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How to choose guitar strings. How to choose quality strings for an acoustic guitar

Strings for an acoustic or classical guitar have a significant impact on its sound, so from the widest range of strings on the market, you should choose the ones that are ideal for you and your instrument. This guide will help you choose the right strings that best suit your guitar and playing style.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Since there are no sound effects or amplification in an acoustic guitar, the strings are key to its sound. Therefore, the material and gauge of acoustic strings must be carefully considered, and the type of winding is also an important factor.

Acoustic or classical guitar

The first thing that determines the choice of strings is the type of instrument - classical or western guitar (it is most often called acoustic). In most cases their strings Not interchangeable. Using metal strings on a guitar designed to use nylon strings can seriously damage the instrument. The neck design of a classical guitar is not designed to withstand the pressure from the tension of metal strings. Using the wrong strings can also damage the bridge and nuts.


String gauge

Before we dive into the specific characteristics of the different types of guitar strings, let's look at the concept of string gauge, since it applies to both. Strings come in different thicknesses or gauges. Caliber is indicated in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest acoustic strings are usually 0.010 gauge, while the thickest are 0.059 gauge. The gauge of the strings greatly affects their playability and sound.

Please note that classical guitar strings also vary in tension. Below we will discuss the effect of tension on the sound and playability of classical strings.

Thinner strings (smaller gauge):

  • - it’s easier to pinch the strings and play by fingerpicking;
  • - tear faster;
  • - their sound is less deep and long;
  • - can cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with a small distance between the neck and the strings;
  • - place less pressure on the guitar neck and are safer for older instruments

Thicker Strings (Higher Gauge):

  • - require a lot of effort to pinch the strings and play chords;
  • - the sound is deep and long;
  • - cause more pressure on the bar.

Gauge designation on acoustic guitar string sets

Most manufacturers mark the gauge of the string set with labels such as “extra light” or “heavy” on the packaging. Although string gauges of the same markings may vary slightly among different manufacturers, the following are standard string gauges for acoustic guitars:

extra light

custom light

Selecting String Gauge for an Acoustic Guitar

When deciding which string gauge to choose, the following factors must be considered:

Type of shell: The general rule is that guitars with a smaller body, that is, with less resonance, are better off with lighter gauge strings, and guitars with a larger body are better off with thicker strings. Thus, large dreadnoughts (western dreadnoughts) or jumbos, as a rule, sound better with medium gauge strings: thanks to the large soundboard, the sound resonates well and is balanced deep and loud. Folk and grand audience guitars will sound better with thinner strings.

Playing style: Picking is much easier on smaller gauge strings. If you prefer to play, it is better to choose medium-gauge strings, although for beginners who are not roughened, they may seem harsh. If you combine both plucking and strumming in your playing, light-medium gauge strings may be a good option. These sets consist of thinner three lower strings and thicker three upper strings.

Desired tone: As you probably already guessed, heavy gauge strings produce a deep low sound with pronounced bass. On the other hand, thinner strings give a bright and ringing sound to high notes, making fingerpicking very effective.

Condition and age of the instrument: Vintage guitars are often fragile and putting too much tension on thick strings can cause the neck to change angles and damage the bridge. If you are unsure how large a gauge is safe for your guitar, check with the manufacturer or luthier.

Acoustic Guitar String Materials

Below are the features of the sound of strings with different winding materials for their basses.

Bronze: the strings have a clear, ringing and bright sound, which, unfortunately, fades quite quickly due to the tendency of bronze to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: the sound is lower and warmer, but still quite sonorous, phosphorus in the alloy increases service life.

Aluminum bronze: The sound is cleaner than phosphor bronze, with pronounced bass and ringing highs

Copper: the strings have a bright, ringing, metallic sound, but they get dirty and oxidize very quickly.

Polymer coated: less sonorous and bright than equivalent bare strings, the sound is warm and deep; Corrosion resistant.

With silk wrap(Silk and Steel): A steel core with silk, nylon or copper winding on the lower strings, giving them a softer feel and sound. These strings are popular among folk performers and for fingerstyle.

What is special about electric-acoustic strings?

