Favourite nickel-plated string?

[ChrisBowsman]

I've been fighting a rattle on my fretless Corvette's E since I got it. Found a set of Boomers I'd forgotten I bought. Put them on a couple days ago, the rattle's gone. I'm assuming it's from the extra tension, as they seem stiffer than most strings. Since every other brand I've tried has a rattley low E, I'm sticking with the GHS for it.

 

[Dincrest]

I used to simply adore Fodera nickel-plated-steel strings. They truly are excellent; some of the finest strings out there in my opinion. Fodera doesn't just slap its name on something, they have their own string winding facility, so their strings are a true boutique string. Thing is, they're not cheap and I simply can't afford them any more.

Right now, my favorite nickels are good ol' D'Addario XLs. They feel good, sound good, last a long time, and don't break the bank.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

GHS Bass Boomers

 

[scott sinner]

Nickel lo riders are my fave.

same

 

[FenderBassist]

D'Addario XL-170s.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Yeah, yeah the bass chooses the string, not the other way around.

Anyway, what's YOUR favourite nickel-plated string?

Elixir

Medium guage

 

[digmeout]

Dunlop Super Bright 40-100
GHS Bass Boomers 40-95
GHS Round Core Bass Boomers 45-100

 

[Artman]

It depends upon the instrument.

For my fretted Jazz, I prefer D’addario NYXL .045-.100.
My ‘Ray likes D’addario EXL220-BT balanced tension .040-.095.

My P-bass and my fretless Pedulla presently sport LaBella LTFs, but if I ever move them back to rounds, they’ll get the same NYXLs as my Jazz.
Although…I might try the 220-BTs on the P.

 

[TNCreature]

Nickel Low Riders are my favorite strings.
I love the sound, feel and flexibility.

 

[roller]

+1 on D'Addario NYXL, for my 4s and 5s, passive and active.

They're great strings, they let a long time and they're super-consistent.

 

[tb-player]

Elrick Nickels. Proprietary design. There’s nothing else like them.

 

[StayLow]

+1’s for Sunbeams & Super Brights

 

[themickster]

Yeah, yeah the bass chooses the string, not the other way around.

Anyway, what's YOUR favourite nickel-plated string?

The E string

 

[Geogio]

I really don't like using tiny files on my frets so I switched over to Nickel half rounds and flatwounds.

I do have a short scale bass that I am thinking about restringing it into a piccolo Bass with flat Piccolo strings as well.

Plastic flats? I have had them in the past and they do serve up a nice thump but I have a short scale Höfner with the proper flatwound Labella's (for Höfner) low gauge of .96 that I'm used to.

 

[Nebadon2000]

FENDER 7250 FOR VALUE

 

[HMZ]

D'addario XL or Ernie Ball hybrid slinky

 

[fhm555]

I keep buying D'Addario XL which I am happy with. Years ago I used DR but they aren't available around here and the D'Addario XLs are just fine.

Yep, all my j basses but one are strung with XL Nickel.

 

[bassdude51]

Ha ha ha...........perhaps like asking, "what is your favorite flavor of ice cream." You're gonna get many different answers about nickel rounds.

Flat wounds are my favorite string but as far as nickel rounds go, I like GHS Pressure Wounds (40-96).

 

[Stan_da_man]

Next week - what cat gut strings for your Jazz.

 

[Dan_reeves]

Right now I am playing 45-105 DR Sunbeams on my standard tuning basses, and about to use some DR Pure Blues on my piccolo tuned basses, .18-50. I ordered the piccolo custom sets from Fret Nation and would’ve just used Sunbeams but they don’t make a 50 in the SBs.

I would be happy playing XLs or Slinkies also. I had been playing flats for a while, but recently started getting into pedals and some other techniques like slap that to me just sounds better with rounds. With the pedals I am using subtle tonal differences between brands are less of an issue and it becomes more about feel, longevity etc.

So, really, my preferences are nickel plated steel, medium-ish gauge and no silks. I have an irrational dislike for silks. I just don’t like how they look and age, especially if you have to take strings on and off.