Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode.php on line 2968
Another 'best strings' post
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 19 of 25

Thread: Another 'best strings' post

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Suburbs of the Big Easy
    Posts
    193
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Another 'best strings' post

    I know there are lots of things that make deciding on the best strings for your guitar such as the guitar itself, the type of music you play and even how often you change strings but I wanted to re-visit the string issue again.
    I've tried coated and the standard for years and have pros and cons on each. On my Strat, I use lights (9's) but on my PRS and Hagstrom, I use 10's and lately have been using GHS Nicek Rockers. They sound great but don't seem to last long.
    I've always been a big D'Addario fan and ages ago, lived on Ernie Ball. For my acoustics, I've been fond of the coated strings as they last longer but my Zager is very particular.
    So, what do you seem to stick to most....brand and gauge and why?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Idaho (I-duh-ho)
    Posts
    12,581
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    For more than the past two decades I've used (get this) Musician's Friend, now called Rogue, bulk sets for electric. Either 10-46 or 9-42 gauges. Just depends how I feel. In all that time, gigging, rehearsing, neglecting my guitars etc. I've probably only broken fewer than 5 strings. That's a pretty good success rate if you ask me.

    Obviously the Rogue strings are made by a reputable string manufacturer who probably does several different brand names for the same strings. I have no complaint or issues with that or the very consistent quality that I've come to expect. When purchased in packets of 12 the price per set is almost unbeatable.

    For acoustic guitars I haven't used enough different brands to have a real opinion. I've played some Elixers that I liked, Martin Phosphor Bronze, GHS bronze etc. that were good as well. I'm not very picky about my acoustic strings...yet.

    "No Tele For you." - The Tele Nazi

    Ha! Tele-ish now inbound.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    7,260
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    This thread comes up every so often. I've got GHS Boomer .010s that I've always used. I mainly started using them because back when I played bass I used Boomers. I've really only tried D'Addarios. There seemed to be no reason for me to switch. My skin chemistry is very easy on strings, so buying in bulk really isn't necessary. By time I'd use the last set, they'd probably be tarnished from just sitting there

    On my bass now I use DR Hi Beams .045-.105. I wanted to try stainless strings because my current bass is a bit on the dark side. I first tried Rotosounds but didn't like them. Hi Beams feel "looser" for the same gauge as well as brighter and "growlier" than the Rotosounds. I replace bass strings once every epoch.
    Axen: Jackson DK2M, Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster, Reverend Warhawk 390, Taylor 914ce, ESP LTD Surveyor-414
    Amphen: Jet City JCA22H and JCA12S cab, Carvin X-60 combo, Acoustic B20
    Effecten: "Thesis 96" Overdrive/Boost (aka DVM OD2), Hardwire DL-8 Digital Delay/Looper, DigiTech Polara Reverb, DigiTech EX-7 Expression Factory and CF-7 Chorus Factory, Danelectro CF-1 Cool Cat Fuzz
    "I wish Imagine Dragons would be stuck in an Arcade Fire for an entire Vampire Weekend."--Brian Posehn

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    12
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I have used Ernie Ball Super Slinkys since the mid 80s and have broken less than a dozen strings in that time (mostly broke from my stupidity!).

    With my acoustics, I am all over the place. Currently I am using medium guage Elixers. They are ok but take some getting used to.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Columbus OH USA
    Posts
    596
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Ive come to like Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10's - use them on everyting. I don't gig or play with a band so they last forever (I do wipe down the strings everytime I finish playing). Great tone and they just feel right to my fingertips while playing and bending.
    Dave
    Guitars: Ibanez AF-75, Schecter Solo-6 Custom, Douglas SG
    Amps: Fender Princeton 65, Marshall AVT50
    Pedals: Metal Muff, MXR Smart Gate, EHX Cathedral Reverb, Digitech RP-255

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    All over Texas...
    Posts
    4,071
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Used to use Dean Markely Blue Steels... and switched to D'Addarios of various gauges in the early 90s. I have never, not once, broken a string with the D'Addarios. I've used them ever since.

    I've tried Ernie Ball, GHS, off brand and other strings. There are some great ones out there, but the D'Addarios last a long time, sound great, and don't break.

