Pure Nickel
Rich vintage warmth, smooth highs, and balanced response for classic electric tone.
Shop Pure Nickel
Nickel Round Core
A richer, more open voice with exceptional flexibility and touch-sensitive feel.
Shop Nickel RC
NICKEL-PLATED STEEL
Exceptional clarity, balanced punch, and dynamic response for virtually every playing style.
Shop Nickel-Plated SteelCompare Electric Sets
| Feature | Nickel | Nickel RC | Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone Profile | Warm & Vintage | Bigger & Fuller | Bright & Punchy |
| Playing Feel | Classic | Flexible | Firm |
| Power | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Pick Attack | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Warmth | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Brightness | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sustain | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| String Bending | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Blues | ★ Best Choice | ★ Best Choice | Good |
| Country | ★ Best Choice | Excellent | Good |
| Classic Rock | Excellent | ★ Best Choice | Excellent |
| Modern Rock | Good | Excellent | ★ Best Choice |
| Metal | Good | Good | ★ Best Choice |
| Best Choice For | Classic vintage tone and traditional feel. | Bigger tone, expressive playing and greater flexibility. | Modern attack, clarity and maximum punch. |
New to American String?
Start with Nickel 10–46. They deliver the warm, balanced electric guitar tone that inspired generations of players.
Shop Nickel 10-46Why Serious Players Choose American String
American Materials
American-sourced wire for exceptional consistency, feel, and tone.
Made in the USA
Manufactured in America with complete quality control from raw wire to finished strings.
More than a Century
Five Generations of craftsmanship trusted by many of the world's finest piano makers.
Built to Last
Engineered to deliver longer-lasting performance for serious players.
What Players Are Saying
Fat Tone on LP. Bell like Chime on Strat
Fat tone on LP. Bell like chime on strat. I really like these strings…will buy more.
Perhaps the Best Strings on the Planet
These are the best strings I have ever used in over 30 years of playing. I have installed these on a Gibson 137 Custom as well as a Custom Shop Firebird and without a doubt, better feel, better tone and better tuning stability than any other strings I have tried.
Best Strings Ever!
I’ll play these strings for the rest of my musical life. They feel smooth, sound amazing and last much longer than any other strings I’ve played before.
The Strings Brought My Guitar to Life
My Strat never sounded better after I re-strung it with the Original Nickels. The strings brought my guitar to life. I don’t care to change strings unless I have to and these continue to sound great for longer than any other string I’ve used. Highly recommended.
Best guitar strings hands down
I have been playing guitar for 50 years and American Strings are best strings around. They have clarity and stand up to aggressive playing.
Still Have Questions?
Should I choose Nickel or Steel electric guitar strings?
Choose Nickel if you prefer warm, vintage-inspired tone, smooth feel, and balanced response. Choose Steel if you want brighter attack, greater articulation, and maximum cutting power for modern styles.
What makes Round Core strings different?
Nickel Round Core strings are built on a traditional round center wire instead of a hex core. The result is a bigger, more resonant tone, increased flexibility, easier bends, and exceptional sustain.
Which strings are best for Blues and Classic Rock?
Our Nickel strings deliver classic vintage warmth, while Nickel Round Core adds a fuller voice with greater flexibility and sustain. Both are outstanding choices for Blues, Country, and Classic Rock players.
Which strings are best for Hard Rock and Metal?
Steel strings provide maximum attack, exceptional clarity, tight low end, and the articulation needed for high-gain amplifiers, aggressive rhythm work, and modern metal.
What gauge should I start with?
10–46 Regular Light is the most popular all-around gauge and the best starting point for most players. It offers an excellent balance of tone, playability, sustain, and tuning stability.
Why are American String guitar strings different?
Every set is proudly manufactured in America using premium American materials and more than a century of string-making expertise. The same manufacturing heritage trusted by many of the world's finest piano makers goes into every set we build.
Still not sure which strings are right for you?
Start with our most popular choice, Nickel 10–46, or build a Mix & Match Pack and discover your favorite American String.
Shop Our Best SellersEvery Great Guitar Deserves Great Strings.
Whether it's your first Strat or a six-figure vintage Les Paul, every note begins with the string.
Bring out your guitar's true voice!
Build Your Own Mix & Match PacksBuild a Custom 3-Pack or save even more with a Variety 6-Pack and experience the entire American String lineup.
