DR Dragon Skin+ Strings: The Game-Changing Choice for Guitarists

In the ever-evolving world of guitar gear, where innovation meets tradition, DR Strings has carved out a reputation for pushing boundaries with their handcrafted, American-made strings. Their latest offering, the Dragon Skin+ series, has been turning heads and earning praise from players across genres. At this year’s NAMM show, I had the privilege of sitting down with artists like Jared James Nichols and Aryan King to discuss why these strings are being hailed as the best choice for guitarists who demand tone, durability, and playability. Spoiler alert: Dragon Skin+ is something huge, and it’s a string everybody can count on.

The Dragon Skin+ Difference

DR Strings, based in Westwood, New Jersey, has long been celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced strings, DR’s approach emphasizes hand-made precision, using only the finest American materials—from the wire to the ball ends. The Dragon Skin+ series takes this ethos to the next level with its patented Accurate Core Technology and advanced K3 Coating. This combination promises superior tuning stability, balanced tone, extended string life, and a feel that’s both silky and responsive. According to DR, these strings are designed to “sound huge, be easy to play, and have outstanding endurance.” And the buzz from players suggests they’re delivering on that promise.

The Accurate Core Technology creates grooves in the core wire to cradle the wrap, allowing the strings to vibrate to their full potential. The result? A tone that’s loud, musical, and balanced across the frequency spectrum. The K3 Coating, meanwhile, enhances durability without sacrificing the natural feel or sound of uncoated strings. It’s a bold claim, but one that’s resonating with players from blues rockers to jazz virtuosos.

Voices from NAMM: Jared James Nichols , Victor Wooten and Aryan King

At NAMM 2025, the DR Strings booth was abuzz with excitement, and for good reason. I caught up with Jared James Nichols, the blues-rock powerhouse known for his signature Epiphone “Old Glory” Les Paul and fingerstyle technique. Nichols, a recent convert to DR Strings, was effusive about Dragon Skin+. “These are next level,” he said, echoing his sentiments from a Guitar World feature. “I never thought I’d like coated strings, but these are silky, easy to play, and lasted nine shows!” For a player like Nichols, whose aggressive bends and dynamic playing demand strings that can keep up, this is high praise. He emphasized their longevity and feel, noting how they allow him to coax a wide range of tones from his guitar using just his hands and amp.

Aryan King, another artist making waves at NAMM, also shared his enthusiasm for Dragon Skin+ and Pure Blues Series. Known for his versatile playing style, King highlighted the strings’ tuning stability and clarity. “Whether I’m shredding or laying down clean chords and blues, these strings give me the articulation I need,” he said. “They’re reliable, and that’s huge when you’re performing night after night.” King’s endorsement underscores the versatility of Dragon Skin+, making them a go-to for players across genres.

Real-World Performance

The Dragon Skin+ series isn’t just about hype—it’s about real-world results. Available in both Quantum Nickel (for electric guitars) and stainless steel (for bass), these strings cater to a wide range of players. For electric guitarists, gauges like 9-42, 10-46, and 10-52 offer flexibility for everything from bluesy bends to metal shredding. Acoustic players can choose from 10s, 11s, 12s, and 13s, while bassists have options in both stainless and nickel-plated sets. Custom sets are also available, ensuring every player can find their perfect match.

Jazzwise magazine tested Dragon Skin+ and noted, “The sustain was remarkable, the tone full and clean, and the tuning rock-solid from the off.” This aligns with Nichols’ and King’s experiences, as well as feedback from other artists like Dirty Loops bassist Henrik Linder, who called them “the best strings I’ve ever tried” and said they “will change the way I play music.” Linder’s endorsement highlights the strings’ ability to deliver for bassists, offering a bright, malleable feel ideal for percussive styles.

However, not every player is sold. Some online forums, like TalkBass, reveal mixed experiences with the stainless steel Dragon Skin+ bass strings. One user described them as “dead and bright at the same time,” suggesting coated strings might not suit everyone’s taste. Still, the consensus leans heavily positive, with many praising the strings’ longevity and balanced tone. For acoustic players, the Dragon Skin+ series has been lauded for sounding as vibrant as uncoated strings, a feat DR attributes to the K3 Coating.

Why Dragon Skin+ Stands Out

What makes Dragon Skin+ the string everybody can count on? It’s the combination of innovation and reliability. The Accurate Core Technology ensures the strings stay in tune even under heavy bending or aggressive playing, a boon for players like Nichols who push their instruments to the limit. The K3 Coating extends string life without dulling the tone, addressing a common complaint about coated strings. As one Harmony Central reviewer noted about the original Dragon Skin strings, “They sound surprisingly close to their stretched, uncoated counterparts,” and the Plus series takes this further with enhanced projection and clarity.

For acoustic players, Dragon Skin+ has become a factory standard for Guild guitars, a testament to their quality. The partnership between DR and Guild celebrates both brands’ commitment to craftsmanship, delivering strings that complement the rich, resonant tones of Guild’s legendary acoustics.

The Verdict

Dragon Skin+ strings are more than just another set of strings—they’re a statement. They embody DR’s philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, offering guitarists and bassists a tool that inspires confidence and creativity. From the NAMM show floor to stages worldwide, artists like Jared James Nichols and Aryan King are proving these strings can handle the demands of professional performance while delivering tone that’s huge, balanced, and enduring.

Whether you’re a blues-rocker bending notes like Nichols, a versatile player like King, or just a weekend warrior looking for strings that last, Dragon Skin+ is worth a try. They’re not just strings; they’re a game-changer. As Nichols put it, “It’s an honor to string up Old Glory with DR Strings!” With endorsements like that and a design that lives up to the hype, Dragon Skin+ is poised to become the string everybody counts on. Ready to experience something huge? Grab a set and hear the difference for yourself.