Why are these SNAKE OIL STRINGS so good?

[Mark Williams]

I don't know much about the manufacture of guitar strings or what makes some sound better than others. But these SNAKE OIL Strings are about the first I've tried that definitely sound a lot better to me than any others I've used--well worth the relatively high (and apparently growing higher) price. I've only tried the "Vintage LH" 10 - 48's, but I imagaine all the sets are of the same high quality. Do you know what it is that Dean and company do to make these strings so good?

 

[Scott Peterson]

It is the alloy mix he uses to create them IMHO.

He is a freaking genious too. That helps.

 

[Souled Out]

Yeah, Dean is a cool guy to talk to. Big passion for tone. Can't hardly get him off the phone and he knows what he is talking about. Great strings and pedal dealer. Opps, was I supposed to say pedal dealer.

 

[avenerjimmie]

Not to be a de-railer or whatever, but I figured I could post my new findings in a thread about strings. I tried the Snake Oils. I have tried dang near everything, and I have always had huge problems with rusting strings. My hands are practically made of acid. These ones sounded great, and were actually a little better than most strings. They were comparable to a set of Pyramids I had tried a week before hand, and in some ways I liked them better. But they still rusted at my touch. They held out for a week, then rusted through.

I just tried Elixir's new "anti rust" strings, and I am in heaven. I did not have to change my strings for three weeks. This was with extensive practicing and playing out (even a tour to Georgia). I didn't even have to wipe them down afterwards. I am stoked. Now I just have to get a freakin' endorsement with them so I can afford to buy them (though, in seriousness, the money I save not changing strings makes them even out). You may not like the tone of them. I don't know. I'm personally not that picky, and it's not like the good tone lasted before anyway. Anyway, just figured I'd share. Carry on.

 

[fabiomayo]

Originally posted by avenerjimmie
Not to be a de-railer or whatever, but I figured I could post my new findings in a thread about strings. I tried the Snake Oils. I have tried dang near everything, and I have always had huge problems with rusting strings. My hands are practically made of acid. These ones sounded great, and were actually a little better than most strings. They were comparable to a set of Pyramids I had tried a week before hand, and in some ways I liked them better. But they still rusted at my touch. They held out for a week, then rusted through.

I just tried Elixir's new "anti rust" strings, and I am in heaven. I did not have to change my strings for three weeks. This was with extensive practicing and playing out (even a tour to Georgia). I didn't even have to wipe them down afterwards. I am stoked. Now I just have to get a freakin' endorsement with them so I can afford to buy them (though, in seriousness, the money I save not changing strings makes them even out). You may not like the tone of them. I don't know. I'm personally not that picky, and it's not like the good tone lasted before anyway. Anyway, just figured I'd share. Carry on.

+1. Even though I never tried the Snake Oil strings, the Elixir is really helping me out with the rusting problem. I can't point a finger to exactly how it is different from other strings but tone and feel are definitely a little odd. I like the feel a lot, I can't say I love the tone but I´m getting used to it.
Now, I'd love to try a few of these Snake Oil Brand strings and hopefully will do it soon.

 

[Fernando]

have you guys tried using fast fret? It makes my strings last twice as long.

 

[fabiomayo]

I have always used GHS Fast Fret but with thoses Elixir strings I almost never use it or feel the need to. Here in Brazil Elixir are quite expensie right Fernando? But well worth it. Of course, you need to clean the strings after you play either with a dry cloth or using something like the Fast Fret.

 

[T-bone]

I don't know why they soundv so great and last so long ,I just know they do. The other great thing about SOS strings is the fact that they don't rattle and buzz like other strings I've tried.
I've had 5 packs and they have lasted me for almost a year. Sometimes I change them only beacuse I'm swaping out pick ups.
Anyway time to order some more-anyone have Deans email?

 

[granite]

I bought 3 packs of the Rock 10s SOS about a month ago. I play on average 2 hours a day (sometimes more, sometimes less). I still have the same set on my guitar. Still sounds great, no issues whatsoever. I don't even think about my strings anymore. That's how it should be. :RoCkIn

 

[Macaroni]

I have tried dang near everything, and I have always had huge problems with rusting strings. My hands are practically made of acid.

That is a sure sign that your diet may need to be altered. Sweating is a way for the body to release toxins and other unwanted things. If your hands are that acidic, it can often indicate that there are things in your diet that are contributing to that. A dietician could help.

 

[Melodic Dreamer]

Originally posted by Macaroni
That is a sure sign that your diet may need to be altered. Sweating is a way for the body to release toxins and other unwanted things. If your hands are that acidic, it can often indicate that there are things in your diet that are contributing to that. A dietician could help.

Very true!!
I friend of mine has always had a problem with this. He talked to one of those (All Natural Health Doctors "whatever their called"). He helped him change his diet plan. A couple months later his problem was cured.
It does work!

 

[Mark Williams]

Originally posted by T-bone
Anyway time to order some more-anyone have Deans email?

Dean's email is [email protected].

 

[shallbe]

Anyone know where the SOS strings are made?

 

[erksin]

I think it's the additional tension (fatter core?). The Rock sets I've gotten from Dean are definitely a little harder to bend at first than either the GHS, D'Addario or Dean Markley sets I've tried. After a couple of hours, they are just as easy to bend but still retain that 'bigger string' feel and clarity.

 

[Laroosco!]

They sound dull to me right out of the package compared to other sets. They don't have that crisp snap(which I happen to like). They sounded like older strings right away so when they got old I didn't notice a big difference. I guess it's because to me they never sounded new in the first place.

They didn't play any better for me either. They were stiff at first, but loosened up after a while which made me happy at first until I realized that they didn't feel any looser than other trings I've used.

I don't have overly acidic hands so I don't rot strings off my guitar. I usually change my strings every couple weeks. Sometimes they don't need it. The Snake Oils just never did it ffor me but I gave them a try.

I'm glad that so many of you are happy with them

 

[erksin]

I know exactly what he means - they (SOS Rock) were definitely less bright than the GHS Boomers the SOSs replaced. That was a trade off I didn't care for at first, now it doesn't seem to bother me as much. I happen to like the 'beefier' feel of the SOSs (more 'substantial' feel) over the GHSs now and so the lack of brightness for me is a wash...

The Vintage sets I just couldn't live with - much too dark for my taste.