What are the differences?

[ODDBALL]

Hello All,

I really would like to learn more about Nickel and Steel strings. If anybody has any links to info that would be great. What are the sound differences between Nickel and Steel strings? Why do people use steel strings for metal? Is it because they use a pick? Also does Rotosound strings really eat frets? Thanks for all the info.

Shaun

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

IME, the biggest differences were how quickly they mellowed out (or died) and the overall tone after they had been used a few times. Nickels mellow a lot faster and have more thump as they age as compared to steels that I've played. Steels tend to have more bite and a more trebley tone as compared to most nickels.

Steel strings for metal? Umm, my best guess is to try and cut through all that detuned guitar and boomy drums? Pick sounds plausible, because stainless steels might hold up better to wear from a pick as well.


Can't say I'd know about the Rotosounds lol...

[eyecandy]

Nickel feels a little softer on the hands and has less of the metallic high end treble in the sound than steel strings. This also equates to less finger noise coming through and a smoother, mellower sound than steel while still falling on the bright/clear end of the spectrum.

Stainless steel roundwound strings fall furthest on the bright, "metallic" end of the sound spectrum. You often will hear the buzz, grit, clang (or whatever you would like to call it) in the sound, which is desirable in many styles. Observing the comments of numerous players online and offline, the consensus seems to be that stainless steel are the clearest, brightest strings out there, often increase the perceived output in sound from the bass, but also tend to be more rough on the fingers and instrument.

[fourstringburn]

Another issue is fret wear. Nickel is softer than stainless steel so it is considerably easier on your frets or fingerboard if you're fret less.

Don't let this be an issue deciding though If you use stainless steels! Fret jobs (re-crown & mill) usually aren't expensive and you should consider an fret jobs at least once a year or so and that should prolong the fret life before a re-fretting job is necessary.

As for tone, It is a personal preference. I keep switching back and forth myself but I always seem to come back to stainless steel (rotosounds).