Most electroacoustic speakers are equipped with a piezoelectric pickup (or simply a microphone) located inside the soundboard, which converts the sound vibrations of the strings and soundboard into an electrical signal using a built-in preamp. Since piezoelectric pickups are not affected by the magnetic properties of the string materials, regular acoustic or classical guitar strings will work just fine for an acoustic-electric guitar.

If the electro-acoustic is equipped with an electromagnetic pickup, when choosing strings, you should follow the recommendations of the guitar or pickup manufacturer.

Nylon strings

Characteristics of nylon strings

Nylon strings are typically used to perform classical music, flamenco, bossa nova and folk music. However, their smooth, rich tone with excellent touch sensitivity is used by guitarists in other styles, such as jazz and country.

Some beginners choose nylon strings due to the belief that they are less likely to cut their fingers. This belief is true, since nylon is a softer material and the tension of nylon strings is weaker than metal ones. However, all beginners must go through a stage of roughening their fingertips, and with the correct tuning of the guitar this goes quickly. Nylon strings should not be chosen for their initial ease of play, but for their sound.

Because nylon strings tend to stretch more than metal strings, they require more frequent tuning, especially if the set is new. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Nylon string tension

In addition to the gauge, manufacturers indicate the tension of the set on the packaging of nylon strings. Unfortunately, there is no single scale for determining it, so to find strings with the ideal tension for you, you need to change several brands. The choice is complicated by the fact that there are sets in which the strings have different tensions, while only one value is indicated on the packaging. Below are the most common tension symbols and their sound characteristics.

Lowtension(Low Tension alsoModerate orLight Tension)

  • - it is easier to pluck strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the strings and the neck;
  • - the sound is less sonorous and rich;
  • - the sound is soft, without pronounced intonation;
  • - more suitable for legato technique;
  • - prone to fret buzzing.

Averagetension(Normal Tension/Medium Tension)

  • - is usually a happy medium between low and high tension characteristics.

Hightension(High/Hard/Strong Tension)

  • - more effort is required to clamp the strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the neck and the strings;
  • - the sound is clearer and brighter;
  • - the sound is expressive, more abrupt;
  • - more suitable for rhythmic picking;
  • - May cause damage to the neck, bridge and tuning machines on fragile instruments.

Some manufacturers produce strings with extra-light tension and extra-hard tension, and there are also sets labeled Medium-hard tension. To choose the string tension that best suits your playing style, we recommend first deciding on the manufacturer and winding material of your bass. After that, try sets with different tensions in the selected line.

To reduce the pressure on the instrument when using strings with high tension, it is recommended to loosen them after playing, store them in a slightly deflated state, and tune them immediately before playing.

Nylon string material

First of all, the very definition of “nylon strings” is somewhat erroneous. There are several materials from which strings are made, which would be more accurately called “classical guitar strings.” The structure and materials of treble and bass strings in the same set are also different.

Until the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from the intestines of cows and sheep. The trebles were made from simple gut, and the bass strings were made from silk thread wound with gut.

The trebles of modern classical guitar strings are made from nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads, the basses are a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various materials.

Materials of treble strings for classical guitar and their sound characteristics

Clear Nylon : the most common strings are transparent nylon fishing line, cast in the required gauge, and have a ringing and bright sound. The strings are smooth to the touch.

Rectified Nylon : also represent a nylon fishing line of the required caliber, which is then processed by a laser to achieve the most accurate compliance with the specified diameter along the entire length of the string. They have a warmer, velvety sound. Matte and rough to the touch.

Black nylon : in addition to its appearance, it has a soft and clear sound with a predominance of high notes.

Nylon with titanium added : Smooth to the touch with a brighter sound than regular nylon strings. They are often used on low sounding guitars.

Combined : woven from several threads, have a bright, loud sound. Strings of this structure are often used as a G-string, as a transition between treble and bass strings.

Bass string winding materials for classical guitar

Classical bass strings consist of a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various metals. The most common ones are presented below.

80/20 bronze : The alloy contains 80% copper and 20% zinc. The sound of the strings is clear and bright.

Silver plated copper : Silver coating makes the strings smooth to the touch, copper gives a warm sound. Some manufacturers label this winding “silver”.

Roundwound basses are the most common for classical basses. Some manufacturers sand the surface of the Roundwound to smooth out the surface, which makes the strings smooth to the touch and reduces finger noise.

Most classical guitar strings have straight ends (tie-ends) that tie them to the bridge.

Signs it's time to change strings

  • - the guitar is increasingly out of tune, and tuning it is becoming more and more difficult;
  • - rust has appeared on the strings or they have changed color;
  • - in the places where it is attached to the bridge, the winding has delaminated and the base of the bass strings is visible;
  • - the sound of the strings is flat and dull;
  • - You don’t remember the last time you changed the strings.

How often should you change strings?

There is no single answer to this question, but the following are reasons for shortened string life:

  • - You play in a hot room, you sweat while playing;
  • - You play aggressively with loud fighting;
  • - You play often;
  • - You often change the tuning of your guitar;
  • - You smoke or play in smoky rooms.
  • - Have a clean cloth on hand to wipe down the strings after playing.
  • - Wash your hands before playing.
  • - Buy a stringwinder, they are inexpensive and will greatly speed up the process of changing strings.
  • - Write down the date of replacement on the package of strings, put the package in the guitar case, so you can compare which strings last you longer.
  • - Buying strings in bulk can be cheaper, especially if you use thin strings that are easy to break.
  • - Pay attention to the packaging: it is better to choose polyethylene - it will protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
  • - Keep a spare set or single first, thinnest strings in your guitar case, they will come in handy in case of emergency string replacement.

This article will give you the information you need about the different types of acoustic and electric guitar strings. Next, we will talk in detail about the thickness of the strings, about the types of strings for acoustic guitar and electric guitar, about strings with and without coating, about nylon strings, strings with flat and round winding, about the materials from which the strings are made, and their effect on the sound.

String thickness

Strings vary in size, and more specifically, in thickness. It is usually measured in thousandths of an inch. As a rule, the thickness of the strings in a set is indicated by the first string. Sometimes you can hear guitarists say something like: “I play ten.” This means they use a set of strings where the first string is 0.010 inches thick.

Acoustic guitars typically use strings ranging from 9 to 13 gauge. The most common are very light gauge strings, 10 gauge, and light gauge strings, 11 gauge. Thicker strings produce a richer, louder sound, but are more difficult to play. These will work well for you if you like your acoustic guitar to sound really tight and loud. Using thin strings will make playing easier, but you will sacrifice volume and fullness of sound.

Electric guitar string gauges range from 8 to 13 gauge. Thicker strings can be found, but they either come with flatwound or are made for baritone guitars. Most electric guitars are set to 9 or 10. For jazz and hard rock, thicker strings are used. Thick strings are also useful if you play in low tuning.

The thickness of the strings is indicated on the packaging

Acoustic guitar strings: bronze and phosphor bronze (Bronze, Phosphor Bronze)

Bronze strings are characterized by a more sonorous and bright sound compared to phosphor bronze. Their golden color is given by the alloy from which they are made: 80% copper and 20% tin. Bronze is softer than steel and also resists corrosion well, which is useful in humid climates.

Phosphor bronze strings have a soft and warm sound, unlike regular bronze. Many guitarists believe that this makes them better suited to fingerpicking. As for color, they have a red, copper tint. The composition of phosphorus bronze is similar to ordinary bronze, but it contains a small proportion of phosphorus. It prevents rapid oxidation of the metal. Approximate composition: 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus.

Bronze (left) and phosphor bronze (right)

Electric guitar strings: nickel plated, pure nickel and steel (Nickel Plated, Pure Nickel, Stainless Steel)

Nickel plated strings are probably the most common type of electric guitar strings today. The winding on their thick strings is made of nickel-plated steel, i.e. nickel plated steel. The steel from which the string is made is highly magnetic and ideal for magnetic pickups, while the nickel plating helps balance its bright sound. Nickel also makes the string smooth on your fingers and protects it from corrosion. It is softer than steel, so nickel and nickel strings will wear less on the frets than steel strings.

Pure nickel strings have a softer, warmer tone than steel and nickel-plated strings. If you play blues, jazz or classic rock, you will truly appreciate the fat tone of pure nickel. Nickel resists corrosion very well and is well suited for magnetic pickups.