    Unless quality goes downhill, I'll be using these from now on. Currently using the .009-.042 set. Used to use .010s on all my guitars, but got tired of putting in the extra fight for what was just a little more fullness in tone. Who knows, if I can find them, I may even try a set of .008s.
    Guitars:
    Fender 2006 MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS in 3TS
    Ibanez RG 570 with a bridge Invader
    ESP M II Deluxe with a Tune-o-Matic bridge
    Eleanor, the magical, mystical Road Worn wonder Tele
    Blackstar HT Club 40

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    MSP
    Posts
    3,913
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I haven't paid much attention to strings. I have a bunch of D'Addario 10s that I bought on sale from MF about a month ago, but have used GHS Boomer 11s before that. I think I used some Ernie Ball Slinkys before that for maybe a pack or two.

    I'm curious to try something light like 8s or 9s eventually. When I switched from 11s to 10s on 25.5" scale guitars earlier, it was like night and day, so I'm wondering if the same will hold for 10s to 9s or 8s.
    Quote Originally Posted by Spudman
    Does anyone read the original post?
    Guitars: Gibson LP Studio, MIA Fender Precision, Carvin C350
    Amps: Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 + Avatar B212 / Genzler 12-3, Acoustic B20
    Pedals: Pod HD500X, Diamond Compressor, Tech 21 VT Bass, Sonic Research Turbo Tuner

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Monmouth, OR
    Posts
    2,039
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I use 09-42s on my "shredder" style guitars, and 10-46s on all the others. I used to only use Ernie Ball Super Slinkies, but lately it's been Webstrings. They are just as good as the EBs, and very affordable. I think I'll stick to the Webstrings from now on. I've been very happy with them.
    -Sean
    Guitars: Lots.
    Amphs: More than last year.
    Pedals: Many, although I go straight from guitar to amp more often lately.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    661
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I just discovered Darco 10's, made by the Martin Co. I'm really loving them -- tight and bright!
    Guitars: Jimmie Vaughan Strat, 2001 Affinity Squier Strat with 70's Japanese pickups, Affinity Squier Tele
    Amps: Fender Pro Junior w/ Ragin' Cajun speaker, Peavey Delta Blues 115
    Pedals: Ibanez TS9DX w/ Humphrey mod, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Dano PB&J Delay, Arion Tubulator w/Indyguitarist mod, Boss CS-3, Dano Fish and Chips EQ, Boss CH-1, Dano TunaMelt Tremolo, Boss RV-3, Boss DS-1
    Strings: Darco 10's
    Website: www.bluesrow.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Eastern Penn's Woods
    Posts
    278
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Haven't had much experience with acoustic strings. Think I have a set of Martins on now. I always used GHS boomers. Started using them cuz the guy who turned me on to playing used them. Thought I might like to try a set of Ball super slinkys for a change. Put them on my Telecaster and love them! I will keep using them for a while on this guitar. On my Hagstrom (the other guitar I always play) I still have the factory strings but will soon be changing them. Will start with the GHS on there and see if they can hold a tune with the Tremolo like the factory strings did. If not then the search will continue
    Guitars: '06 Les Paul Classic Goldtop, '07 SG classic, '79 ES335TD Blond, '88 Telecaster, '08 Custom Shop Strat 57 NOS, Framus '69 Goucho Acoustic, '72 Framus Caravelle hollow body, '09 Hagstrom Swede, '10 Ibanez AG95 and '69 Heit

    Amps: Fender Blues Deluxe Tweed, Marshall JCM 900 50W full stack, Roland Cube 20XL and '69 Checkmate!

    Pedals: (all DVM) Tremolo, "Rabid Rodent" distortion, "Zonkin Yellow Screamer" OD/Boost, "Gee Ain't That Swell" volume swell, and "Mega Muff" fuzz

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    62
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Free strings are the best! (My brother is sponsered by GHS so I get my own custom gauge free)

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Just outside Atlanta
    Posts
    624
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I've used www.webstrings.com now for a couple of years. Great strings, great
    price, great service.....why go somewhere else?
    LIVE AND LET ROCK!!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    392
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I'm just now trying 'Rev. Willy's Mexican Lottery®Brand' guitar strings, 7's to 38. If Rev. Gibbons gets those tones out of these, they can't be too bad. We'll see...
    "Always go heavy on the effects and try to blind the audience with expensive gear." - hubberjub

