Electric strings for those of us allergic to nickel

[dudu]

Hi TGP,

I've become aware of my nickel allergy about a year ago, when my left hand nails got in a really bad shape. I also used to get really itchy blisters on my fingertips. However, I noticed that with some strings things were a bit better (for instance, DRs lasted longer and made far less damage than EBs). Chemistry isn't my strongest feature, but I assume that the difference comes from the nickel concentration in the plating, or from how well the plating is applied in the electrolytical process. What I think was happening is that nickel triggered a lot of palm sweat, which in turn caused it to exfoliate from the string at a higher rate, thus leading to a looping problem. The end result was that my fingers got really screwed, while strings never lasted more than 2 weeks of moderate playing.

So, I had to turn to SS strings. I've used GHS and EBs for a while, each of them having their own ups and downs... GHS felt like crap when touched, especially on slides, but they stayed bright for a longer amount of time, EBs were smooth on the fingers but they lost their touch in a week or so.

I assume there are some of you fellow TGPers out there who share my issue. I'd like some advice, if possible. Right now I use SS strings for everyday practice and I swap them for regular whenever I need to record. I was just wondering whether there was a compromise between good chemistry and good sound Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

[JVania]

I have been allergic to nickel since I was born, though I have never had any problems with guitar strings. Mine is mostly jean button backs and earrings etc. I'm not sure how many other folks here have the same allergy but definitely something I had thought about, but since I never had problems, never really investigated. Great thread!

[Lucidology]

Wow .. that's a really tough allergy for a guitar player to have ...

I have an strange allergic reaction to Elixir strings ...
by the second set my fingers start to get red & prune up,
as if they've been soaked in water.. a very uncomfortable feeling ...

[earthtonesaudio]

My dad has a nickel allergy, mostly to rings or watchbands. I never noticed him complaining about guitar strings, but he mainly plays classical.

I was going to suggest Elixirs since they have that coating... I just hope you don't have an allergy to them as well!

Otherwise um... get a piezo and use nylon strings? What a drag, sorry if this isn't too helpful.

[dudu]

Heh, the funny thing is that the watch and the belt buckle never caused any problems. I guess the fingertips are subject to the allergy due to the higher amount of mechanical stress.

[jb1911]

I would say any string with no nickel would be a good choice.

[gainiac]

My bass player is highly allergic to nickel...he uses Elixer's...........

[rwe333]

While not cheap, these strings are incredible: Petillo Strings
...don't think they use nickel.

[dudu]

Originally Posted by rwe333

While not cheap, these strings are incredible: Petillo Strings
...don't think they use nickel.

Heh, thanks! However, my clicking skills seem to fail me, as I couldn't find a dealer list. Any clue how I could get my hand on a set of these?

[dudu]

Originally Posted by gainiac

My bass player is highly allergic to nickel...he uses Elixer's...........

I tried some Nanowebs some time ago, and didn't like them at all. They sounded so-so, but the biggest turnoff was noticing, after a while, how the coating left the strings only to stick to the fretboard

[rwe333]

Originally Posted by dudu

Heh, thanks! However, my clicking skills seem to fail me, as I couldn't find a dealer list. Any clue how I could get my hand on a set of these?

You order direct from Petillo Guitars.
Contact Phil Petillo here: Philluinc@aol.com