String Recommendations for Nickel Allergy

[tescott]

I've just worked out that I have an allergy to nickel. I love nickel RW strings, but looks like I'll need an alternative. So, I'm after recommendations for non-nickel strings that maintain some of the warmth and smoothness of nickel.

I have liked GHS Boomers in the past and more recently enjoyed DR Sunbeams. I especially like the warmth and flexibility of the Sunbeams. I also recently tried Sadowsky Blue Label Nickels but they had a weird high-mid clankiness that I really didn't like.

I also tried some DR Black Beauties but hated the sound and the feel. Too plastic.

GHS pressurewounds looked promising, but they're 48% nickel.

I already have some SS flatwounds on one of my P-basses, and I really like them, but don't want to go full-flatwound on my other basses (P, J, and Fodera Emperor Standard Classic 5).

So, recommendations for warm sounding and smooth feeling Stainless Steel strings? Or something else I haven't considered??

 

[michael_t]

GHS pressurewounds looked promising, but they're 48% nickel.

So, recommendations for warm sounding and smooth feeling Stainless Steel strings? Or something else I haven't considered??

Rotosound Solo Bass 55 are "rollerwound" like the GHS Pressurewound, except the outer wrap wire is stainless steel instead of Alloy 52 (nickel-iron). Might be worth checking into.

SOLO BASS 55 | ROTOSOUND

 

[Yahboy]

How about Ernieball cobalt flat ?

Highly recommend use on Jazz bass which sound juicy growl , warmth and roundwoundist vibe.

 

[Ostie]

Stainless steel is alloyed with nickel, don’t know if it’s a high enough percentage to bother you.

 

[mulambo]

What about Elixir´s? They are coated strings with a good felling (to me).

 

[Dan_reeves]

Chromes are advertised as good for those with nickel allergies on the Daddario website, I believe.

 

[e-flat]

I know you said you didn’t like the feel of coated strings, but what about a nice silky-smooth tapewound? The La Bella White Tapewounds are plenty bright with fat lows and are probably the smoothest Strings you’ll ever lay hands on. There are tonal options in that range, too, with standard white, gold, or copper wrap layers beneath the tape.

 

[Jason Hollar]

Bumping this to see what folks are using or recommending?

 

[GTHintz]

You might like Dr fat beams. They are similar construction to sun beams but stainless.

 

[GIBrat51]

The great majority of flat wounds have a stainless steel outer wrap. The only flat wounds that come to mind that don't, are TI Jazz Flats. Dogal R44 Flats might also be nickel, but I'm not sure. Pretty sure their Carbon Steel Flats are just that, though. Are you sure you have a nickel allergy? Itchy rash, dry red skin, blisters, etc.? If you do, that sucks; you have my sympathy... As far as rounds are concerned, though, I can't help you. I only have one bass (out of 24) with rounds, and they're TI Jazz Rounds. Which I'm pretty sure are nickel, like their Flats. Good luck in your search; hope you find some strings that work for you...

 

[SteveCS]

Rotosound Solo Bass 55 are "rollerwound" like the GHS Pressurewound, except the outer wrap wire is stainless steel instead of Alloy 52 (nickel-iron). Might be worth checking into.

SOLO BASS 55 | ROTOSOUND

Chromes are advertised as good for those with nickel allergies on the Daddario website, I believe.

I've just worked out that I have an allergy to nickel. I love nickel RW strings, but looks like I'll need an alternative. So, I'm after recommendations for non-nickel strings that maintain some of the warmth and smoothness of nickel.
...

I also have a nickel allergy, which I 'discovered' over 30 years ago. I have used both of Chromes and Solo 55 over the years without issue.

As with all stainless strings they will need some playing in but they will get there.

How about Ernieball cobalt flat ?

Highly recommend use on Jazz bass which sound juicy growl , warmth and roundwoundist vibe.

I now use these in preference to Chromes and 55's. They have even more of a round-wound sound but take a little longer to bed in and lose the zing. But worth the wait, IMHO. And no allergic reaction.