Guitar String Thread...What do you like? Why?

[chetatkinsdiet]

I hope this hasn't already been done here, but I don't remember it and couldn't find a thread. So, here goes....

What strings to do you like best and why? I don't just want, these sound better and those suck....let's get nerdy and really dissect the ins and outs of all the strings out there. I'm an ernie ball player on electrics as, but I still do love my pearse strings on my acoustics though. Up until recently, I played D'addarios on electrics, but switched 'cause my band has an EB deal.
I recently thought about Everly Strings, which I hadn't thought about in years, and just bought a set to try out. I got the B52 electrics. Haven't put them on yet, but will in a few days.
So, let's get this started....gauges, brands, phospher vs. 80/20, 10s vs. 11s on electrics, nickel vs whatever......which ones sound better on which guitars, etc.

later,

m

[LewisWu]

Ghs Boomers have always kept me happy.. for a while there i used the DR strings, but the price to performance curve wasn't satisfactory. lately though, i've defaulted to d'addario..

[simonv]

I've been testing acoustic strings in the past months..

And right now, my favorite for acoustic are D'Addario Flat Tops 12-53 Light EFT16.

[octatonic]

I rarely care about brand- but I tend to use D'Addario or Ernie Ball more often than not.

I use a bunch of different tunings.

Anything in EADGBE, Eb or Open G are strung with 10-52 roundwound (tele's, strats, PRS, partscasters)
I love the heavy bottom, especially for country/bluegrass playing.

I have a couple of guitars tuned to C, F, Bb, Eb, G, C- they are strung with 12's.

Jazzmaster has 10-52 half rounds.
ES175 has flat wounds, 12's I think.

I've used 10-52's for nearly 20 years now- I don't really understand why more people don't- they have a much better feel for rhythm work than 10-46's, which I tend to snap fairly often.

The last guitar is a strat with Nashville tuning.
I don't have a 12 string, and never really enjoyed playing ones I have played.
Nashville tuning is essentially the high strings of a 12 string guitar- the top 2 strings are normal pitch but the bottom 4 are an octave above normal.
It is a wonderful tuning for 12 string simulation if layering guitars in a mix, although obviously wouldn't stand up to scrutiny by itself.

[chetatkinsdiet]

I guess I could put more of my favs and such on here.

OK...on my Martin D18V and 00-18V, I like the extra-light 80/20 Pearse strings. On my Gibson C&W, I like the light's of the same strings. I'd love to try out some of the Everly stings, but no one has them in stock that I've found around me.

On my electrics, I dig 10s on my Fenders, 11s on my Gibsons and 12s on my Gretsch hollowbody. I think I've got 10s on a little Rick 330 just to keep it jangly.

On my National Delphi, I got a few sets of the Ducks strings and really liked the tone of them, but since they were the "resonator" set, they were gauged to be open G. I really like to bring the guitar up to std a bit, so they're just too heavy for that. I think what I liked about the Ducks was really the 100% nickel. Maybe I'll try a regular acoustic set in nickel.

later,

m

[chetatkinsdiet]

Originally Posted by octatonic

The last guitar is a strat with Nashville tuning.
I don't have a 12 string, and never really enjoyed playing ones I have played.
Nashville tuning is essentially the high strings of a 12 string guitar- the top 2 strings are normal pitch but the bottom 4 are an octave above normal.
It is a wonderful tuning for 12 string simulation if layering guitars in a mix, although obviously wouldn't stand up to scrutiny by itself.

I've been meaning to string up something like this. I did one years ago buying a pack for a 12 string and basically throwing the ones away I didn't use. Did you put together a custom set for this or does anyone make a pack for Nashville Tuning?

Yeah, this tuning sounds so fine on Stones-y sounding rock stuff.

m

[octatonic]

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

I've been meaning to string up something like this. I did one years ago buying a pack for a 12 string and basically throwing the ones away I didn't use. Did you put together a custom set for this or does anyone make a pack for Nashville Tuning?

Yeah, this tuning sounds so fine on Stones-y sounding rock stuff.

m

I make up a custom set out of singles as I want to use slightly different gauges compared to what is commercially available.

D'Addario do one form memory- I am sure others do, but good luck finding any of them at banjomart.

[john.sawyer]

D'Addario.

Inexpensive, never had an excessive problem with them breaking, and they use Eco-Friendly packaging.

[EricF]

D'Addario - for guitars and basses.

