Pure Nickel Alchemists Union

[Phaidrus]

No. As I understand it, the PBs are actually a type of nickel-plated steel, except the nickel plating is thinner than typical NPS rounds.

Interesting. I had the impression the wrap wire of the PB is a solid alloy (not plated) containing mostly nickel: "Quantum Nickel - DR's new alloy combines the smooth feel of pure nickel with the punch and brightness of stainless steel." I suppose this is what I'd like them to be.

 

[michael_t]

I had the impression the wrap wire of the PB is a solid alloy (not plated) containing mostly nickel: "Quantum Nickel - DR's new alloy combines the smooth feel of pure nickel with the punch and brightness of stainless steel." I suppose this is what I'd like them to be.

I thought it was a nickel-based alloy, too, until I read some posts about the "thin nickel plating". Don't you just love it when a string maker uses a fancy marketing term like "Quantum Nickel" without explaining exactly what it is?

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I'm using the GHS Balanced Nickels light gauge on my Kinal PJ5 at the moment. I dig them, but I missed my Dogal Jaco flats so much that I ordered a new set. However, I dig the Balanced Nickels so much that I'm going to order another set for a different axe.

 

[Phaidrus]

I thought it was a nickel-based alloy, too, until I read some posts about the "thin nickel plating". Don't you just love it when a string maker uses a fancy marketing term like "Quantum Nickel" without explaining exactly what it is?

Yes, marketing parlance can be quite amusing or just plain annoying.

So it looks like the Pyramid Pure Nickels is pretty much the only standard 45-105 gauge alternative to the Fender 7150s (currently on my PBass).

 

[DCCat]

Don't you just love it when a string maker uses a fancy marketing term like "Quantum Nickel" without explaining exactly what it is?

Or even approximately what it is.

 

[Phaidrus]

Fender 7150s (45105) on one of my Pbasses. I like them but have been considering trying out the Pyramid Pure Nickels, same gauge. Anyone has experience with these two sets? Do they differ in tone and feel? If so, how? Is it worth the small investment and, most importantly, taking off the 7150s (already re-installed them once)?

 

[e-flat]

Fender 7150s (45105) on one of my Pbasses. I like them but have been considering trying out the Pyramid Pure Nickels, same gauge. Anyone has experience with these two sets? Do they differ in tone and feel? If so, how? Is it worth the small investment and, most importantly, taking off the 7150s (already re-installed them once)?

I’ve played both types, but in different gauges. I have the Fender 7150 in .100, and the Pyramid Nickel in .105. The Pyramid and Gabriel Tenorio are my favorite all-around nickels so far.

I like the Fender quite a lot- nice focus, higher tension from a .100 set than I expected, top end mellowed pretty fast and stayed there.

The Pyramid nickels are really nicely balanced (tonally), taut but flexible to bend, nice full low end that isn’t boomy and the lows reach down deep. Pretty neutral & Balanced mids… no hype, but no scoop either.

I’d highly recommend the Pyramid nickels, and I really like them in .105 gauge

 

[Phaidrus]

I’ve played both types, but in different gauges. I have the Fender 7150 in .100, and the Pyramid Nickel in .105. The Pyramid and Gabriel Tenorio are my favorite all-around nickels so far.

I like the Fender quite a lot- nice focus, higher tension from a .100 set than I expected, top end mellowed pretty fast and stayed there.

The Pyramid nickels are really nicely balanced (tonally), taut but flexible to bend, nice full low end that isn’t boomy and the lows reach down deep. Pretty neutral & Balanced mids… no hype, but no scoop either.

I’d highly recommend the Pyramid nickels, and I really like them in .105 gauge

Just ordered a set of Pyramid pure nickels 45-105. I'm quite intrigued! Wonder whether they're round or hex core.

 

[e-flat]

Just ordered a set of Pyramid pure nickels 45-105. I'm quite intrigued! Wonder whether they're round or hex core.

I wonder about this too since their Gold flats are round core.

The packaging for the bass Pure Nickel strings is blue, similar to the hex core pure nickel guitar strings Pyramid makes, though… that may not mean anything, but I wonder.

I’ll shoot an email to Pyramid and ask!

 

[Phaidrus]

I wonder about this too since their Gold flats are round core.

The packaging for the bass Pure Nickel strings is blue, similar to the hex core pure nickel guitar strings Pyramid makes, though… that may not mean anything, but I wonder.

I’ll shoot an email to Pyramid and ask!

Good idea, looking forward to their reply! I'll have a close look at mine, when they arrive (from Germany).

 

[e-flat]

Good idea, looking forward to their reply! I'll have a close look at mine, when they arrive (from Germany).

I heard back from Pyramid (very fast response!) and here are the facts straight from the manufacturer:
“
We produce our bass strings on hexagonal steel core - only the low E from set chrome nickel flatwoun comes on round core.
“

This is news to me about the Gold flatwounds, but it makes sense that many think they’re pure round core construction. For instance, when I’ve looked at the core before installation, I’ve looked at the E string since it is easiest to see core wire shape on the heavier strings.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I heard back from Pyramid (very fast response!) and here are the facts straight from the manufacturer:
“
We produce our bass strings on hexagonal steel core - only the low E from set chrome nickel flatwoun comes on round core.
“

This is news to me about the Gold flatwounds, but it makes sense that many think they’re pure round core construction. For instance, when I’ve looked at the core before installation, I’ve looked at the E string since it is easiest to see core wire shape on the heavier strings.

Well, whaddaya know! Thank you for this! Remember? We talked about this a bunch, and I got called out for daring to put the notion in doubt, mainly because it was parroted without evidence - until you were the first to actually check and report back - but also because the fact that Pyramid Golds' alleged round-core construction was not being advertised anywhere looked mighty strange to me. Now we know, straight from the horse's mouth. Thanks again!

 

[Phaidrus]

I heard back from Pyramid (very fast response!) and here are the facts straight from the manufacturer:
“
We produce our bass strings on hexagonal steel core - only the low E from set chrome nickel flatwoun comes on round core.
“

This is news to me about the Gold flatwounds, but it makes sense that many think they’re pure round core construction. For instance, when I’ve looked at the core before installation, I’ve looked at the E string since it is easiest to see core wire shape on the heavier strings.

So the Pyramid flats is a mixed round and hex core set, very interesting! It makes sense, to reduce the stiffness of the fattest and stiffest string of the set. Thanks for asking them.

On a side note, what do you think of the Markbass flatwound strings? They are part nickel, according to the description, but the phrasing is somewhat confusing as to how and to what extend exactly: "The VINTAGE series FLAT WOUND bass strings are made of a mix of nickel and laminated steel wire, hand-wound on hexagonal high carbon content core with high magnetic content to increase the response of magnetic pickups, and polished by the skilled hands of our master string makers. Their calibrated diameter and tension offer amazing sound and feel, with classic flat, smooth, long life tone."

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Is the wrap wire a nickel-steel alloy? Is it nickel plated steel?

They're quite low tension at 183lbs for the 45-105 set.

 

[Jon Moody]

On a side note, what do you think of the Markbass flatwound strings? They are part nickel, according to the description, but the phrasing is somewhat confusing as to how and to what extend exactly: "The VINTAGE series FLAT WOUND bass strings are made of a mix of nickel and laminated steel wire, hand-wound on hexagonal high carbon content core with high magnetic content to increase the response of magnetic pickups, and polished by the skilled hands of our master string makers. Their calibrated diameter and tension offer amazing sound and feel, with classic flat, smooth, long life tone."

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Is the wrap wire a nickel-steel alloy? Is it nickel plated steel?

They're quite low tension at 183lbs for the 45-105 set.

You'll have to contact Markbass to be sure, but it could also be that it's nps for the under covers and a steel flatwire at the time. That would fall under "a mix..." as well.

 

[Phaidrus]

You'll have to contact Markbass to be sure, but it could also be that it's nps for the under covers and a steel flatwire at the time. That would fall under "a mix..." as well.

I like their amps & cabs, own a few, but have the impression, they're not particularly talkative about the technical details of their products. Given your experience, could you tell on the basis of the gauge (45-65-85-105) and tension (183lbs)?

 

[Jon Moody]

I like their amps & cabs, own a few, but have the impression, they're not particularly talkative about the technical details of their products. Given your experience, could you tell on the basis of the gauge (45-65-85-105) and the tension (183lbs)?

Which is interesting, as their marketing is so over-the-top that you'd think they'd be ready to "clear the air" a bit and be more transparent. Unlike their amps' tone...

Sadly, the gauge and tension doesn't tell me anything in terms of what a string is made up of, so I will be of little help there.

 

[Phaidrus]

Which is interesting, as their marketing is so over-the-top that you'd think they'd be ready to "clear the air" a bit and be more transparent. Unlike their amps' tone...

Sadly, the gauge and tension doesn't tell me anything in terms of what a string is made up of, so I will be of little help there.

Well, it's an Italian brand, so a bit of drama is to be expected.

Interestingly, as you mention, this affects their marketing language rather than the tone of their amps and cabs.

 

[Root 5]

I heard back from Pyramid (very fast response!) and here are the facts straight from the manufacturer:
“
We produce our bass strings on hexagonal steel core - only the low E from set chrome nickel flatwoun comes on round core.
“

This is news to me about the Gold flatwounds, but it makes sense that many think they’re pure round core construction. For instance, when I’ve looked at the core before installation, I’ve looked at the E string since it is easiest to see core wire shape on the heavier strings.

News to me! And what the heck is "chrome nickel?!"

 

[Phaidrus]

And what the heck is "chrome nickel?!"

I've been asking this question for a while.

 

[HaphAsSard]

News to me! And what the heck is "chrome nickel?!"

It could be any nickel-based alloy containing chromium:
Nichrome - Wikipedia