Strings On Your Guitar

[JTR&PIG]

Just Curious what everyone uses or recommends guitar string wise, for example I got Elixir but also like the Martin Light Gauge...What do you use?

[HolyCow]

Prefer Elixer medium polywebs.

[bullox005]

this was just discussed. elixer light NANOweb. worth the extra money.

[JTR&PIG]

My fault I am not great at this I am still aquainting myself with this.

[bullox005]

My fault I am not great at this I am still aquainting myself with this.

it's all good. just lettin you know.

[justinlsmith]

i use elixer light polywebs, but is there any advantages or disadvantages to thicker strings and the nanos?

[PhishFleck41]

D'addario EXP mediums

[brianlisk]

I am a noob at Guitar, and my teacher told me to get Martin Silk & Steel's. They play really really nice. Way better than the stock strings that came with the guitar!

[tmm786]

I'm always trying out new strings, but the only ones I have gone back and used again are the Elixir Light or Custom Light Polywebs. I have D'Addario's EXPs in my case and I can't wait to try them out. They're supposed to be pretty comparable.

I also like, for a cheaper option, the Ernie Ball Earthwood. They are cheaper, have lasted a while, and sound pretty good to me. When you first put them on, they seem to be kinda clanky, but they die down pretty quick.

[JTR&PIG]

D'Addario's isn't that the strings Dave uses...or supposedly uses, I thought he used Elixir

[Mr. Vertical]

Elixers are the best string I've used. I just but on the new phospherus bronze. They are bit brighter, more classic sounding acoustic strings. If I can't afford them I use Martin long life, or ernie ball earthwood are nice also.I have used elixers for years and I find the poly's last a bit longer but the get "furry" around the soundhole, but you don't get any string squeeks as much as the nano. Try different one's until you find what you like ,everyones fingers and ears are different. Heavier gauge strings should not be put on your guitar unless you get the truss rod adjusted. Moving up from 9's to 10's adds 20 to 30 pound of extra force on the neck and the bridge. I know from experience, my bridge lifted from my guitar's body, 100 bucks later. Heavier gauge strings have advantages though ,more sustain, brighter and more projection from the strings, stays in tune longer(depending on how hard you play).String bending and vibrato are harder to excecutethough, and your fingers need to be good a hard.

[jBURCH]

Prefer Elixer medium polywebs.

can you really tell a difference between the nano and polywebs?

[Stuntcheeks]

D'Addario EXP 16's. I swear by 'em.

And to answer JTR&PIG's question, Dave uses D'Addario EXP 15's on his 6 strings and D'Addario EJ39's on his 12 string.

[JTR&PIG]

Even though Taylor Guitars are strung with Elixir Stings I am surprised he uses the D'Addario though

[HolyCow]

can you really tell a difference between the nano and polywebs?

Yeah. Nano's are brighter to me. Poly's are a little slicker and the sound lasts longer.

They are basically the same string though. I have some action issues (well-known by everyone) and the nano's seem to help it some, so I have switched.

[GSUdawg521]

I think I used Martin and Elixir for the first year or so I was playing. Then I tried D'addario (yes, after learning it's what Dave swears by) but I still would've (and did) made my decision based on how they sound. I still stick with them on my standard tuned guitar. For my raised B guitar, I'll just put whatever's around. It usually has strings of mixed ages, brands and weights anyway :lol

[JTR&PIG]

D'addario that good eh, the folks and friends I have spoken to say there unreal and great.

[JTR&PIG]

i was refering to Elixir sorry i forgot to put it.

[PhishFleck41]

The only reason Taylors come stringed with Elixirs is because Elixir cuts a deal with Taylor and sells them their strings for a ridiculously low price, like 30 cents a pack, just so they can say that Taylor uses Elixir strings. EXPs are the way to go, but just like everything else its preference.

[jBURCH]

Yeah. Nano's are brighter to me. Poly's are a little slicker and the sound lasts longer.

They are basically the same string though. I have some action issues (well-known by everyone) and the nano's seem to help it some, so I have switched.

i see. i usually buy a set of both when i buy stings. and to be honest with you i cant tell one bit of difference.

