Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Ok, just a little background. These are supposed to be a very unique string on the market. Made out of the type of pure nickel that was available back in the late 50's and early 60's....before steel came into the picture. The nickel is also of a different type of composition than any of the "pure nickel" strings that are on the market today. The guy who produces them is a vintage tone freak regarding strings, and will only use the finest "historically correct" materials and methods....like Seymour with the Antiquities. He has done a lot of research and sound comparisions, in addition to being a player for more than 30 years. He has documented the difference in tone from early 60's string to the strings that came out in the 70's....interesting stuff, and has written an amazing series of articles on the subject. He says most people forget that tone starts with you string, as they are the first thing in the tone chain right after your fingers....and that's a good point.
The strings come in 2 types currently, "Vintage" which has the traditional smooth tone, and the "Rock Set" which is a brighter version, but not harsh in any way.
My sets are the "Vintage". The first thing I noticed when I took them out of the wrapper was the smooth, slinky feel they have, even on the wound strings. None of them are harsh and rough like the strings I usually use. Once you get them tuned to pitch and streched out, the first thing I noticed again was the feel. Sliding, bending, chording. It just felt much more effortless than with other strings. I know many people, myself included, would use stuff like Dr. Stringfellow or similar products to keep the strings a little slinkier....no need with these. I think I should mention that these strings are not coated with anything, like an Elixer. Just smooth creamy pure nickel...even the wound strings are a nickel core with a nickel wrap.
How's the tone you ask? Damn nice. Articulate and clear without any harshness at all. There is definately a warm, vintage vibe to them. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I seem to hear some very pleasing overtones from them...especially clean, a top end sparkle if you will. Also, almost no string squeak on the wound strings....which is something I like. Bends are much more effortless and smooth. Definately different from the EB Hybrid Slinky's I've used for years. The EB Slinkys had always offered the best feel for me of the brands I had tried. I'm sold on these strings now.
The other cool factor is that string life is supposed to be exceptionally long. The guy who makes them says that guys that change strings every week are getting months out of a set, and that guys who change monthly or even less frequently are getting 3,4, even 6 months out of a set with very little sound degredation. I will have to see for myself on this aspect, but I usually only change my strings when I either break one, or swap pups. I always de-burr my saddles, I can't remember the last time I broke a string playing. I'll sometimes break one streching them out, but that's it....and yes I bend strings.
I want to try some of the Rock version, just to see how they differ from the Vintage. I think I may end up liking a mix of the two...based on the inherent darkness or brightness of my individual guitars. Definately a thumbs up for this product. More than worth the $8.50 a set, especially if I get 6 months out of a set.
The strings come in 2 types currently, "Vintage" which has the traditional smooth tone, and the "Rock Set" which is a brighter version, but not harsh in any way.
My sets are the "Vintage". The first thing I noticed when I took them out of the wrapper was the smooth, slinky feel they have, even on the wound strings. None of them are harsh and rough like the strings I usually use. Once you get them tuned to pitch and streched out, the first thing I noticed again was the feel. Sliding, bending, chording. It just felt much more effortless than with other strings. I know many people, myself included, would use stuff like Dr. Stringfellow or similar products to keep the strings a little slinkier....no need with these. I think I should mention that these strings are not coated with anything, like an Elixer. Just smooth creamy pure nickel...even the wound strings are a nickel core with a nickel wrap.
How's the tone you ask? Damn nice. Articulate and clear without any harshness at all. There is definately a warm, vintage vibe to them. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I seem to hear some very pleasing overtones from them...especially clean, a top end sparkle if you will. Also, almost no string squeak on the wound strings....which is something I like. Bends are much more effortless and smooth. Definately different from the EB Hybrid Slinky's I've used for years. The EB Slinkys had always offered the best feel for me of the brands I had tried. I'm sold on these strings now.
The other cool factor is that string life is supposed to be exceptionally long. The guy who makes them says that guys that change strings every week are getting months out of a set, and that guys who change monthly or even less frequently are getting 3,4, even 6 months out of a set with very little sound degredation. I will have to see for myself on this aspect, but I usually only change my strings when I either break one, or swap pups. I always de-burr my saddles, I can't remember the last time I broke a string playing. I'll sometimes break one streching them out, but that's it....and yes I bend strings.
I want to try some of the Rock version, just to see how they differ from the Vintage. I think I may end up liking a mix of the two...based on the inherent darkness or brightness of my individual guitars. Definately a thumbs up for this product. More than worth the $8.50 a set, especially if I get 6 months out of a set.
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