| This is a new line of electric guitar string from the | | | | The GIBSON HUMBUCKER strings are made to be |
| Gibson Guitar co. called Gibson Gear, Elgin, Illinois U.S.A. | | | | more alive or easier for the pick-up to respond to. The |
| It's new to me... | | | | package says, "The only guitar string optimized for the |
| I've written articles calling the Gibson electric guitar | | | | humbucking pickup, Gibson Humbucking guitar strings |
| string "the best" actually; they're my favorite electric | | | | utilize a special composite core wire and a specially |
| guitar strings. Like I've said before, "I've used most of | | | | formulated wrap wire. This design offers a unique |
| the major string brands and I play all the time. Also, I | | | | magnetic formulation to make the most of dual-coil |
| know it's been said time and again "that guitar strings | | | | high-output pickups". They sure write purdy. |
| have so much in common that there's no discernable | | | | I don't use high-output pickups; I use the Gibson '57 |
| difference between the various brands of strings". I | | | | Classic" and "Classic Plus" pickups on my Gibson |
| can understand this sentiment, yet I've come to | | | | "Explorer" (called my Frankenfiddle). These strings felt |
| understand a few things regarding the manufacturing | | | | good and the tone had a good blend and consistency |
| and the elements involved making the string do what it | | | | between the wrapped and plain strings. I just put the |
| does. | | | | strings on my guitars, the "Explorer" and 56 "Les Paul |
| Things like, cover to core ratio, (the gauge or diameter | | | | "Jr. (different pickups) forgot about it until I was on |
| of the wire used for the strings). If you were to put a | | | | stage and rocking. I've been using the "Brite Wires" for |
| thicker core the string would seem to have a stiff feel, | | | | the last few years Gibson has discontinued the steel |
| where if you'd use a thinner core wire the string would | | | | wrap ("Live Wires") because I couldn't afford to |
| be feel loose and seem to bend more easily. Too | | | | change my strings every single show for a good while |
| much in either direction, and the string doesn't work for | | | | there. Which made the "Vintage Re-issue" a no go. |
| anyone. The same for the alloys or types or metal | | | | Since then I've never wanted to play strings that have |
| used to make the string effects the sound and feel. | | | | no sound after the show. Too much hassle. And, the |
| I was a die-hard steel wrapped string guy since the | | | | "Brite Wires" sound, was a good sound, everything |
| early eighties starting with Bill Laurence steel wrap | | | | was there. Nothing jumped out to me and I found |
| guitar strings; I switched to The Gibson "Live Wires" | | | | myself just "playing guitar". |
| and fell in love with the punch and (feel and sound) | | | | So here I am, playing a show and noticed the tone. |
| consistency not so much the gauge. Later, when the | | | | Plus, my fingers felt different smacking those wires. |
| "Vintage Re-Issue" nickel wrapped string came out, I | | | | The rest of the night was fun and "in the moment". |
| tried those and found that they felt smooth on my | | | | The next week I called Gil Pini at Gibson Gear in Elgin |
| fingers and, the strings tended to have a different | | | | to ask him what was up with these "bad boys" and he |
| response and sound which I thought was interesting. I | | | | hipped me to the extra iron in those "kickin' rockers". |
| guess the nickel wrap with the plain steel strings made | | | | I don't have any "insider details" concerning the "Gibson |
| me feel like my solos kicked in the high places. And, I | | | | Humbucker" electric guitar strings. I know they are |
| switched to those. You know, I liked the way those | | | | sealed for protection from oxidization for the elements |
| strings sounded. There was a nice decay and not too | | | | as all their (Gibson Gear) strings are. These are my |
| much spike compared to a shorter decay and higher | | | | immediate reflections as an experienced performing |
| spike like I felt with NPS ("Brite Wires"), yet there was | | | | musician, guitarist, and still.... A fan!! Keep up the |
| a problem. The nickel cover was a very soft one so I'd | | | | fantastic work, guys. You ROCK!!!! |
| encounter fret wear immediately. And, the string would | | | | When I find out more about the "Gibson Humbucker" |
| lose tone. | | | | electric guitar strings I'll let you know. |