[PilotC150]

I use Elixir Nanoweb Custom Lights.

I feel a difference between nanos and polys. Feel more than hear, from what I've noticed.

Maybe it's in my head, but I seem to be able to feel the extra thickness that the poly's have.

[handyc7]

i have only been able to get my hands on one set but the new Elixir Phosphour Bronze ure un fucking real!! the best strings i have ever used but they don't seem to be available everywhere yet.

[Haiku Jimi]

Usually elixirs, but recently I picked up DR's, they have a good feel and sound but obviously not as smooth as elixirs.

[tmm786]

i have only been able to get my hands on one set but the new Elixir Phosphour Bronze ure un fucking real!! the best strings i have ever used but they don't seem to be available everywhere yet.

I have seen these a couple times, but haven't really wanted to fork over the money for them. Maybe I will one day...

[Carbon Copy]

my elixirs break every 2-3 weeks so i quit playin them.
the same fucking g string too

[nrpappas]

my elixirs break every 2-3 weeks so i quit playin them.
the same fucking g string too

Where does it keep breaking, where you strike the string, or by the bridge or tuning knob, if its not where you are stricking, then you probably have a rought spot on your bridge that is literaly cuting the string while you are playing

I used D'Adario EJ16s for 2 years, then over the summer i was picked to test the trial version of the new elixer's phosphor bronze Nanowebs and I dont think I will ever play anything else again. I waited forever for them to come out, and finally i bought a pack the other day, havent put them on tho, seeing as my elixers i have on there now that i got for christmas are still playing extremely clean...

[nrpappas]

my elixirs break every 2-3 weeks so i quit playin them.
the same fucking g string too

Where does it keep breaking, where you strike the string, or by the bridge or tuning knob, if its not where you are stricking, then you probably have a rought spot on your bridge that is literaly cuting the string while you are playing

I used D'Adario EJ16s for 2 years, then over the summer i was picked to test the trial version of the new elixer's phosphor bronze Nanowebs and I dont think I will ever play anything else again. I waited forever for them to come out, and finally i bought a pack the other day, havent put them on tho, seeing as my elixers i have on there now that i got for christmas are still playing extremely clean...

[JTR&PIG]

I got a new set of phosphor bronze light strings but i haven't put them on my guitar yet...i have never strung a guitar before and am nervous to ruin them...but my orig factory strings aren't shot yet...i think...so are those good strings?

[JTR&PIG]

i forgot to mention they are Elixir

[dmb66]

Martin Bluegrass - love em, best five dollar strings you can buy. Elixir's if I wanna spend money, but EXP's are great as well.

-Nick

[JTR&PIG]

a Penn State fan, oh man...gonna have issues

[dmb66]

Don't get too excited, my parents went to Pitt and was raised rooting for em, but yea I go to Penn State so I'm one of the few that does it both ways.

[handyc7]

Where does it keep breaking, where you strike the string, or by the bridge or tuning knob, if its not where you are stricking, then you probably have a rought spot on your bridge that is literaly cuting the string while you are playing



actually, the elixirs are notorious for the g string breaking even if your bridge is newly filed. it's just a defect that they can't seem to get over. it really pisses me off because when you want singles they still charge you four dollars for one string. i usually just put on a normal phosphour bronze g string afterwards and it will never break. it just doesn't sound as good.

[SpitfireAu]

my elixirs break every 2-3 weeks so i quit playin them.
the same fucking g string tooI've tried a fair few brands of strings, but I always end up using either D'Addario (XL110) or Elixir Nanowebs when I restring my guitars. I try and go for the Elixirs because of their long life and consistent good tone; never had a problem with the G string snapping though...

[PilotC150]

actually, the elixirs are notorious for the g string breaking even if your bridge is newly filed. it's just a defect that they can't seem to get over.
Pretty strange that I've never come across this "notorious" problem.

Never had an Elixir break on me while playing. Maybe ever...

[waywayNCSU]

D'Addario EXP are pretty good/long lasting. Not as expensive as the Elixers.

[JTR&PIG]

Don't get too excited, my parents went to Pitt and was raised rooting for em, but yea I go to Penn State so I'm one of the few that does it both ways.
I am just kidding around...my best friend goes to PSU i am just a huge Pitt fan

[justinlsmith]

do the EXPs feel as smooth as elixers and dot they have that same punchy sound? i play elixers and im considering trying the exps just to see if i like them better

[handyc7]

Pretty strange that I've never come across this "notorious" problem.

Never had an Elixir break on me while playing. Maybe ever...

well what kind of guitar do you have? that may make the difference. but considering i have worked at a music store and actually talked to an Elixir rep who is aware of g strings breaking more than average, specifically .024, i think i would have some sort of clue. this is a problem for alot of guitars with elixir strings. you're lucky. feel good about it.

[chr35919]

the g strings do break more...weird...if I break a string with elixirs it's always g...anyone know why this is?

[handyc7]

the g strings do break more...weird...if I break a string with elixirs it's always g...anyone know why this is?

like i said chris, this is a defect Elixir, for some reason, has not been able to get around. they initially would tell dealers it was a bridge problem. but after they realized the problem was more prevalent with their g strings and no one else's, it's been recognized.

[JTR&PIG]

is it with all there different models like the bronze and nanoweb and other models...or this just isolated in one type?

[AJF_41]

D'addario EXP mediums

agreed..i used to use the nanoweb..then tried these...like them much more :thumbsup

[handyc7]

is it with all there different models like the bronze and nanoweb and other models...or this just isolated in one type?

as far as i was told it is the nano and poly .024 for acoustic. the music store i worked at specifically had those individual strings for sale just because it was a frequent problem.

[JTR&PIG]

what is a normal price per pack of strings the Elixir nanoweb phosphour bronze ?

[handyc7]

what is a normal price per pack of strings the Elixir nanoweb phosphour bronze ?

theay are priced a dollar or two more. but it's worth it.

[twostep1921]

looks like i'm out on my own liking ghs strings. has anyone tried them? i really like them. they play smooth. i have no problems with them breaking either... hmmmm

edit: i have broken many strings, just not when i play with the ghs...

[UPandDOWNstrum]

The only reason Taylors come stringed with Elixirs is because Elixir cuts a deal with Taylor and sells them their strings for a ridiculously low price, like 30 cents a pack, just so they can say that Taylor uses Elixir strings. EXPs are the way to go, but just like everything else its preference.

EXP's are good strings. I used them for quite a while then I ran into these Dean MArkley Alchemy strings. I have been using them for months now....great strings

[guitplyr86]

i personally like the elixir nanos, and lately i've been using the phosphour bronze strings, but i have also found lots of trouble w/ the damn g string broken. that's always a great little bit of humor though during a show...

"i seem to have broken my g string..."

[UPandDOWNstrum]

i personally like the elixir nanos, and lately i've been using the phosphour bronze strings, but i have also found lots of trouble w/ the damn g string broken. that's always a great little bit of humor though during a show...

"i seem to have broken my g string..."

Well, let me tell you what I have learned my friend. I used to play elixers and basically broke my g string every other time I played a show or practiced. It really got to me with the price of the strings. So I called this place called Elderly music here in Lansing. (check them out, nationally known) and the frist thing they asked when i told them the problem was "Are you playing with Elixers?" I was of course elated the problem was diagnosed so fast. They told me that the store has to keep a stock pile of Elixer g strings because they break so often. Also I replaced the bone in my guitar with and actual "Bone" bone, one that is not plastic and wont allow the strings to create grooes in it. Since, I bought one set of Elixers and broke a g string, but not with any other brand



ps the store had no idea why they broke, they just knew they broke from the same reason you and I know they break. Elixers sound great no doubt about it, but if they last a week for $15-20 you might as well pick up a cocaine habit.

[PhishFleck41]

EXP's are good strings. I used them for quite a while then I ran into these Dean MArkley Alchemy strings. I have been using them for months now....great strings

Nice, I am always up for trying out new strings, I just gotta get some time to go to a nice guitar store and get bone pins, these plastic ones are doing nothing for me.