    I mean, no offense, but I don't really see why, like guitar players from Creed, or something like that, are on the cover of guitar magazines. Almost anybody can sit down and learn to play those songs.
    Dweezil Zappa

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Suburbs of the Big Easy
    Posts
    193
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I really appreciate all the info on strings. Keep em coming.
    I just changed the strings on my PRS to GHS Nickel Rockers and will see how long they keep the sound. I've been very pleased so far. I may try some of the webstrings I keep hearing about on my Hagstrom as it sounds too good to be true and I want to see this for myself. I've heard for awhile these are made by the same folks that make many of the big boy brands so it's worth a shot.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Uppah Noo Yawk
    Posts
    7,407
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I use D'Addario EXL110's (.010 - .046) on pretty much all my electrics. I'm strictly a home/leisure player and am very easy on my strings, so sets last me a long time. I very rarely break a string (even though I do a lot of string bending) and have had excellent experience with the D'Addarios. I ran 9's on one of my Strats for a while--liked the easier bending, but they sounded noticeably thinner to me, so I'm back to 10's for the meatier tone.
    DVM's Ever-Expanding Gear List:

    Guitars - W-A-A-A-Y-Y too many to list. Check 'em all out HERE

    Amps & Cabs - "Kap'n Kerrang-aroo" BYOC 18W TMB kit amp head; Mojave Coyote head; Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Lacquered Tweed Ltd. Ed.; Allen Sweet Spot kit amp; BYOC Tweed Royal kit amp; Epiphone Valve Jr. combo + mods; Drive 2x12 cab / Celestion G12M Greenback + G12H30; AB Custom Audio 1x12 cab / Celestion Alnico Blue

    Pedals/Effects - ZILLIONS, including DVM's Home-built Pedals - See some HERE and HERE, TOO!

    DVM's Gear Photos
    Visit MY WEBSITE!



  16. #16
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sun Valley, Idaho
    Posts
    10,955
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    I am pretty much in there with DVM. I never had much use for 9's though. My D'Addarios last a long time. I have no reason to doubt Spud's experience either though. He gave me a set of those MF strings, and they seemed fine too. Also a pair of Boomers. I guess I am just not that picky, as long as they are not smaller than 10's.
    Steve Thompson
    Sun Valley, Idaho


    Guitars: Fender 60th Anniversary Std. Strat, Squier CVC Tele Hagstrom Viking Semi-hollow, Joshua beach guitar, Martin SPD-16TR Dreadnought
    Amphs: Peavey Classic 30, '61 Fender Concert
    Effects and such: Boss: DS-1, CE-5, NS-2 and RC20XL looper, Digitech Bad Monkey, Korg AX1G Multi-effects, Berhinger: TU100 tuner, PB100 Clean Boost, Line 6 Toneport UX2, Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi, DuhVoodooMan's Rabid Rodent Rat Clone, Zonkin Yellow Screamer Mk. II, MXR Carbon Copy Delay


    love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart. . .
    - j. johnson

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    1,529
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    On my fretted basses, I use DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams for long-lasting growly tone and nice feel. I use GHS Bright Flats on the fretless and may never change them.

    For electric guitar, I've used D'Addario 10s and currently have GHS Boomers (10s) on the strat. The Boomers were free. I think I'd like to go back to 9's on the strat though and may use webstrings.

    For the acoustic, I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Ultralights.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Kent, UK
    Posts
    2,353
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I've always been a D'Addario fan. 10-46 on the electrics, 12-53 phosphor bronze on the acoustics. Except, that is for a "banjo killer" rosewood Sigma dread' and a L'Arrivee parlour that both needed 13-56 pb's to really open up.
    My Blueridge, however really loves Martin SP PB 12-54 so that's what I'll put back on at the next change. I must try a set on the J45 as well.
    Electric: Fat strat > Korg PB > TS7 > DS1 > DD-20 > Cube 60 (Fender model)

    Acoustic: Guitar > microphone > audience

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Suburbs of the Big Easy
    Posts
    193
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I went ahead and ordered $30 of strings from Webstrings to see how they are. Got some 9's and 10's to try on the Strat and Hagstrom and a set for the mandolin.......my mandolin is 18 months old and the strings have never been changed but I've not played it all that much.
    I don't expect these strings to be superior quality but I'm hoping they are very good at least.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •