Nickle V.S. Stainles question

[Zombbg4]

So I have the dreaded "Acid Hands". My new record for killing a set of strings was about 6 days, the E and A getting it the worst while the G is going strong and the C is OK, i don't understand why that is but oh well. That's even will using Ernie Ball wonder wipes and washing my hands before most playing sessions.

So my question is, are Stainless Steel string more susceptible to Acids Hands than Nickle strings? I'm asking this because i took off the strings when i got the bass to string it E-C with SS, i got the bass used to they seem like good strings and are not too worn, and the nickles seem like they are taking the acid better than the SS. Anyone have experiences regarding this?

[DavePlaysBass]

I have not really noticed a difference between steel and nickel and string life. It seems that differences brand to brand maybe makes more difference. Although if you want that really sizzly sound, steels start of brighter and lose that pretty quick. Where as nickels do not sound as bright at first, but they do not seem to change as much over time as the steels IME.

Maybe you should try a coated string or flats.

[fretlessguy]

I am going with Dave on this one. Coated strings would extend the life of your sets tremendously. Even though they are initially more expensive, they would save you quite a bit of money over the long haul. Check the reviews here and also at www.bgra.net to get an idea of wht you might get. I personally do not care for the Elixers, but the D'Addarios were not bad. DR has some interesting colors, you could even color corodinate them with your bass!

[Mojo-Man]

Nickle. strings to me, last longer than Stainless Steel.
But as you said, "acid hands" will affect string life to.

Coated string may be the way to go for you?

[Zombbg4]

Man I've tried DR black beauties, lasted 5-7 days longer, but still faced death by acid hands. Its a shame because they looked GREAT on my bass.

Flats could be an answer, but i just don't dig the sound.

So yea, i think nickles "last longer" in that they just kinda stay mellow, and i really like the sound. I do really love the sound of ss when they're new, but its not worth it as theyre dead so soon.

[mntngrown]

since you don't like flats you probably won't like tapewounds, but getting one set of La Bella on the Carvin website might be a relatively cheap experiment. Pretty hard for you to rust the nylon wraps.