Steel strings have the brightest and most sonorous sound of all types of electric guitar strings. They also retain their sound over time because... Made of stainless steel, which resists corrosion well. Stainless steel actually feels different to the player than other strings. Some say they feel "dry" and are not as slippery as nickel. Steel is a fairly hard metal, so frets with these strings will wear out a little faster, but if you want a bright, ringing sound, it's worth it.

Nickel plated strings

Strings with and without polymer coating (Coated, Non-Coated)

Polymer-coated strings have a kind of film on the surface that prevents oxidation and corrosion of the string, and also prevents dirt from getting between the turns of the winding. This helps the string sound like new for a long time. Such strings are about 2 times more expensive than uncoated ones, but if you don’t want and don’t like to change strings often, then they will be worth the money. They retain a fresh, new sound for about 3 times longer than uncoated strings. These are best for you if your hands get sweaty, you play a lot, or you live in a climate with high humidity.

Uncoated strings are cheaper, but retain their original sound for a shorter period of time.

String with polymer coating (left) and without it (right)

Nylon strings

Nylon strings are designated and graded by tension, rather than by fractions of an inch like metal strings. There are 3 tension levels for them: medium (Normal), strong (Hard) and very strong (Extra-Hard). Medium tensions are fairly easy to play, but can feel too flexible if played loudly and quickly. High-tension nylon strings are better suited for playing loud and fast music, but O A higher tension force may negatively affect the comfort of play. Strings with very high tension are needed to play even faster and louder music. They cause more discomfort on the fingers when playing than other nylon strings.

There are two main ways to attach nylon strings to the bridge of a guitar: with balls and knots. Usually, if you look at a guitar with nylon strings, you will see knots in the fastenings. They require a little more work when changing strings, but they are more popular.

Nylon strings attached with balls have a small plastic or metal ball at the end, a reel, thanks to which you do not have to tie a knot to attach to the bridge. These strings are less popular and more difficult to find.

The strings are attached to the bridge of a classical guitar by knots

Fastening strings with balls

Round and flat winding strings

Round wound strings are what most of us see when we think of a regular guitar string. The winding usually has thicker three or four strings (the winding is around the steel cord) and on this type of strings, as the name suggests, it has a round shape in diameter. The sound of such strings is louder than that of flat wound strings.

Flatwound strings have a warmer, softer sound. This is why they are commonly used in jazz and some types of blues.

Their winding is, accordingly, flat, reminiscent of flattened wire. These strings are more durable because there are fewer crevices on their surface where finger dirt can get trapped.

Round winding string (top) and flat winding (bottom)

How to determine when it's time to change strings to new ones

There are three factors that can help determine whether your strings need to be replaced: their sound, their appearance, and how they feel when played. Of course, the most important of these is the sound of the strings. If you think the strings sound quite good, then there is no need to change them. If you think that they sound dull, unclear and dull, then it would be a good idea to replace them with new ones.

As for the feel of the strings with your fingers, good strings should be smooth and clean, without the need to change them. Strings that are dirty, rusty or dry to the touch should be replaced.

They should look shiny, as if glossy. Dull, stained, rusty strings also need to be replaced.

The strings wear off on the frets

How often should you change strings?

It depends on many things: how often you play, what climate you live in, how sweaty your hands are, and how you keep your strings clean can all affect the lifespan of your strings.

Some guitarists change their strings every week or even after every gig, while others play with the same ones for months. How often you play will determine how often you change strings.

How to extend the life of strings

There are several rules that will help strings not lose good sound for a long time. First, wash your hands every time you play the guitar. Thanks to this, less dirt from your hands will accumulate between the turns of the winding, and sweat will not corrode them.

Secondly, after playing, wipe the strings with a rag or a special polishing cloth for strings. These two things will help you reduce the cost of new strings.

Is it possible to put metal strings on a classical guitar?

Among acoustic and classical guitars, there is one specific option. It looks like a classical guitar with metal strings. This topic is the subject of controversy, and sometimes very aggressive. Now we will try to explain and tell what kind of beast this is, from our position, we are not talking about the ultimate truth. So, is it possible to put metal strings on a classical guitar?

