Strings

I have been using DR Blues (Nickle Based)0.010 gauge strings for the last 4 years. I love the tone for the style of music I play. Its a blend of blues and jazz. These strings are perfect for my lead playing, however, when I comp for the band the strings can squeak.

When I comp I use a ton of jazz chords and I want to reduce my string noise. I don't want to loose the warmth of the nickle based strings and I need the ability to bend. I tend to do 1 1/2 bends during solos so going to a flat wound 0.011 or 0.012 is not practical for me.

What strings should I consider for soloing and lower noise chord changes.

maybe you could try string lube?ghs fast fret makes your strings feel like new again,and it might make the squeaking go away maybe,ask the guy at you local music store about it,cheers

gs2112

Sometimes,better tone management and better playing is the key,rather than string gauges.

maybe a noisegate would help filter out unwanted squeaks and squaks

@alexb dude how come your always on so late like me?

I go to University

ahhs i see.... i dnt noes what my excuse is yetXF

I have personally had really good luck with Ernie Ball Slinky's. I've tried 9's, 10's and 11's and they have all been fantastic.

Yea Ive pretty much always used ernie ball slinkys, right now I'm using 11's. I started with 9's, then 10's. and if 11's is too thick, you can either A) use something thinner. or B) build up your finger strength so you can do those big bends with thicker strings

I use Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky's--the 9-46 set. I love them :D

AlexB thanks for the comment, however, the reason I am happy with my tone is a combination of my amp (Hand Wired 1957 Super Twin Type - Custom Boutique Amp), my pick ups (Clasic 57's that came from the Custom Gibson Shop), and my strings. When I do Jazz chords while doing eight note arpagio's for Chords like G6 to A6 I need to slide my hand while keeping the same chord shape. During this slide I get noise from Low E and D string. I was considering changing my strings to reduce the vibration of the wound string. I don't want to loose the mellow sound of the Nickle String.


G6 A6
E X X
B 3 5
G 4 6
D 2 4
A X X
E 3 5
If any of you have experience with either flat wounds or half round wounds strings, I would like your opinion.

I use Elixir and love them