• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which do you prefer Steel or Nickel?

Do you prefer steel or nickel bass strings

  • Total voters
    216
#41
steel here: i've tried the nickels from time to time (usually in a pinch) but i keep going back to steel. roto sound swing bass 66, extra light. currently, however, i'm using TI jazz rounds on my two main players!? fretless.
 
#42
Used to be a hardcore steel guy.... wanted as bright and zingy as I could get. Now I play mostly flats and find that nickel are easily my rounds of choice. I prefer the warmth and richness that a good nickel string provides.
 
#45
Steel. Nickels round out the tone and that can get washed out in the mix depending on what guitarist plays, and how the sound guy mixes you, but it does happen. The openness and brightness of steel pokes out more, and that's a plus for when you have a bad sound guy live. And in practice as well. DR FAT-BEAMS here. DR's last longer than any other string I've played. Check em out, do some experimenting and see what works for you.
 
#47
I have found EB Cobalt to be a good mix of all the positive attributes of both Nickel and Steel, with little of the negative attributes of either....except they are a bit tougher on the fingers than nickel, but easier on the fingers than steel.

Brightness and overtones of steel
Feel more like nickel
Long lasting tonal qualities similar to (IMO better than) steel
Powerful low end thump of nickel
Better midrange qualities than either steel or nickel

If I had to pick of your 2 options, I would go with steel, but that is just my opinion based on the tonal qualities I prefer. I think everyone should give cobalt rounds a shot, but not flatwounds. After about 2 weeks, cobalt rounds sound amazing and they remain that way for months. Cobalt flats die out within a day or 2.
 
#48
I've played nickel until this year. I bought a Warwick not so long ago that came with Steel. It is very different feel, harsh on the fingers more agressive tone.

I know Alain Caron play with steel and it is part of the slap sound he has but not that much for me.

But now I have to find a B string that will fit the tiny saddles of the Warwick
 
#50
First of all, definitely agree that it depends on a lot of factors - bass, playing style, amp, etc. But here is my string story:

I always played nickels and never considered steel until the cosmos nudged me in that direction.

I switched to playing mostly 5 string so I ordered some bulk low B string singles to pair up with some 4 string sets I had. Didn't read carefully and I ended up with steel strings. Tried the steel low B with the nickel sets, but the sound didn't work for me. Tried to sell them off, but understandably, no one was interested in a bunch of low B strings. So I decided to go all in and orders some steel strings to complete the set.

At first the sound was ok, but almost too bright and they felt weird on my fingers. I figured oh well, at least I gave it shot and maybe now I could sell them as complete sets of strings. I kept playing the set that was on my bass because "why not?". Then the magic happened. The set set broke in and they were perfect. They felt great under my fingers and best of all they sounded amazing. I knew it wasn't in my head when the guitarist asked me, "Is that a new bass? It sounds awesome."

So now steel is all I use. Tried a nickel set while doing some maintenance on one of my basses and they just don't feel or sound right anymore.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Felken
#53
6Bass101 said:
First of all, definitely agree that it depends on a lot of factors - bass, playing style, amp, etc. But here is my string story:

I always played nickels and never considered steel until the cosmos nudged me in that direction.

I switched to playing mostly 5 string so I ordered some bulk low B string singles to pair up with some 4 string sets I had. Didn't read carefully and I ended up with steel strings. Tried the steel low B with the nickel sets, but the sound didn't work for me. Tried to sell them off, but understandably, no one was interested in a bunch of low B strings. So I decided to go all in and orders some steel strings to complete the set.

At first the sound was ok, but almost too bright and they felt weird on my fingers. I figured oh well, at least I gave it shot and maybe now I could sell them as complete sets of strings. I kept playing the set that was on my bass because "why not?". Then the magic happened. The set set broke in and they were perfect. They felt great under my fingers and best of all they sounded amazing. I knew it wasn't in my head when the guitarist asked me, "Is that a new bass? It sounds awesome."

So now steel is all I use. Tried a nickel set while doing some maintenance on one of my basses and they just don't feel or sound right anymore.
Click to expand...

+1. This is my story as well. I actually prefer nickel strings (well I actually prefer flats), but in my world, it's what sounds best in our mix that wins the day. SS it is.
 
#54
I like steel but only if on a round core. Hex core strings, and steel strings overall, both tend to have higher tension and exert more pull on your neck and truss rod. Steel strings also have a rougher feel as compared with nickel. Also, I don't like string that are too bright. Therefore, I prefer nickel all around for their feel, tension, and sound.
 
#58
jmlee said:
I would ordinarily say nickel but Dean Markley Blue Steels have a lovely warmth to them that belies their construction. I'm a big fan.
Click to expand...
I use these as well. They can sound thick, warm and plush or piano like . Its up to me. They last like none other that I've tried. I use medium .050-.105. #2676. I've tried others both nickle and steel. Keep coming back to these Blue Steel stainless strings. Our little secret. (Shhhhhh)
 
  • Like
Reactions: BaltBass5

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back