Whats the difference between nickle and steel guitar strings? - Guitars101

**rjfoster** · 11-13-2005, 09:14 AM

Whats the difference between nickle and steel guitar strings? By difference, I mean in terms of playability, how long they tend to last, tone etc. I normally buy Earnie Ball Super Slinky's which are 9 - 42, and the package states Nickel Wound Guitar Strings.

I am thinking of buying a bulk set from Musician's Firend, but they offer either steel or nickel - so that is why I am wondering.

Here's the link to the strings at MF:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/120462/

Has anyone else tried these? Are they worth a hoot?

Thanks!

Rj

**nroberts** · 11-13-2005, 11:25 AM

IMHO there is often a major diff. in tone. Steel strings are hotter. Nickel tend to be kinda bluesy. If you think about it, a guitar works off of the pull on a magnet by the strings....nickle is not magnetic, therefor encasing the string in nickel or making it out of some sort of nickle alloy is going to change how the guitar sounds.

Mad-Mike · 11-13-2005, 01:36 PM

I find out of all the strings I've used, STainless Steel seems to be the longest living. I used to use those on my Jag-Stang exclusively for a few years (9-40). They tended to be brighter and snappier than nickel is, and I once had a set that lasted almost 7 months under heavy use! The pita is that they REALLY wear down your frets if you play a lot.

**Supersonic** · 11-13-2005, 05:46 PM

man, there's so many variables to this it's a cryin' shame. Everything about a guitar makes a difference in what sounds good including your own ears. I think that if you like it, go for it, it's your sound! I tend to hang with Nickle plated anyway. How long they last is another personal matter as to your own body chemistry. I don't mind the Ernie Balls but I think they oxidize too fast for my liking. I currently use the Elixir Nanowebs. I like the tone and they do seem to sound good longer.

**rjfoster** · 11-13-2005, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supersonic

man, there's so many variables to this it's a cryin' shame. Everything about a guitar makes a difference in what sounds good including your own ears. I think that if you like it, go for it, it's your sound! I tend to hang with Nickle plated anyway. How long they last is another personal matter as to your own body chemistry. I don't mind the Ernie Balls but I think they oxidize too fast for my liking. I currently use the Elixir Nanowebs. I like the tone and they do seem to sound good longer.

I hear ya. Mad Mike mentioned that the steel strings tend to be brighter - which I may like since I like a bright tone. My chemisty must be like pure industrial strength sulphuric acid because I tend to mess up a set of strings pretty quick. For some reason, I cannot seem to train myself to wipe them down when done playing - DOH! I've read about some of those new coated strings, but they sound like they may be a bit too pricey for me. (Especially if they dont last SIGNIFICANTLY longer than normal strings - like twice as long minimum.

Rj

**YetAnotherOne** · 11-13-2005, 08:20 PM

Steel strings are: stiffer, brighter, and wear frets down quicker. Nickel strings are: softer, warmer, and don't chew frets up quite as fast. IMHO the difference in feel is a lot greater than the difference in tone but you'll definitely notice both.

MusicIsNeat · 11-13-2005, 08:38 PM

Everything already said is basically true.
Generally:
Steel is brighter and metallic sounding
Nickel is warmer and/or bluesier
Nylon is more mid-ranged and has more attack

For electric: Nickel for me
For acoustic: Nylon for me

Rythameen · 11-14-2005, 05:19 AM

Nickle does have a slightly warmer sound to my ears, but they don't seeem to last as long as steel. I don't seem to gunk up strings like my son who can mess them up in a day though.

**rjfoster** · 11-14-2005, 10:50 AM

Well, I went ahead and ordered the steel strings, so I will know all about them soon enough I guess!

Rj