Author Topic: String Problem (Read 248 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** November 29, 2015, 05:17:47 PM »

I love the tone of the DR Pure Blues guitar strings. I've been using the 9-46 gauge. I only keep them on four 3-4 weeks before a complete change. What I've found with the last few sets are deep impressions on the underside of the wound strings at every fret level. They are most prominent on the D and become progressively less so on the A and E. I just bought a set of Ernie Ball pure nickel strings to see if the same thing happens. Has anyone experienced this with any other brands?

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2015, 06:19:35 PM »

Same thing happens with my TI Plectrums... I think the windings must be a softer alloy. Guessing all wound strings do this, but in varying degrees.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2015, 06:32:16 PM »

I haven't.I could see stainless steel or jescar frets making flat spots on soft nickel.
I used pure blues for a long time,but usually on run of the mill frets.

If your in an experimental mood, try some Curt Mangan strings.
Playing the mangan nickels for the first time was a nice little eureka moment for me.
(I've since found TI powerbrights and they are just stellar!)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2015, 04:38:01 AM »

I've noticed this on my guitar strings for years but just considered it normal wear and tear. These days I can't say so much as I play a lot less guitar generally and a lot fewer guitar gigs these days.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2015, 10:27:36 AM »

I've never experienced this. I used D'adarrios for years, then switched to GHS Boomers a few years ago. Now I'm using Optima Gold. Strings by Mail is having a sale right now. About $20 for the Golds and $17 for Gold MaxiFlex.

Bill, tgo

tom_z · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2015, 02:25:18 PM »

I've been using Pyramid Pure Nickel Hand Wound Electric Guitar Strings for the last ten years or so. They have a fairly long life (much longer than 3-4 weeks) and are more flexible than steel strings. That is, a set of 11-50 gauge plays as easily as 10-46. I use 11-50 or 12-54 on my guitars.

bigredbass · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2015, 11:24:14 PM »

Doc, it may be that the pure nickel wrap that they use on the Pure Blues is just that soft. Maybe a prescription (!) would be some sort of nickel/steel alloy ( . . . . as if there's a steel alloy that doesn't use some nickel . . . )
to stay in that neighborhood tone-wise. On the other hand, ease off that left-hand death grip ! !

Joey

jalevinemd · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2015, 08:40:35 AM »

Joey,

I think you're right about the pure nickel just being too soft. I just started experimenting with other brands to see if it's only the DR's. And FWIW, I think I do fret a bit too hard.