Detail 01
Pure nickel wrap
Softer and warmer than nickel-plated steel. Less treble bite, more midrange, and gentler on frets.
Product detailSKU #1273887997782
DR StringsPHR12 Pure Blues Nickel Extra Heavy Electric Guitar Strings
1/3
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Pure nickel electric set in extra heavy gauge. For down-tuned playing, slide, or anyone wanting high tension and a rounder, less brittle top end.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Down-tuned electrics that need usable string tension
- Slide players who want stiff, high-tension strings
- Jazz and blues tones that favor midrange over bite
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Light-touch players who bend a lot
- Anyone unwilling to redo setup and intonation
- Acoustic guitars, which need bronze strings
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Extra heavy gauge
More tension at pitch: tighter low end, louder attack, harder bends, and a genuinely different feel under the hand.
Detail 03
PHR12
The 12 points to a .012 plain first string — a large jump up from standard 9s or 10s.
Detail 04
Listed color: blue
That's the Pure Blues packaging, not a coating. The strings are bare nickel.
Detail 05
$9.99
Uncoated nickel at budget price. Nickel tarnishes, so wipe the strings down after playing.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Expect truss rod, intonation, and possibly nut slot work after switching
- 02Floating tremolos need spring adjustment for the added tension
- 03Uncoated — no long-life coating on these
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I put these on a guitar set up for 10s?
Not without adjustment. The extra tension pulls the neck further, so plan on a truss rod tweak, intonation reset, and possibly wider nut slots.
02How is pure nickel different from nickel-plated steel?
Pure nickel is warmer and softer sounding, with less high-end cut and more midrange. Nickel-plated steel is brighter and more aggressive.
03Are these good for drop tunings?
Yes. Extra heavy gauge keeps the strings tight enough to play cleanly when you tune below standard, where lighter sets go slack.
04What gauges are in this set?
The 12 in PHR12 refers to the .012 first string. Check the packaging for the full range before ordering.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Blue
