I love the tone of the DR Pure Blues guitar strings. I've been using the 9-46 gauge. I only keep them on four 3-4 weeks before a complete change. What I've found with the last few sets are deep impressions on the underside of the wound strings at every fret level. They are most prominent on the D and become progressively less so on the A and E. I just bought a set of Ernie Ball pure nickel strings to see if the same thing happens. Has anyone experienced this with any other brands?
Same thing happens with my TI Plectrums... I think the windings must be a softer alloy. Guessing all wound strings do this, but in varying degrees.
I haven't.I could see stainless steel or jescar frets making flat spots on soft nickel.
I used pure blues for a long time,but usually on run of the mill frets.
If your in an experimental mood, try some Curt Mangan strings.
Playing the mangan nickels for the first time was a nice little eureka moment for me.
(I've since found TI powerbrights and they are just stellar!)
I've noticed this on my guitar strings for years but just considered it normal wear and tear. These days I can't say so much as I play a lot less guitar generally and a lot fewer guitar gigs these days.
I've never experienced this. I used D'adarrios for years, then switched to GHS Boomers a few years ago. Now I'm using Optima Gold. Strings by Mail is having a sale right now. About $20 for the Golds and $17 for Gold MaxiFlex.
Bill, tgo
I've been using Pyramid Pure Nickel Hand Wound Electric Guitar Strings for the last ten years or so. They have a fairly long life (much longer than 3-4 weeks) and are more flexible than steel strings. That is, a set of 11-50 gauge plays as easily as 10-46. I use 11-50 or 12-54 on my guitars.
Doc, it may be that the pure nickel wrap that they use on the Pure Blues is just that soft. Maybe a prescription (!) would be some sort of nickel/steel alloy ( . . . . as if there's a steel alloy that doesn't use some nickel . . . )
to stay in that neighborhood tone-wise. On the other hand, ease off that left-hand death grip ! !
Joey
Joey,
I think you're right about the pure nickel just being too soft. I just started experimenting with other brands to see if it's only the DR's. And FWIW, I think I do fret a bit too hard.