Pure Nickel suggestions - comparison shopping

[stevel]

Ok boys and girls,

I'm looking at Pure Nickel sets 10-46 (electric roundwounds) under $10.00 US (I usually order from Just Strings.com)

I currently play Gibson SEG-900L, the original pure nickel Sonomatic set with a wound 3rd. I'm replacing the wound 3rd with nickel-steel string for reasons I won't go into, but I've been paying 10 bucks a set. Since I don't need the 3rd in the set to be wound, I can save a few bucks by buying plain 3rd PN sets and swapping out the G (I'm buying singles).

I like those, and would consider the same set without a wound 3rd (if it saves me a couple of bucks).

If you can compare 2 or more of the following brands (or other suggestions) I'd like to hear your observations, pros and cons, etc.

Gibson
Fender (150R is $3.99 :-)
Dean Markley
D'addario
GHS
Ernie Ball

(DR Pure Blues are round core, and I don't think I want floppier bass strings)

TIA,
Steve

[wundergussy]

Without getting into too much detail, I spent a couple months last year changing different pure nickel sets every week (actually, all the ones you've listed) and the D'addario are my favorite. They are cheap, feel good, have consistent tone, and stay in tune. That said, none were BAD; I liked them all to some degree, but the D'addarios are what I'm sticking with.

[corn husk bag]

Tried them all over the years, I went with Snake Oils for the tonal qualities and the feel.

Kind Regards,
Steve

[deeohgee]

Can't go wrong with D'addario

[TheZink]

D'addario for me also.

[Stratobuc]

Snake Oil Brand are great, if you can get them.

Curt Mangan are great, and always available.

[TheGuildedAge]

I like Daddarios myself, though I use DR Pure Blues too. I used to be real picky about strings, but the older I get the less I care.

As long as it's nickel I am happy.

[stevel]

Snake Oil Brand are great, if you can get them.


Yeah, I've heard about this. I need something I can get in regular supply.

Steve

[Stratobuc]

Curt Mangan Strings

You can buy them direct, or any number of internet stores. Consistently great - longest lasting of any I've used.

[thesjkexperienc]

I have used all the above brands and Snake oils are by far the longest lasting, and to me, the best sounding string. Getting them on the other hand....

I like Mangans, but they are a heavy string, very consistent and a little higher tension than the others. Great day to day string.

D'Addarios are great, but they have a strange size to closer match tension to their nickel steel XLs.

The new USA Fenders are a big surprise. Long lasting, bright tone. I will be using these when I cant get snake oils.

GHS burnished nickel sound great, but the windings on the D string always seem to come loose. I hate the feel of the nickel rockers.

Gibson & Dean Markley. Yuck.

Ernies go dead fast and just dont feel or sound right.

[Stratobuc]

Great post ^

I agree, the Mangans are a bit higher tensioned - but the added durability is worth it to me. Very consistent.

[stevel]

Thanks everyone. I actually ended up ordering the Fenders because they were 3.99. Me likey :-) So saving myself some bucks there, and probably be able to find them easier in stores. I'm going to give them a while until I get the itch again.

Steve

[thesjkexperienc]

Cool! I'm glad you like them. If you haven't tried the USA Fenders you are in for a treat.

[AnthonyL]

Newtone Nickel Masters - Just Strings and Strings and Beyond carry them

Curt Mangan - Curt will also do custom sets if you call him. Strings and Beyond has the best price if just want a standard set.

SIT

Ernie Ball

D'Addario

All are under $10

[ShavenYak]

I've been using the Fender Pure Nickel bullets on my Strats, and Gibson Vintage Reissues on my LPs. I just picked up a couple sets of DR Pure Blues to try out, I'll probably put one set on my new Godin SD; not sure what I'm gonna do with the other yet but I had to get two to put my Amazon order over the $25 for free shipping.

I want to try Pyramids or T-I Blues Sliders but I'm hesitant to spend the cash.

[lspaulsp]

The longest lasting best sounding string I ever played were Kendricks. Here's the catch, you order them from Gerald or you're back to local getting Earnie Balls.

The Kendrick's are great strings though.