What's more important? String brand or gauge?

JuneBug29 · 14-08-2011 07:42PM #1

I have tired different brands and gauges over the years. I see all of these advertisements for guitar strings and all of them seem to have one theme in common, durability. First off, i have tried all different brands and have never noticed a difference in durability. I can't say i have even noticed a difference in sound. Maybe there is but it has to be subtle. For me I think that the biggest difference in the sound of guitar strings is gauge. Anyone disagree and able to enlighten me? I've always been a person to try different stages of the chain to change my tone and when it comes to strings i think gauge is more important than brand. That's just my opinion. Anyone have any other opinions? Would love to hear other peoples opinions

Squidgy Black · 14-08-2011 08:08PM

To be honest, the gauge of string isn't really that big a factor in tone compared to pickups, body wood, bridges, nuts, pots etc.

But yeah I've found feck all of a tone difference between brands, but they all feel and play differently imo.

If you're desperately trying to change your string tone try flatwounds.

JuneBug29 · 14-08-2011 08:19PM

stetyrrell wrote: »

To be honest, the gauge of string isn't really that big a factor in tone compared to pickups, body wood, bridges, nuts, pots etc.

But yeah I've found feck all of a tone difference between brands, but they all feel and play differently imo.

If you're desperately trying to change your string tone try flatwounds.

Well, obviously the guitars set up is more important. I completely agree with you. I can't say i have ever tried flatwounds. How do they sound? What types of sounds do they suit?

-Chris- · 14-08-2011 08:20PM

On my acoustic I've noticed a definite difference in tone between strings (same guage).

On the electric the opposite is true - not much difference between brands (although some did tarnish quicker than others) but a definite difference in tone between gauges, probably due to having more metal vibrating in the magnetic field above the pickup...

Parsley · 15-08-2011 12:11AM

Biggest tonal differences I'd find would come from what the string is made from or what it's coated in, if anything. Steel and nickel will sound different, coated strings will feel and sound different to uncoated, different coatings will sound and feel different...

Hockney · 15-08-2011 03:26AM

If you're looking for durability, try a set of Elixir strings.

They're coated which massively adds to durability, it takes much longer for the strings to lose their tone and sustain.

I tried them once 3 years ago and have never looked back. Only downside is the fact that they feel slippier than regular strings which I find sometimes leads to missed fretting.

I'd prefer D'Addarios for this reason but I find myself wanting to change them after about 2 weeks, the Elixirs I can go for 2 or 3 months no problem.

Elixirs are a bit more pricey but you save yourself money in the long run.

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4 · 15-08-2011 08:13AM

Hockney wrote: »

If you're looking for durability, try a set of Elixir strings.

They're coated which massively adds to durability, it takes much longer for the strings to lose their tone and sustain.

I tried them once 3 years ago and have never looked back. Only downside is the fact that they feel slippier than regular strings which I find sometimes leads to missed fretting.

I'd prefer D'Addarios for this reason but I find myself wanting to change them after about 2 weeks, the Elixirs I can go for 2 or 3 months no problem.

Elixirs are a bit more pricey but you save yourself money in the long run.

you read my mind! I was going to post the exact same thing!

Strings.ie · 15-08-2011 12:57PM

Hockney wrote: »

If you're looking for durability, try a set of Elixir strings.

They're coated which massively adds to durability, it takes much longer for the strings to lose their tone and sustain.

I tried them once 3 years ago and have never looked back. Only downside is the fact that they feel slippier than regular strings which I find sometimes leads to missed fretting.

I'd prefer D'Addarios for this reason but I find myself wanting to change them after about 2 weeks, the Elixirs I can go for 2 or 3 months no problem.

Elixirs are a bit more pricey but you save yourself money in the long run.

Don't forget that D'addario (and most other brands now) do coated strings too. Elixir certainly have the market for coated strings but its always good to try the competition.

