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Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 19 2013, 11:53 AM

Hey guys. Just wanted to share my thoughts after some strings experiments. For some time I was searching for a trick to brighten some of my dark sounding alder body guitar. First of all I changed the pickups...Indeed single coils with alnico magnets (especially Alnico 5) do add some nice, not harsh treble. But it was a first step. Still though some treble is missing so decided to try stainless steel strings and...I have to admit they realy add some extra amount of treble. Also I can confirm 2 popular, ofen mentioned aspects of stainless steel strings - they do feel more raw while doing slides and they do have stronger electro-magnetic field - more output. So those two step helped me do "un-muddy" the guitar which was basicly fat and even too warm/dark sounding.


What are Your expiriences with Stainless Steel strings? I'll only add that usually I'm a traditional nickel wound user

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 19 2013, 12:05 PM

I don't think I have any experience with steel strings, but might be worth a go at some point to try it out. I came to think of this though from Dunlop:

Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 19 2013, 12:12 PM

Short comparisons like this are very good suggestions! Thanx for sharing Ben !

Posted by: Mertay Sep 19 2013, 12:21 PM

Been a steel user for sometime now, main reason to switch from nickel was longer lifetime and extra magnetism.

For ones who want to experiment I recommend fender steel strings. Compared to ernie ball which I used for a long time they have a much closer feel and sound to nickel.

Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 19 2013, 12:32 PM

QUOTE (Mertay @ Sep 19 2013, 11:21 AM)

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 19 2013, 01:05 PM

On the other end of the scale: chrome? Has anyone tried that?

Posted by: mad Sep 19 2013, 01:57 PM

I tried different sets and brands but finally use elixier nanoweb strings (steel). For my 7string I'm going to use ernie balls cobalt as a test when changing strings next time.. will see.

Never tried chrome though..

Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 19 2013, 10:44 PM

I have to test the cobalts...haven't done it yet

Posted by: Taka Perry Sep 19 2013, 11:03 PM

Does anyone else use Elixirs? They're coated strings, and I found that they last about 10 times longer and the price is only about 2 times a regular pack of Ernie Balls I've been using them for about 6 months and they are fantastic

Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 19 2013, 11:22 PM

QUOTE (Taka Perry @ Sep 19 2013, 10:03 PM)

Does anyone else use Elixirs? They're coated strings, and I found that they last about 10 times longer and the price is only about 2 times a regular pack of Ernie Balls I've been using them for about 6 months and they are fantastic