Just like riding mowers, one factory in OHio has 6 different brands that come off their line. It's a fact that you can talk about for months, I say find what feels best and sounds right to your ears and play the heck out of them. I tried some Martins, Gibsons, Elixir, D'addirio and a few GHS. I have found Dean Markley's to be my favorite brand of strings.