A little history

Such guitars appeared as a legacy of the Soviet period, because at that time only classical guitars were on sale, with rare exceptions. These were mainly Czechoslovak Cremona and Musima Resonata, Musima Classic - what was brought from Germany.

All these guitars were classical, but it was impossible to get nylon strings; only metal ones were on sale. They put what they had on the guitars, without really thinking about whether it could be done or not. People of that period who bought such instruments and became accustomed to them now want wide necks and metal strings.

Is it possible to put iron on a classic?

The guitar in the video is almost 100% made like a classical one, with the exception of some nuances:

  • An anchor with which you can level the bar. It is needed to compensate for the tension of metal strings, which is several times stronger than the tension of nylon strings. If you simply put iron strings on an unprepared classical guitar, the neck is guaranteed to bend, in this case you will absolutely not be able to play, and there is also a chance that the stand on the soundboard will simply fly off.
  • Tuners with metal stems, not plastic ones. This was done for the convenience of winding the strings and their reliable fastening. Metal strings do not hold well on plastic rods, and nylon strings do not hold well on iron rods.

The rest of the guitar is absolutely classic: a thin body, a classic stand, a classic spring pattern. What are the dangers of installing metal strings on such an instrument? The only drawback that the manufacturers overlooked is that the stand is not strengthened or modified in any way. “Iron” easily tears off such stands, and they have to be re-glued.

We advise you to pay attention to classical guitars. If you like a louder, brighter sound, try using high or super high tension carbon strings. They are denser, harsher and more sonorous. The sound will not be equivalent to metal, but you will feel a significant difference from nylon.

What are the alternatives?

Typically, people who come to buy a classical guitar with metal strings get the same advice from us: choose standard guitars, either classical or acoustic. Yes, there is a slight difference in sound, but if we are talking now about Soviet instruments, they did not always have at least some sound. We don't see these guitars as actual instruments, it's just about the overall aesthetics. In the video you can hear the difference in the sound of the classic and the hybrid.

Alternatively, you can look at the OM series guitars. These are standard folkies, but with one interesting feature. The OM series guitars have a neck that is not as narrow as all other acoustics: not 43 mm, but 45. This is something between the neck of a classic and an acoustic, a kind of hybrid. You may not notice this visually, but when you pick up the instrument and start playing, the sensations are completely different, unusual and new. Literally after 10 minutes of playing, the guitar becomes like a native, an excellent alternative to the incomprehensible classic “monster”.

Conclusion

Of course, we cannot advise anything, and we will not. We're just saying that there are different options to consider if you're looking for a metal string classical guitar. Chances are, the right acoustic guitar can replace your favorite wide neck. You can also put super heavy nylon or carbon strings on the classics, and the feel of them will be comparable to the feeling of metal ones, it’s up to you.

As guitarists, we all understand the importance of a good set of strings...

Is it true?

We all know the difference betweencheap And good.

We also know the difference betweenold And new strings.

(And if you differenceyou can not hear... then try to sign up through a good and listen to high-quality ones).

The difference will be OBVIOUS.

But ask a guitarist WHY he uses certain strings...

And he is unlikely to be able to answer you clearly.

Because in reality...

The vast majority of guitarists don't know shit about strings.

Therefore, the purpose of today's post is to solve this problem. If you are planning to buy strings for any guitar: electric, acoustic, classical, and are not sure what to buy...THIS POST IS FOR YOU .

Let's begin. First…

Key Factors Affecting Sound

The sound of a guitar string depends on 5 factors:

  1. Caliber
  2. Metal
  3. Core
  4. Type of braid
  5. Coating

Let's discuss each in more detail, starting with...

1. String gauge

When comparing caliber strings you can often find inscriptions:

  • Extra Light
  • Light
  • Medium

However…

There is no precise definition for any of these concepts...

  • Lightweight electric guitar strings are a smaller gauge than light acoustic guitar strings.
  • The thickness of both can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer.

Therefore... it is much better to comparereal string diameters.

Here's how it works:

String gauge, measured in thousandths of an inch, usually ranges from.008 on the thinnest first string C.056 on the thickest sixth.

