D'addario Pure Nickel Strings

**DRS** · 07-17-2016, 12:35 PM

I tried a set of 11-48s on my Epi Es 339 and really like them. I get that classic soft but not muffled Grant Green tone. They are round wounds but I don't notice a lot of finger noise. They have a nice soft feel that is working with my middle aged fingers, too. I actually like them more than my TI Swing 11s because the output is higher and they work with the Epi pickups better. And at 1/4 the price, this makes me happy, too.
Try a set.

**jazz.fred** · 07-17-2016, 01:04 PM

I've been using the D'A EPN115 (11-48) set for over a year and like them for the same reasons.

On my semi-hollow Epi Sheraton I have been using the D'A EXL 115w (11-49 wound 3rd) set for more than 10 years and like them a great deal. They play and sound great on a semi-hollow.

**Doctor Jeff** · 07-17-2016, 01:10 PM

I have D'Addario Pure Nickels on 2 guitars, a Godin 5th Avenue with a floater, and a Tele. They sound great on both guitars--a little brighter and more "defined" than flats, yet still kind of mellow. I like to think of it as a vintage tone. Grant Green sounds like a good way to describe them. I think they're 12's--Jazz Lights--but to be honest I'm not sure.

I have tried quite a few strings on many guitars, and I do prefer flats on my electric archtops, but for a few guitars it's nice to have a different sound.

**Fidelcaster** · 07-17-2016, 01:40 PM

I presently have EPN115s on my solidbody. The difference in tone and output between the nickel-woundand the plain steel strings is too stark for me.

**Cunamara** · 07-17-2016, 06:43 PM

I've had the 12s on some of my guitars and just not the sound I am looking for. I was initially pretty excited but somehow I couldn't make them work for me in the combo setting. Oh, well, that is the way it goes.

**neatomic** · 07-17-2016, 06:56 PM

pure nickel strings are basically the sound of the 50's and 60's...(gibby had monel-which is nickel related)

nickel plated steel and stainless steel strings didn't really happen until 1970's and 80's...before that, it was pure nickel paradise

the d'addario are pure nickel roundwounds on a hex core..the thomastik swings of course are double wrapped pure nickel flats with a thin (low tension) round core..that would account for any difference in output

cheers

**entresz** · 07-17-2016, 07:21 PM

John Pearse "archtop" sets are pure nickel roundwounds, and I believe they have a round core. They're really nice strings and inexpensive too.

**SamBooka** · 07-17-2016, 08:57 PM

Is theresuch thing as a pure nickel flats?

**neatomic** · 07-17-2016, 09:02 PM

yeah!! european made only...thomastiks and pyramid are pure nickels

thomastik has low tension swing and george benson flats

uk rotosound has single set of monel (nickel derivative) flats-12-54

all usa flats are stainless steel...boo!

cheers

ps- listen to joe D's latest vid...for prime pure nickel flats thomastik tone

**jazz.fred** · 07-17-2016, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by entresz

John Pearse "archtop" sets are pure nickel roundwounds, and I believe they have a round core. They're really nice strings and inexpensive too.

I would like to try a set. Do they make an 11 set?

**neatomic** · 07-17-2016, 09:17 PM

a really nice vintage style pure nickel string..that is readily available..and can be had for cheap...guit center stocks'em..often on sale

dr pure blues...a pure nickel roundwound on a vintage style round core...made by the kid of the old 50's guild guitars maestro - alfred dronge...hence "dr"

cheers

**entresz** · 07-17-2016, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by jazz.fred

I would like to try a set. Do they make an 11 set?

Yes they do - I use that set on my Telecaster.

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-17-2016, 10:39 PM

I recently change the strings on one of my vintage Guild archtops, from Pyramid 12-54 pure nickel to D'A EPN 21, to see if I like them better... Nope, I didn't. To my ears, and by feel, Pyramid pure nickel rounds are the best strings so far. My only complaints sometime they'd have dead strings in the pack, I think it was always the 6th, and if I put the same gauge from Ernie Ball ( which I have as a backup), the tension would change.

**Moonray** · 07-18-2016, 01:10 AM

Two options which haven't been mentioned here are RotoSound "Rotos"
and Jim Dunlop Nickel Wounds [Dunlop makes a pure nickel wound too but I haven't tried them]

My experience with both the Rotos and the Dunlop nickel wound are noticeably warmer than their
D'A counterparts.

