I've been playing nothing but pure nickel strings for a few years, mostly Pyramid 11-48. When I decided to try some 10 gauge strings I found out by accident that Ernie Ball had released pure nickels too. I tried out a set and I must say I like them. I've got the feeling they have a hexcore, as the sustain and warmth are a little less then on Pyramids and Thomastiks, but they are still a very nice set of strings. If you don't want the anemic and piercing nickel-plated slinky's anymore, try out these, you won't be disappointed. Unless you play metal of course.