Curt Manganese Fusion Matched Strings 10-46 Nickel Wound Coated Gauges: 10-13-17-26w-36-46 Length of strings: 43 inches (109 cm) Nickel-plated steel wound strings were introduced in the late 1960s and are the most common material for electric guitars and bass. Nickel-plated steel provides a balanced sound. Several years of Trial and Error were necessary to produce a much better chemical composition and the best process for coated strings. Our coated strings extend the life without affecting the sound.