Nickel plated steel strings

[Mainer73]

Some ways back I ordered some nickel plated steel strings on an order from Mapes (along with an equal number of PB). Not thinking there was any difference, I ordered both with the standard 40-11 sizes. later on, I happened to notice that D'Addario's offering of this configuration uses a slightly lighter gauge for the wound strings than their standard medium sets (39/25 vs 40/26). Does anyone know the reason for this? And will I find myself with 3 weird sets because mine have the bigger bass strings?

[Rob Roy]

I doubt you'll have a hard time with 0.001" difference on wound strings

[Mainer73]

I doubt it too, I'm just curious as to why the difference in size exists in the D'Addario version. Like if it's to decrease bass response or something. Just seems weird considering that every other medium DA set uses 40 and 26.

[sounds_good]

Some ways back I ordered some nickel plated steel strings on an order from Mapes (along with an equal number of PB). Not thinking there was any difference, I ordered both with the standard 40-11 sizes. later on, I happened to notice that D'Addario's offering of this configuration uses a slightly lighter gauge for the wound strings than their standard medium sets (39/25 vs 40/26). Does anyone know the reason for this? And will I find myself with 3 weird sets because mine have the bigger bass strings?

Here is my explanation.

Depending on the alloys nickel is a little bit denser than phosphor bronze,
which is an alloy containing tin. They don't want you to need more tension
for the same tuning. So, they reduce the diameter of the nickel to compensate.

[Mainer73]

Here is my explanation.

Depending on the alloys nickel is a little bit denser than phosphor bronze,
which is an alloy containing tin. They don't want you to need more tension
for the same tuning. So, they reduce the diameter of the nickel to compensate.

Thanks, that jibes with what I was thinking, but not sure about.