think they make the best pure nickel string, esp. for darker or creamier Gibson guitars, ironically enough...

Zoso777:

I wouldn't worry about it too much: finding the perfect string and gauge isn't something you can get right in one or two tries.

If you find they're too "loose" try a gauge up. And if you find the tone isn't exactly what you want, whether it's too dark or bright, post your findings here and 5F6-A, myself or one of the other guys should be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck, my friend!

That´s fine my good man! I will let you know ASAP I get them.
Thank you!

[Horse]

ordered some DR Pure Blues, cant wait to try them!

[wormburner]

After spending 2 days with the DR True Blues (about 5 hours of play time), I wanted to compare them with the Gibson Vintage Reissues. I put the Gibsons on this evening, and I like 'em even more than the DRs. The Gibsons have the same benefits that I listed above for the DRs, but they have a little more tension to them. That firmer feel of the Gibson strings allowed for more accurate bends. I like my strings to fight back a little bit. And oddly ebough, that PAF growl was just as pronounced despite the fact the Gibson's are not round wound.
For sound quality and my playing style, I'm going to stick with the Vintage Reissues.

[5F6-A]

good for you!

[paulygates]

"paulygates:

I agree with you about the Pyramids. They're a very creamy sounding string, and it's not the best match for every guitar. That's why I posted a ew of my favorites, because if you like that sound, feel and quality, you can probably find the perfect tone in that bunch.

Maybe the DR's or the Snake Oil "Rock" string would be perfect."

Thanks gmac. I will order a set of each and see how I get on.

I was a D'addario man for years but I am into trying new things these days. I am using Fender 150Rs at the moment.