Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Don: I have noted that a few string manufacturers have a tinplating on their plain strings which produces a noticeable change in sound and feel.
The strings seem brighter to my ear and are much smoother to the touch.

Two such brands are Ernie Ball Slinkys and certain Thomastik-Enfeld flat sets. I expect that there are more.

Is this smoke and mirrors or is there a good technical reason why the tin-plating would sound different with certain pickups?

Peter; I agree with your tonal acessments. I don't like tin plated as they sound shrill! I would imagine it is a cost effective measure and not done for a nicer tone. Pyramid's plain strings are silver plated which makes the sound more round and smooth.
Tin plating would be a cheap alternative and my guess is that it's done to protect the steel from rust & corrosion. Strings will sound different on different guitars because wood is not a consistant medium and that tone transfers to your pickups.