[UPandDOWNstrum]

Nice, I am always up for trying out new strings, I just gotta get some time to go to a nice guitar store and get bone pins, these plastic ones are doing nothing for me..


you know, I have never heard of bone pins. I had a "bone" Bone put in my guitar, and I am sure the pins would benefit in the same way. I have been wanting to inquire as to the exclusivenes of the pins to my guitar anyways. I bought random plastic pins to replace one on an old guitar, but it never fit right. Any info you got my man?

[JTR&PIG]

whats the difference between plastic and bone pins...?

[UPandDOWNstrum]

whats the difference between plastic and bone pins...?


well, outside of one being animal bone and one being plastic (sorry if that soudned smart ass) The difference would probably be int he longevity of the poiece. The bone wouldnt wear as easily as the plastic. I have also heard that the denseness of bone on any part of the guitar improves tone, but it is minimal I think.

[pkpro1]

d'addario is what i use. absolutely amazing strings with great action.

[JTR&PIG]

are they expensive and are they better overall or just in terms of tone?

[PhishFleck41]

well, outside of one being animal bone and one being plastic (sorry if that soudned smart ass) The difference would probably be int he longevity of the poiece. The bone wouldnt wear as easily as the plastic. I have also heard that the denseness of bone on any part of the guitar improves tone, but it is minimal I think.

I have heard that bone/ivory pins help increase bass. You must experiment with them, though. Varies from guitar to guitar.

[JTR&PIG]

I have heard that bone/ivory pins help increase bass. You must experiment with them, though. Varies from guitar to guitar.
ya i don't like a whole bunch of bass in my guitar which is why I want to get somethign with engelman spruce liek the 914 or something similar I m not a huge bass fan at all, I like the high notes or like a 12 string I really enjoy.

[squigglymoe]

I've used all of the strings mentioned in this thread. While I love the Elixir PB, they cost too much for my liking and GC doesn't carry them. That means that the local mom and pop stores can charge 20 bucks a set without anyone undercutting them.

Now, I use Webstrings (http://www.webstrings.com). Just as high quality as D'Addario or Martin, but only $2.35/set if you get 12 sets or more. Also free shipping with 12 sets or more.

Just 27 bucks for 12 sets of strings that are as good as any other non-coated deal out there.

[nakedguydmb]

I've used all of the strings mentioned in this thread. While I love the Elixir PB, they cost too much for my liking and GC doesn't carry them. That means that the local mom and pop stores can charge 20 bucks a set without anyone undercutting them.

Now, I use Webstrings (http://www.webstrings.com). Just as high quality as D'Addario or Martin, but only $2.35/set if you get 12 sets or more. Also free shipping with 12 sets or more.

Just 27 bucks for 12 sets of strings that are as good as any other non-coated deal out there.
i'm debating on whether or not this is spam. if it is, at least it's not one of those ridiculously put together posts with shitass grammar and spelling.

OMG DEALZ R WATING 4 U!!!

[PilotC150]

the g strings do break more...weird...if I break a string with elixirs it's always g...anyone know why this is?
The g-string is the most common one to break in all sets of strings.

While it's not the thinnest overall string, it has the thinnest core, since it's the smallest string that is still wound (has the wire winding around it).

So the core of the G-string is actually smaller than the b and e strings.

[pwhitlock]

I use light EXP's on my 6 and Elixir Nano Lights on my 12. For Bass i use D'addario as well.

[superfan]

I am a begginer at guitar. I have a acoustic yamaha. I hate the strings that it came with. They are so stiff and hard. What is an easy string to use. something with a soft feel, but good sound?

[npl1128]

I am a begginer at guitar. I have a acoustic yamaha. I hate the strings that it came with. They are so stiff and hard. What is an easy string to use. something with a soft feel, but good sound?

i think you should stick with light strings at this point. Some sort of martin lights i think would work well, those are what i used when i first started at least.

http://www.mguitar.com/catalog/PDF/StringCatalog.pdf

check that.

[DMBand520]

I've tried Martin's, D'addarrio's, and Elixers and the Elixer Light Polywebs are my favorite.

