Which metal is softest?

[Mr. Mig]

What is the softest metal for a bass string? Is it nickel or chrome? I want to know what metal goes easiest on the frets.

[bongomania]

Certainly not chrome, which is one of the hardest string materials. I think some bronze alloys may be softer than nickel.

[Mr. Mig]

Then what metal is easier on on the frets?

[Ampeg SVT]

I was under the impression that Pure nickel was the softest.

[Siegy]

Here's some soft metal for ya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2DA4I4TGw


Had to. Just curious, why are you asking?

[Mr. Mig]

I have a vintage p-bass and I want to go easy on the frets.

[bongomania]

Well flats will do the least damage, not to mention they are part of the classic vintage P bass sound anyway. But if you have to have rounds, then a soft nickel will do less damage than most other rounds.

[Mr. Mig]

Good stuff guys. Thanks.

[Kevinmach]

Yep, nickel is the softest. But like Bongomania said, the grooves in the roundwound strings quite possibly might account for more wear than the actual metal type itself.

Personally, I would never abandon my rounds - not only because I love the tone- but I find the coarse feel of the string really helps the fingers on my plucking hand "grip" the strings, and makes playing easier for me.