Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$9.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (22)
$9.99
Amazon
4.6 (41)
$8.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$7.36 New
$8.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (26)
$9.99
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$9.99
Thomann
4.6 (91)
$10.60 $10.50 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "DR Strings DR Pure Blues PHR-11". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The DR Strings DR Pure Blues PHR-11 are a nod to the past with a touch of modern flair. They are designed with vintage-style string construction techniques, delivering a tone that's as pure as the blues itself. With its nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound onto a round core, these strings provide a unique blend of enhanced sustain, rich low end, and a punchy midrange. This makes them perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.

The round core construction of the Pure Blues strings lends them a fat, resonant tone. This flexible, resonant string with full lows, warm mids, and sweet highs is reminiscent of the classic blues guitars from the 1950s and '60s. The round cores also enhance sustain, allowing your notes to sing on endlessly.

The pure nickel wrap wire adds punch and clarity. It enhances note definition across the frequency range while boosting presence. Whether you're strumming chords or playing single notes, they'll sound full and complex, cutting through the mix with ease. The nickel wire also gives the strings a smooth, fast feel that facilitates expressive playing.

The heavy gauge of these DR Strings provides a thick, meaty tone perfect for hard-hitting blues. With gauges ranging from 11 to 50, the PHR-11 Pure Blues strings lay down a solid rhythmic foundation, while the thick midrange helps leads and solos punch through.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-style string construction for an authentic blues tone
  • Nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound onto a round core for enhanced sustain
  • Round core construction for a fat, resonant tone
  • Pure nickel wrap wire for punch and clarity
  • Gauges ranging from 11 to 50 for a thick, robust voice
  • Ideal for both rhythm and lead playing
  • Smooth, fast feel for expressive playing
  • Excellent sustain, rich low end, and punchy midrange
  • Produces full and complex chords, and single notes that cut through the mix with ease

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .011, .014, .018, .028, .038, .050
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Pure Nickel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What tone characteristics can I expect from DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11?

DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 feature pure nickel winding, offering a warm and vintage tone ideal for blues and classic rock. The heavy gauge provides a rich, full-bodied sound with enhanced sustain.

Are DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 suitable for all electric guitars?

Yes, DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 are designed for use with electric guitars. Their heavy gauge and pure nickel composition make them particularly suitable for players seeking a vintage blues sound.

What is the gauge of DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11?

The DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 set has gauges of .011, .014, .018, .028, .038, and .050, which are considered heavy. This gauge provides a robust tone and is ideal for players who prefer a thicker string feel.

How do DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 compare to other string materials?

Compared to nickel-plated steel strings, DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 offer a warmer, more vintage sound due to their pure nickel winding. This makes them an excellent choice for blues and classic rock genres.

Are DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 coated strings?

No, DR Strings Pure Blues PHR-11 are not coated. They are made with a pure nickel winding over a steel core, providing a natural feel and tone.

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

DR Pure Blues Strings

Video thumbnail for DR Pure Blues Strings by Dave Simpson

DR Pure Blues Strings

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for DR Strings Pure Blues Guitar String Demo by DR Strings

DR Strings Pure Blues Guitar String Demo

DR Strings

DR Strings

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DR Strings DR Pure Blues PHR-11.

Setup and maintenance

  • DR Pure Blues strings should not be aggressively stretched due to their round core wire, contrasting with typical hex core strings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that DR Pure Blues strings are durable, even under heavy playing conditions, with a lower incidence of breakage compared to other brands.

    Source
  • These strings maintain tone and integrity well, even in high-temperature environments, making them suitable for players in hot climates.

    Source
  • Some users report recent quality control issues with DR Pure Blues, particularly with wound strings (E, A, D) being defective right out of the pack.

    Source
  • DR Pure Blues are noted for their clarity and punch, with many users choosing them over Ernie Ball Slinkys for a more engaging sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • DR Pure Blues strings are compared to D'Addario XL pure nickel for their warm sound, with owners noting a sweeter top end on the DRs.

    Source
  • Owners mention a preference for DR Pure Blues over Ernie Ball Slinkys due to the latter's declining quality and issues like dead strings and packaging errors.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • DR Pure Blues strings are favored for their feel, serving as a benchmark for a good guitar string amongst experienced players.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Trucks uses DR Strings DR Pure Blues PHR-11

Derek Trucks

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Wix

This poster from DR's website states that Derek Trucks uses DR Pure Blues PHR-11.

Derek Trucks confirms that he uses them in this interview published by musicradar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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    jonaxelf

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