[gmmmotors]

I used to use D'addarrio to try to get that "Dave" sound. But then I came across the Elixer's and loved that sound way more. So my suggestion is to try out a bunch of different strings and which ever suites your ear best go with those.

[JTR&PIG]

i recommend the elixers there nice for a beginner to play...though you may want to develop the hardening of your fingers are harder strings.

[jcc522]

i use the light nanowebs, ive never broken a string in my life

[superfan]

I went ahead and bought the Martin silk and steels.

[EZakre]

I think Elixers sound absolutely terrible. I got a set once and they just don't seem to have a full-bodied sound like exp17's do; they sound cheap. They may last a long time, but that doesn't seem like the most important quality in a guitar string (sound, for me anyway, is much more important). Nothing sounds better to me than a new set of exp17s on my guitar... absolutely amazing.

[jiggajm18]

used to use martin light........then i tried d'addario extra light b/c they werent much more expensive. and i've used nothing but d'addario since

[SpitfireAu]

Off topic, am I the only person who finds it ironic that there is a 1 year, 1 day gap since this thread was last in a constant discussion? (Between posts 62 and 63)

Maybe it's just me.... :shrug

ANYWAY, I find I always go back to Elixirs on my guitars, or D'Addarios when I'm feeling cheap. Good tone, and great life providing you wipe the strings down, storage conditions etc. However how long strings can 'last' in terms of tone is often one of personal opinion - so trying a few different types until you find what you're most comfortable with using will prob. be the most beneficial suggestion that I can offer. :thumbsup

Mike

[Munford]

Elixir PB's for me.. They sound very bright and zingy at first but when they settle in is when they sound the best..

[lestat1600]

heaveist guage for elixers or dean markley for acoustic
medium for electric

[VanHorneDog]

D'Addario EXP 80/20 lights right now. but ill put on mediums if im feeling frisky.

oh and Ernie Ball Mediums for the fancy electric guitar. i cant stand light strings.

[41 Step]

On my acoustic I use the regular D'Addarios...never got around to trying the EXPs or Elixers as of yet. On my electrics I use Ernie Ball 10's...experimented around with 9's and 11's, but I thought I always played better with 10's. I'm gonna throw on a set of 11's on my Hamer (which I use for slide playing) one of these days when I'm not feeling so lazy.

[jcc522]

I just had the notorius Elixir G string breakage, is ok to put a medium g string on with the remaining light ones?

[VanHorneDog]

I just had the notorius Elixir G string breakage, is ok to put a medium g string on with the remaining light ones?

no the time space continium will fall appart.

yeah its cool, it will sound a bit different though. dunno if you will notice it though. but it will be there.

EDIT: plus it will be a lot harder to push in since the tension on the string is much higher. but youprobaly know that. it just might be weird. i used to put mediums on the bottom 3 strings in the day. kinda cool.

[bb08barrett]

D'adarrio EXP's all the way.. I know that's been said a bunch, but they are the best.

[mattward2k]

I can't get along with Nanoweb's at all, they seem to break continually on me and they shed crap all over my fingers and fretboard. .11 Polyweb's FTW, they suit my guitar perfectly for some reason and they last forever with little degradation in sound quality.

[scuttfarkus]

Martin light phosphorous bronze on acoustic.

Dean Markley Blue Steel on electric.

Like them both.

[Jead]

I use either DR's or Elixir poly's for acoustics - I plan on trying out the EXP's on the next Taylor change though.

For electric I use GHS.

[dadledog]

ELIXIRS mmmmmmmmm, just thinking about those new mediums that I got yesterday. mmmmmmmmm

[OUFireDancer]

elixirs work best on my guitar, but I definitely know it's different with every instrument.

[MGH4007]

I use either DR's or Elixir poly's for acoustics - I plan on trying out the EXP's on the next Taylor change though.

For electric I use GHS.

wow, three years and one post.

[VanHorneDog]

so anyone know of any good baritone strings? i just had to butcher 2 sets of regular electric strings to fit my guitar.

i think i got some D'addario baritone strings from MF that are coming in. but anyone know of any real good ones?

Its an electric BTW

[taa121288]

elixir light nano