[chetatkinsdiet]

I sure wish D'Addario would update the items you can get with their points. I don't really need any more hats, pint glasses or stools. I'd love to get something useful like discounted strings, guitar cords, straps, etc.

m

[kafka]

John Pearse for almost everything. Love their Phosphor/Silk on the acoustic. I just tried the Pure Nickel Wounds on electric, and I'm impressed by how much character they have. And those wierdo braided classical strings with 6 wound strings are also great sounding, although I wouldn't use them for pure classical playing.

Otherwise, I'm still playing D'Addario Chromes flatwounds on my archtop.

[Unclenny]

D'Addario 10's on the Strat.

GHS 11's on the old SG....I like a wound .021 G.

Martin SP Bronze 12's on the Martin.....and on Stella.

[Randall]

To my ears on my Larrivee nothing can touch Thomatik-Infeld's Plectrum 11 - 50's
Pricey, but worth a few extra clams

on my electrics.. I'm not as fussy, but I usually go for the Gibsons...

[doorknocker]

I played D'Addarios for a long time but since I kept adding different instruments all the time in the last few years (dobro, lap steel, 12-string electric, Baritone, Mandolin) it kept getting expensive.....

A friend of mine suggested GHS and I've tried them on acoustic guitar first, Phospohor Bronze 12-54 and I must say that I like them much better than the D'Addarios. They sound better to my ears, last longer and they are also cheaper. I've tried John Pearse as well, REALLY expensive strings, but actually I didn't like them at all. I guess it's different on every guitar but my '59 Gibson LG-2 really sounds good with the GHS 12s.

I also use GHS phosphor bronzes on mandolin and they are excellent too. I still have D'Addario and Ernie Ball electric sets left but i'll be switching to GHS Boomers as well.

It seems that D'Addario really has the biggest marketing budget. And I really hate the all-strings-in-one-plastic-wrap thing they do.....

To their credit though, they have a special 'Nashville' tuning acoustic set and that's really convenient.

[djwayne]

D'addario's light gauge, coated.

EXP 16's on the Martin D-18,

EXP 38's on the Taylor 450 12 string

[john.sawyer]

I tried GHS Boomers for several months a while back but I stopped because I never broke so many E and B strings than with the Boomers. I then started using Dean Markley Blue Steels which are great but eventually switched to D'Addario's because they are about half of the price of the Blue Steels and I like the Eco-Friendly all in one plastic bag packaging.

[Meriphew]

DR Blues.

[coheed56]

D'addario's
Dunlops
Darcos (when I cant get a hold)
I prefer extra light

[jamsmith]

I like Martin Marquies for steel string Acoustics. I prefer La Bella for the Classical. For the electric, I really couldn't care less. This is the order that effect my sound:

1. Fingers
2. Pickups
3. FX
4. Amp
5. Soundman
6. Acoustics in the room
7. Listeners ears
8. The day of the week
9. How cute the blonde down front looks
10. My horiscope.
11. What brand of string are on my Strat

I used to use D'Addario, but I like to read the string guages in big letters on the outside of the sleeve, not trying to decipher the color code of the pack in the dark. I use Ernie Ball because "Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom" is easier to say than "the pack with a 10 for the high E and a 52 for the low."

And I hope to God you do realize that many of these string manufactures use they same machines and buy the same wire as each other and the only real differences are the packaging and advertising. And some brands are only rebranding of others. You will find a greater difference between string of different guages and materials than by manufacturer.

And generally the reason your favorite rock star uses brand X is that they get them for free.

[JimmyM]

I bought D'addario XLs at first because they were the cheapest strings in the store, and now I buy them because I like them better than any other string, AND because they're the cheapest strings in the store.

.010-.046 on electric, .012-(I forget) on acoustic, and .040-.095 on bass.

[chetatkinsdiet]

Originally Posted by jamsmith

I like Martin Marquies for steel string Acoustics. I prefer La Bella for the Classical. For the electric, I really couldn't care less. This is the order that effect my sound:

1. Fingers
2. Pickups
3. FX
4. Amp
5. Soundman
6. Acoustics in the room
7. Listeners ears
8. The day of the week
9. How cute the blonde down front looks
10. My horiscope.
11. What brand of string are on my Strat

I used to use D'Addario, but I like to read the string guages in big letters on the outside of the sleeve, not trying to decipher the color code of the pack in the dark. I use Ernie Ball because "Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom" is easier to say than "the pack with a 10 for the high E and a 52 for the low."

And I hope to God you do realize that many of these string manufactures use they same machines and buy the same wire as each other and the only real differences are the packaging and advertising. And some brands are only rebranding of others. You will find a greater difference between string of different guages and materials than by manufacturer.

And generally the reason your favorite rock star uses brand X is that they get them for free.

I couldn't agree more with everything here. I'm not too picky on electrics either. We do have a deal with EB...not free, but very, very cheap. I just tend to go elsewhere for acoustic strings. I'm just looking for what everyone else thinks as it's really interesting how for some folks 80/20's on a D18 are perfect, while another must have phospher bronze.

Also, as is mentioned in my OP, the Everly String Company is what got me thinking about all of this as they do have their own machines to make the strings and it's supposed to be a very different process. I've talked to a few guys that have even done the factory tour while in CA. It sounds interesting, but not too many regular guys play them as they're typically only available in mom and pop shops. No big chains sell them. This also tends to mean that you're not getting the two for one, or half price deals if you're shopping in these places. So, it gets expensive just trying them out.

m

[allencollins]

anything but D&r for electric
Martin silk and steel for acoustics

usually buy bulk at juststrings

[Master Tang]

D'Addario here for electrics. Was sponsored by them years ago, and just never got out of the habit of using them.

Bought a few packs of EBs here just recently, but have since gone back to my Ds.

For acoustics, I like Elixirs. They feel a little weird, but last well.

As far as troubles I've had over the years, I use a FR trem, and have noticed a few brands that break more than others. Boomers, Markleys (especially the Blue Steels), and Gibsons all broke way quicker than EBs or the D'Addarios when using a trem bar. And it's usually the G string. Funny ain't it?

I've tried the DRs... Wasn't impressed, and used Fender Bullets for a while back in the day.

For a classical, nothing comes close to Savarez.

[Lerxst]

Elixirs for touring

Dean Markley, GHS, EB, in the studio - whatever's laying around - there almost all the same.

~Lerxst

[jamsmith]

Funny, but electric bass strings seem to really make a far greater difference from brand to brand the electric strings. Maybe the philosophy is that guitarist are apt thrown anything on so they want whatever you throw on to be right. I have met few bass players were not very particular about string. Hell, does Rotosound even MAKE a guitar string? (well, yes, I have never seen anyone putting them on). That goes for Alembic, Ken Smith, Pedulla, DR, and few others that I see on bass all the time but rarely or never seen on guitars. But I do see plenty of basses with GHS (especially Boomers), D'Addario, Ernie Ball, etc.

I guess with bassist, the are maybe more picky with bass string so they cater to them with more variety. Or maybe all that metal, bigger pickups, and cleaner tones, it just make the difference that a minor to guitar major to basses

[Unclenny]

Originally Posted by allencollins

Martin silk and steel for acoustics

Very cool strings......still have a set around waiting for the right tune.

[LittleJohn]

Always it depends on what you are trying to do --
but I find it interesting to note, not a single mention of Fender Bullets.

I actually think the bullets sustain better on fender guitars than other string types. So if you are trying to do something that needs that sort of thing, give it a try.

Since there has not been a mention of these prior, I infer the majority to believe they dont sound as good as others. I'm not sure I personally agree with that, but whatever/

Oh, And they come in sealed packages so you dont get the little "rust" spots.

[bluestarbass]

I guess with bassist, the are maybe more picky with bass string so they cater to them with more variety. Or maybe all that metal, bigger pickups, and cleaner tones, it just make the difference that a minor to guitar major to basses

The whole time I was reading this I was thinking the same thing. Bass players are MUCH more specific when choosing strings. For one you have to deal with them alot longer. I can get 6 monthes of heavy use out of the DR coated, thats why I like them. Bass strings are $30 a pack and guitar strings are $6 so you want to be alot more careful what you buy. I play DR's on everything I own. Im surprised there are a few people who do not like them on guitar. I started playing them cuz they are such great bass strings.

[3rd world order]

ernie ball 10s or fender nickels on electrics with gibson medium picks... or those big heavy equilateral triangle bass picks for more aggression

hate boomers, d'addarios, and tortex picks bore me..

i'm not a big fan of new bright strings.. i tend to like them when they're duller and more "worn out".. you dont need much over 6k on electric guitars in a mix anyhow

who breaks strings? i havent broken one in about 10 years... are they breaking at the head or the tail?

i have a used 70s fender p-bass with the same strings that came with it... god knows how old they are... new bass strings sound horrible to me... i guess if i had to buy new strings for some reason i'd get flatwounds... if i want more bite i'll play with a pick.

[mojo1]

I'll throw in my 2 cents here!!!

I use GHS Infinity Bronze (coated) Medium guage on all of my D-Size guitars and my Om size. I kill regular strings... usually in one song on a sweaty night.

I play bluegrass/americana/etc. so I need some stout strings!

For Electrics I've been using the GHS Santana Big-Core strings in 10.5 guage.

Sometimes I'll throw some elixer nanowebs on guitars that I don't play everyday...