For example:

  • Extra Light – (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042)
  • Light – (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046)
  • Medium – (.011/.015/.018/.026/.036/.050)

To simplify, guitarists usually meankitstrings, talking about the diameter of the first. So in the previous example, the set of middle strings is simply called “11 ”.

With classical guitar strings, things are a little different. Although individual calibers are indicated, they are not as important astension strings 3 standard options -low, average And high tension.

And yet, how do thick strings differ from thin ones?

Large calibers, overall, better for:

  • active players - they are more durable, give more sustain and are less likely to tear.
  • games with slide/drop tuning - they provide greater string tension.
  • those who play low strings - they give less vibration and have greater resistance to fret chatter.
  • games without connection - they are louder.
  • jazz - bands are not used so often in this genre.

Small calibers, overall, better for:

  • newcomers - it’s easier to play on them while the hands are not so strong and so as not to rub calluses.
  • blues/solo guitar - it’s easier to make bands on them.
  • vintage guitars - they put less stress on the bar.
  • small body guitars - they just sound better.
  • brute force games - they are more responsive to skillful finger work.

Many manufacturers offer “hybrid gauge” strings, which are thinner on the first three strings and thicker on the fourth, fifth and sixth strings. They are specifically designed for players who play both single notes and chords.

2. Metal

On electric guitar strings The 3 most commonly used alloys are:

  • nickel plated steel has a good combination of warmth and brightness of sound, as well as goodattack, this is the most popular option.
  • pure nickel warmer than nickel plated steel, has a classic old school vintage sound.
  • stainless steel has greater corrosion resistance, is less sensitive to finger squeaking, and has a good combination of brightness and sustain.

Less common metals are:titanium, cobalt, chromium And copper.

3 most popular optionsacoustic guitar strings :

  • bronze 80/20 (bronze-brass ) consists of 80% copper and 20% zinc, the most common option. It has a bright, clear sound, but quickly loses these qualities after just a few hours of play, as the metal quickly corrodes.
  • Phosphor bronze - similar to 80/20 bronze, but with added phosphorus to protect against oxidation and increase string life. Side effect - they are a littlelessbright compared to phosphorus-free ones.
  • silk and steel (composite strings ) more flexible, have less tension, which gives a softer, richer sound. They are considered a hybrid of traditional metal strings and the nylon strings of a classical guitar.

The most commonly used materials forstrings for classical guitar - This:

  • Catgut (gut strings) - extracted from the intestines of sheep and other farm animals. Although they are rarely seen today, until the 1940s all strings were made from this material.
  • Nylon - a material that has replaced catgut because it is cheaper and easier to mass produce. Types of nylon used: rectified, black and composite. But pure nylon is the most popular because of its brightness and clarity of sound.
  • Silver plated copper (silver strings) wrapped around the nylon core of bass strings - the most popular metal for this purpose as it has a rich, warm sound.
  • bronze 80/20 (gold strings) Due to its brightness, it has become the preferred choice of some guitarists.

3. String core

Under the braid of the bass strings (6, 5, 4 And Sometimes 3 )…

The core is located in one of two types:

  1. round
  2. hexagonal

The diagram above shows how they look in cross section. (this only applies to electric and acoustic guitar strings...not classical).

Initially, all strings had round cores until D'Addario developed a hexagonal one.

After this, hexagonal cores became standard for all major manufacturers.

main reason:

The sharp edges of the hexagonal core have a closer connection with the outer braid, so the string does not slip out, and machine winding is more accurate and durable.

Therefore, nowadays it is much more common to see strings with a round core being wound by hand.

Here is a comparison of the characteristics of these two types:

NOTE: An important thing to remember about round core strings is that you need to tune them before cutting them. Otherwise, the outer braid will come off and unravel.

4. Types of braid

The braid of the string can beone of three types:

  • round uses roundwire to createribbedsurface (as shown in the diagram).
  • flat uses flat wire to createsmooth string profile.
  • semicircular - a hybrid of the previous two. Using techniques such as mechanical winding or pressing, round wire becomespartially flat but not completely.

Among the three typesround- Most Popular. They are also the cheapest and come in the widest range.

Flat- second most popular, more expensive.

