Been playing for five decades now. Started quite young ok? But, back to the strings. The nickel wrap lends a warmth to the tone, yet are quite clear and responsive. The plain strings are smooth and crystal clear. These are truely the old school strings, but I had forgotten just how great they sound and play. In the time I've had my latest Les Paul, every string has sounded a might off...Enter the Gibson Vintage Reissues....That "off" sound is history. Articulate, is the first word that comes to mind. Simply the finest string one can use and I was glad to return to them. I have no idea why I didn't get back sooner! For an older player that has tried nearly all there is out there, I came back to the Gibson strings as they simply are the best there is. Period. I'll neve use another string on my guitars again. Glad I came back to the real deal. Everything else just comes up short compared to these strings...