Daddario EPN115

My guitar is equipped with Gretsch Dynasonic single-coil pickups. They're huge coils with giant magnets, designed in late 40's. By today's standards they're low output but broad range pickups. In the early days, the goal was to amplify hollow-body guitar, and nickel strings were the way to go to get the most natural sound. Steel wrapped strings were introduced as humbuckers got more popular (usually to compensate lack of top end).

EPN series strings deliver what I was looking for - clear sounds and balanced tone for my Gretsch. They last longer then steel wrapped strings, and are easier on your frets, as nickel winding is softer.

I'm glad that they're still around, as you don't have to many options when it comes to pure nickel strings. They meet all my expectations when it comes to tone (not too bright, but not as dull as flatwounds).

My only concern is, like with most string sets, that plain strings (E, B, G) give up a bit early, as wound strings last longer than your usual steel, or nickel on steel wrapping.

The Squire VM Jaguar comes with 9s as standard which many believe are too light for the 24" scale and the general consensus is to go with 11s. I certainly found the stock strings awful and it was easy to push the high E off the fret board unless you were very careful. So as the main aim of my Squire Jaguar purchase was to create that vintage 60s sound I opted for these pure nickle 11s and I must say they sound great and have transformed the Squire VM Jaguar (in conjunction with a replacement Mustang style bridge). If you are looking for a vintage surf rock 50s/60s sound and are using one of the 24" scale Fenders these may be the strings for you.