Elixer strings and nickel allergies

[Wil]

I just thought I'd post as I know there are a few other bassists besides myself who suffer from an allergy to nickel, and as such have switched to Elixer strings - I've been using Elixers for a long time and although they are great strings, my hands have been flaring a bit which confused me as I was under the impression that Elixers were stainless steel with a coating. I emailed Elixer however and they stated:

[quote]Hi Wil,

Thanks for your interest in Elixir® Strings. The wrap wire used on our bass strings contains nickel plated steel.

Thanks and Regards

Elixir® Strings
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.[/quote]

So, as the coating was wearing off I was gradually being exposed to the nickel in the windings. I don't know if this is a new development as I used Elixers in the past without any real problems, but to try and make my hands behave I've now switched to DR Highbeams, which should be nothing but stainless steel. I do like them a lot, so I'll see how things go. Not looking forward to the increased cost of running non coated strings, though

[Mr. Foxen]

I think stainless steel can still have nickel in it. I do recall elixirs I've seen being the bright colour of nickel rather than the greyish of stainless.

[Wil]

It can indeed, but you've got to make the best of what's available. I'm certainly not quite flush enough to go for Optimas all the time