Semicircularare the least popular and can be ignored when choosing strings.

Comparison of the characteristics of strings with round and flat braid:

NOTE : although this is not on the topic of the article, it may be interesting for you: for bass guitar Flatwound strings are more popular.

5. Coated strings

In 1997, Elixir revolutionized the guitar string industry...

Offering a completely new concept “coated strings ”.

By covering the strings with the thinnest polymer coating...

They created a barrier that protects the strings from substances that could damage them -oils, sweat, mud And skin.

Ultimately...

  1. Their strings are several times more durable than uncoated strings.
  2. They feel better and scratch less.

But I’d rather not describe it in words, just watch this cool video from Elixir:

But despite all the popularity,not everyoneI like Elixir strings...

Critics claim that:

  1. Due to the coating, brightness and sustain are lost.
  2. The benefits are not worth the price difference.

And these statements are not unfounded.

Yet these strings are so popular that other manufacturers have developed their own identical versions.

And although they may not be worse, it is considered that among coated strings you should take Elixir.

Currently they offer2 types of coating:

  • NANOweb - light coating that feels and sounds almost like uncoated strings.
  • POLYweb - the coating is heavier, makes the sound more even, and has greater durability..

Options for acoustic guitars:

  • bronze 80/20 NANO– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • bronze 80/20 POLY– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • phosphor bronze NANO– (Amazon/Muztorg)

And for electric guitars:

  • nickel plated steel NANO– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • nickel plated steel POLY– (Amazon)

NOTE : As you can see, Elixir doesn't have many options. For me personally thislike, because it makes the purchasing process easier.

But with other brands it’s a little more complicated, and now I’ll tell you about it.

6 more brands you need to know about

Since you are now very familiar with Elixir strings...

Then we need to talk about other LARGE manufacturers.

Among dozens of brands on the market...

There are a few that stand out that have a combined share of over 90%.

This:

  1. D'Addario
  2. Ernie Ball
  3. Martin
  4. Fender

Sorry if your favorite brand is not here. Someone will always say that other “lesser known” brandsno worse , or even better …

With this in mind...

If you still don't have an idea about these brands... why not stick to those who have already proven themselves to be among the best?

So, let's take a closer look at each, in random order...

1. D'Addario

The oldest string manufacturer by a WAY...

The D'Addario family has been doing this since the 1600s...

Starting in the small Italian town of Salle.

Over the years, production evolved, moving to New York and moving from gut strings to synthetic strings.

And in 1956, they became one of the first manufacturers of electric guitar strings.

These days, D'Addario is probably the most influential string maker in the world, as they produce strings for almost every instrument imaginable.

Here are the best options for guitars:

For acoustic:

  • 80/20 :
    • EJ11 uncoated– (Amazon/Muztorg)
    • EXP11 coated– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • Phosphor bronze:
    • EJ16 uncoated– (Amazon/Muztorg)
    • EXP16 coated– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • Silk and steel:
    • EJ40– (Amazon)
  • For classical guitars:
    • EJ45 Pro Arte– (Amazon/Muztorg)

For electric guitars:

  • Nickel plated steel:
    • EXL 110– (Amazon/Muztorg)
    • NYXL– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • Pure Nickel:
    • EPN110– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • Stainless steel:
    • PL010– (Amazon/Muztorg)

2. Ernie Ball

When Ernie Ball was introduced to Leo Fender in 1953...

He saw first-hand the enormous potential of electric guitars.

And from that day on, he devoted his entire life and business to helping this instrument become the most popular in the world.

His main contribution is, of course, his line of electric guitar stringsSuper Slinky .

Designed in 1962, they remain the most recognizable brand on any guitar store shelf to this day.

