Stainless Vs. Nickel Guitar Strings
There are two different types of strings that can be used on electric and bass guitars: nickel and steel. For acoustic guitars, though, there are other options. There is one type of nickel string and one type of stainless steel string that can be used on electric guitars. There is also a type of string that combines the two.
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Pure Nickel
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Pure nickel strings have a steel core, but are wrapped in a coating made of pure nickel. The nickel makeup of these strings gives them a sound unlike other electric strings. These strings give a type of vintage, old school sound to the guitar. Because of their pure nickel makeup, though, they are much quieter.
Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel strings create a louder musical sound than pure nickel strings when played. These strings are less smooth than nickel strings. Their rough texture is said to be harder to play and wear the fret board out more quickly than nickel strings would, but stainless steel strings last longer than other string types.
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Nickel Plated
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Nickel-plated strings are strings that have a steel core, but are wrapped in a nickel plated steel coating. The nickel coating prevents the steel string from corroding. Nickel-plated strings have an output volume similar to stainless steel strings. This is the most popular type of string found on the market today.
Sound
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Stainless steel strings will generally have higher highs and lower lows when played. They are said to have "brighter" tones than nickel-plated and pure nickel strings. Stainless steel strings are better when playing modern rock and alternative music and metal. Nickel-plated and pure nickel strings are better when playing classic rock or music with ample finger picking.
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References
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