I've used them for the last few years on a very light ash body Mike Stern model Pacifica.
That guitar can sound a bit too bright with D'A's but sings beautifully with the Dunlop Nickel Wounds.
[can't vouch for the pure nickel]

The Dunlops come in a range of gauges from 9's up to 13's.
Can't recommend them too highly.

Roto's likewise, but they may be a little harder to obtain.

Try - See .......as our late favorite fruiterer used to say.

**Thumpalumpacus** · 07-18-2016, 03:44 AM

I've always strung my Strats with GHS Nickel Rockers, seems to "round out" the tone a bit -- less trebly.

**marcwhy** · 07-18-2016, 07:43 AM

I've enjoyed ELECTRIC GUITAR - Electric Guitar Pure Nickel Sets - Curt Mangan Fusion Matched Guitar Strings

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-18-2016, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by marcwhy

I've enjoyed ELECTRIC GUITAR - Electric Guitar Pure Nickel Sets - Curt Mangan Fusion Matched Guitar Strings

That looks interesting, thanks!

**jazzbow** · 07-18-2016, 04:05 PM

I love the pure nickels. Currently have 12's on me Tele and 11's on a P90 Yamaha.

I had plated nickel on the Tele and boy were they harsh. Took them off after a week and went back to the Pures.

I also have some Fender pure nickels lying around, they're good too.

**Fidelcaster** · 09-11-2016, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Fidelcaster

I presently have EPN115s on my solidbody. The difference in tone and output between the nickel-woundand the plain steel strings is too stark for me.

Just switched to Pyramid Nickel Classic. They sound so much better to my ears, and are much better balanced!

**Sean65** · 09-13-2016, 04:24 AM

Pyramid Classics, to my ears, have a slightly brighter tone than the Max Peformance. Both are great strings, Classics have a round core and Max have a hex core.

Keep in mind with pure nickel strings that the circle of vibration is generally greater so if you have a low action you might need to nudge it up a tad to avoid string buzz.

**jazzgtrl4** · 12-24-2018, 07:48 PM

just put a set on my VB. Before i have been using the Daddario nickle plated..It seems there is something wrong with the wound G string..Makes this weird over tone, buzzy sound. None of the other wond strings have it..Luckily i had a set of Sadowskys that i hadn't used and it had a pure nickel wound G,( i know Daddario makes them for Sadowsky) anyway that seems to have fixed it. Bad sting obviously. Anyone else have this problem?? btw these have been sitting in a box for over a year i believe, finally decided to try them.

**sgosnell** · 12-24-2018, 08:55 PM

It's possible that the diameter is different from what you've been using, and it might be vibrating in the nut slot or bridge slot, which is either too wide or too narrow. Also could be a bad string, but it's not possible to diagnose from long distance.

**jazzgtrl4** · 12-24-2018, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by sgosnell

It's possible that the diameter is different from what you've been using, and it might be vibrating in the nut slot or bridge slot, which is either too wide or too narrow. Also could be a bad string, but it's not possible to diagnose from long distance.

Hi thanks, ok i took a look at the gauges, i was wrong. here are the differences

the ones i have been using for couple years: EJ21 12,16,24w,32,42,52

i just put on: EPN21 12,16,23w,31,41,51

I thought they were the same gauge. Doesnt seem like it should effect it too much? but maybe so!!.

**sgosnell** · 12-24-2018, 10:18 PM

No, a thousandth smaller shouldn't be a big problem, unless the nut slot is wonky. it was just a thought. It certainly could be a bad string. It happens sometimes with every brand, although I've never had a problem with the EPN line. I like them a lot, and use them on almost all my guitars.

**jazzgtrl4** · 12-24-2018, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by sgosnell

No, a thousandth smaller shouldn't be a big problem, unless the nut slot is wonky. it was just a thought. It certainly could be a bad string. It happens sometimes with every brand, although I've never had a problem with the EPN line. I like them a lot, and use them on almost all my guitars.

Ok thanks,,ya i hear you, ive been playing on these for a couple hours now and do like them!. ill buy another new fresh set and try them again. i think these are couple years old, but that shouldn't make a difference. who knows. thanks

btw, who else makes a pure nickle with a wound G, 12's? I know they are out there, but i haven't researched it yet.