Their acoustic guitar strings weren't nearly as popular, but here are the best examples of both:

For acoustic guitars:

  • 80/20 :
    • Earthwood without cover – (Amazon)
    • Everlast coated – (Amazon)
  • Phosphor bronze:
    • Earthwood without cover – (Amazon/Muztorg)
    • Everlast coated – (Amazon)
  • Silk and steel:
    • Earthwood– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • For classical guitars:
    • Earthwood Folk– (Amazon)
    • Ernesto Palla– (Amazon/Muztorg)

For electric guitars:

  • Nickel plated steel:
    • Slinky– (Amazon/Muztorg)
  • Pure Nickel:
    • Classic Slinky– (Amazon)
  • Stainless steel:
    • Custom Gauge Stainless– (Amazon)

Also try the popular M-Steel line, made from cobalt alloy for more powerful sound:

  • Slinky M-Steel– (Amazon)
  • Slinky Cobalt– (Amazon/Muztorg)

3. Martin

Few would argue with the fact thatMartin&Co Guitar Company makes the best acoustic guitars in the world.

For the last 175 years, that's all they've produced.

So it's no surprise that their guitar strings are excellent too.

Their electric guitar strings are not nearly as popular and certainly not my first choice...

But here are the best options for both types of guitars:

For acoustic:

  • 80/20
    • Acoustic– (Amazon)
  • Phosphor bronze:
    • Lifespan SP coated – (Amazon)
    • Acoustic SP without cover – (Amazon)
  • Silk and steel:
    • Marquis– (Amazon)
  • For classical guitars:
    • Classical– (Amazon)

For electric guitars:

  • Nickel plated steel:
    • Darco– (Amazon)

4.DR

In the era of mechanicalth braided strings...

DR stands out from other manufacturers by remaining one of the few that wind the vast majority of strings by hand.

They believe the sound and feel of hand-woven strings is worth the extra effort.

Although DR is not as popular as other brands on this list...

They are famous for their bass guitar strings. Because, they claim, the handwound difference becomes more noticeable on thicker strings.

They're also among the leaders in this new neon string gag.

Here are the top options in each category:

For acoustic guitars:

  • 80/20
    • Hi Beam– (Amazon)
    • Black Beauty– (Amazon)
  • Phosphor bronze:
    • Rare– (Amazon)
    • Sunbeams– (Amazon)
    • Dragon Skin– (Amazon)
  • For classical guitars:
    • Nylon Classical– (Amazon)

For electric guitars:

  • Nickel plated steel:
    • Tite Fit– (Amazon)
    • Hi Beam– (Amazon)
    • Black Beauty– (Amazon)
    • Dragon Skin– (Amazon)
  • Pure Nickel:
    • Pure Blues– (Amazon)

Neon strings for electric guitars:

  • (blue / red / white / green / pink / orange / yellow / multi-colored)

5.GHS

Named after the founders (G old, X olcombe, WITH olko)…

Originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, GHS has been making strings for all instruments since 1964.

They call themselves “string experts ”, which may seem presumptuous...

It will not only contribute to the convenience of your playing the instrument, but will also directly affect the sound of the guitar. Today there are many companies producing strings, a huge variety of technologies and materials from which they are made, in our article we will try to figure out what thickness and material of strings is better.

Unlike electric guitars, acoustic guitars “love” thick strings, that is, their sound is formed in a resonating soundboard, and the thicker the strings, the greater their amplitude and the sound waves they create.

The sound itself will be greater, it will become dense and rich, but for a beginning musician the thickness of 12-54 is too large, so the best choice for a beginner would be calibers 10-46.


The materials used to make strings for acoustic guitars come in a wide range, with steel and bronze being the most popular. Today, pure steel is rare as a material for acoustic guitar strings, but bronze is the most popular raw material. But as usual, bronze is different from bronze, and since it is unrealistic to make completely bronze strings, various impurities are produced. Thus, the sound characteristics depending on the alloy can vary greatly, and naturally cost different money.

Today, the most popular strings are made of phosphor-bronze alloy; they sound great, and their service life is two to three times longer than any other.


In general, beginning guitarists very often develop an unhealthy tendency towards strings with a maximum service life, with the so-called polymer coating. Roughly speaking, the strings are filled with special plastic, which is why the braid does not separate and does not become clogged with dirt.

The service life of such strings is five to seven times longer than any other, but it is important to understand that their sound leaves much to be desired.


Regarding the country of manufacture, everything is the same as with guitars: the best strings for acoustic guitars are produced in the USA, and all manufacturers from other countries are “catching up” with America. The main task when choosing strings for an acoustic guitar is to get the maximum performance from the guitar, a rich and rich sound.



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