OT: nickel vs stainless strings

[LisaIs]

I know there is a place for this but I wanted to ask you guys. I wanted the opinion of someone who has tried the Ernie Ball nickel and stainless strings. Sound differences? Feel? Continued bright sound? Hit me.

 

[Alvabass]

Well, I can't tell specifically about EB strings (never played EB steels), but most of the times steels have a brighter, zingier tone that lasts longer than nickels. Nickels are more fret and finger friendly and they're usually cheaper than steels (comparing two sets of the same brand, of course).

All that said, I prefer steels.

 

[bass&cookies]

i have found that steels are brighter, and rougher on your fingers. they seem to last a little longer.
nickels seem to have a bit more punch, and lose brightness a little quicker. overall i prefer nickels

 

[adouglas]

Generally speaking (not tried the EB steels myself, 'cause I'm a Dapper Dan man...er, nickel guy...

...but steels are harder on your nickel frets than nickels are. It's not a big deal, but you will need fretwork sooner if you use steels exclusively.

 

[LisaIs]

Thanks guys it was all very helpful!!!!!!!!! I believe after adouglas made his point I will stick with nickel.

 

[adouglas]

BTW, Lisa, I dare not show those July 4 gig shots to my bandmates or they'd come hijack you, 'cause you look a LOT better on stage than I do!

How come a small woman can hold a bass and it looks cool, but when a small man holds a bass and it looks just plain stoopid?

 

[LisaIs]

Hey you look awesome with that Bongo!!! and it doesn't dwarf you in the least.

White instruments aren't the best for small people. They look larger than a sleek dark color. I have noticed that women with white jazz basses tend to be dwarfed.

 

[phatduckk]

i use eb stainless steel slinkys almost exclusively.

i love them. used to use DR hibeams but i like the EB's way better.

they might be harder on your fingers but ive used stainless so long that i dont notice. as far as fret wear goes... id assume it would take quite a bit of playing before you noticed the fretwear. i think if they have the tone u want (bright, zingy, last longer) then a fretjob 1 year earlier is no big deal

 

[LisaIs]

i use eb stainless steel slinkys almost exclusively.

i love them. used to use DR hibeams but i like the EB's way better.

they might be harder on your fingers but ive used stainless so long that i dont notice. as far as fret wear goes... id assume it would take quite a bit of playing before you noticed the fretwear. i think if they have the tone u want (bright, zingy, last longer) then a fretjob 1 year earlier is no big deal

..... you do make a good point. Maybe I should try them at least once. I am being really wishy washy on this.

 

[kaaikop]

Doesn't cost a fortune to try... when I get a new bass, I go through the cycle:
Supers, regulars, hybrids, Steels, Flats, Powers, etc. Just to see which ones I
like best and sound best on my bass.
Just did that on my Bongo, ended up with regulars (best compromise feel/sound)

One thing for sure, I eliminated other brands early! for me, it's EB strings
or nothing!