As for the OP's question. Absolutely. There is a common myth that there are actually only a a few manufactures of strings and a massive amount of re-branding. This is not the case. There is a huge amount of variation between brands. These days I'd be more of an Acoustic Player and brands (regardless of gauge) differ greatly. It does really come down to the Guitar, the player, the sound and reliability. PH level in sweat differs from person to person which can wreck some some metal compositions not to mention tensions, roundcore, hex core, wrap wires.................................... its a nightmare but well worth experimenting until you find what works for you

Knifey Spoony · 15-08-2011 01:03PM

I would have to say that I found that there was a huge difference in sound when I switched from using 9's to 11's. It just sounded fuller and had more life to it. Never really tried any other brand besides the Ernie Ball Power Slinkies, but I might give a set of those Elixirs go.

JonathanAnon · 15-08-2011 07:03PM

Knifey Spoony wrote: »

I would have to say that I found that there was a huge difference in sound when I switched from using 0's to 11's.

I always found that I couldnt hear the 0's ... me = so funny..

Seriously though, I use 10s... tried 9s to make bending easier but I found they were more prone to breaking.. Didnt notice any real difference tone-wise.. Gauge to me really just means difference in the physical playing of the guitar..

I use Ernie Ball Slinky... 10s, as I said.. Havent really tried much different.. I got a load of cheap spares, and I dont really notice any different when I substitute one in for a broken string..

Knifey Spoony · 15-08-2011 08:01PM

JonathanAnon wrote: »

I always found that I couldnt hear the 0's ... me = so funny..

I was caught out badly there..:o.

Meant to be 9's. Damn slip of the finger.

Hockney · 15-08-2011 11:12PM

Strings.ie wrote: »

Don't forget that D'addario (and most other brands now) do coated strings too. Elixir certainly have the market for coated strings but its always good to try the competition.

How do you find the D'Addario coated strings in comparison to Elixirs, Strings? How do the two compare pricewise?

Might give these a shot next time around, especially if they're not as slippy as the Elixirs.

Strings.ie · 16-08-2011 10:20AM

Hockney wrote: »

How do you find the D'Addario coated strings in comparison to Elixirs, Strings? How do the two compare pricewise?

Might give these a shot next time around, especially if they're not as slippy as the Elixirs.

Are you using Nanoweb or Polyweb on the Elixir's? Nanoweb is a finer coating so should feel more like a traditional string.

I've been experimenting recently with D'addario EXP for acoustic and to be honest I can't tell much difference in terms of feel and tone to their non coated acoustic strings. However, they certainly keep their tone longer. The acoustic's are a good 4 or 5 Euro cheaper than Elixir. Electrics are also cheaper. Ernie Ball do coated too but I've not got around to trying them yet.

fearbainne · 16-08-2011 08:13PM

Hockney wrote: »

If you're looking for durability, try a set of Elixir strings.

They're coated which massively adds to durability, it takes much longer for the strings to lose their tone and sustain.

I tried them once 3 years ago and have never looked back. Only downside is the fact that they feel slippier than regular strings which I find sometimes leads to missed fretting.

I'd prefer D'Addarios for this reason but I find myself wanting to change them after about 2 weeks, the Elixirs I can go for 2 or 3 months no problem.

Elixirs are a bit more pricey but you save yourself money in the long run.

Elixirs are the job.. there 15 dollars a set in america n 25euro or sumtin here.. I bought 8 sets when I was in america!

Strings.ie · 16-08-2011 11:14PM

fearbainne wrote: »

Elixirs are the job.. there 15 dollars a set in america n 25euro or sumtin here.. I bought 8 sets when I was in america!

We certainly don't have them anywhere near €25.00 but don't forget Irish retailers have to add 21% vat and 3.5% duty which US prices don't include.

Wailin · 17-08-2011 01:30PM

I often wonder why so many people use elixers and find them the business (talking about acoustic guitars here). I've used them twice and found that they last a long time but sound absolute ****! To me they dont sound natural at all. I've tries lots of brands and found Martin SP's to be the best, although D'ariidos or whatever way they're spelt are good too. One thing I find with Martins is they get dull pretty fast, especially for me because my hands can sweat alot and obviously they sound poor then. The new lifespan strings from martin seem to solve that. They are more durable but with no affect on tone, expensive though. Elixers though.....ugh!!!!

Regarding gauge difference there is most definitely a difference. I always used 12's and found them nice but lately I've been using 13's and find the projection is much louder. They are harder to play, especially if string bending is involved but you do get used to them. For strumming chords, 13's cant be beaten for tone and projection.

What's more important? String brand or gauge?

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