Les Paul Strings

[Watermelon99]

Hey all.

 

I am using a Les Paul Studio 08' with Brite Wires strings .09 - .42

They rust and change color really fast, and I go through a set in about 2-3 weeks.

Maybe I just play a lot, or maybe the strings just don't last long.

Is there any other kind of strings that still sound great and last longer?

[DAS44]

I use gibsons humbucker strings (11s) they are made from different materials and they WILL last a lot longer. They are tough strings. They sound great too.

 

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Gibson%20Gear/Strings/Electric%20Series/Humbucker/

[hi13ts]

I use gibsons humbucker strings (11s) they are made from different materials and they WILL last a lot longer. They are tough strings. They sound great too.

 

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Gibson%20Gear/Strings/Electric%20Series/Humbucker/

 

+ 100

[NeoConMan]

Where do you live?

Humid climate makes a big difference.

 

Wipe down the neck and strings with a dry cotton cloth after playing.

 

This will help some, but most of the crap on the strings comes from YOU.

My kid plays one of my guitars for only a few minutes and it's like he rubbed cheese all over it.

 

Beyond that, look for strings with a high nickel content.

[Andre S]

When I first got my LP Studio, I left the strings on for 9 months...

 

Then I began to change them every three months, although I'll probably shorten that period next time.

[DAS44]

its simple' date=' wash your hands before and wipe down the guitar after you play every time. I use the vintage 9's by gibson on the sg and lp and either boomers or slinky's on other 7 guitars. swap out on a monthly basis[/quote']

and that too. I change em every month or month and a half.

[jertum]

its simple' date=' wash your hands before and wipe down the guitar after you play every time. I use the vintage 9's by gibson on the sg and lp and either boomers or slinky's on other 7 guitars. swap out on a monthly basis[/quote']

 

I know this sounds disgusting, but if i'm playing a gig and have to use the bathroom i rarely wash my hands as i like them to be bone dry to avoid stickiness.

[six-string]

if sticky fingers or dirty strings are a problem, try either Fast Fret or Finger Ease. just a little to lubricate the strings and your fingertips will be slip sliding like nobody's business.

[uburoibob]

Actually, if you wash your hands about 10 mins before you play, they will be drier than if you don't. That said, I am gonna recommend Cleartone Strings. They are expensive at $14.98 a set, but they last forever and sound great. If you don't break any, they can last up to a year (that's me playing for 2 hours every day and gigging at least once a week). So, they actually cost less...

 

Bob

[bol316]

I know this sounds disgusting' date=' but if i'm playing a gig and have to use the bathroom i rarely wash my hands as i like them to be bone dry to avoid stickiness.

[/quote']

You could always just ask the guy in the next urinal to take it out and hold it for you.

[bol316]

Actually' date=' if you wash your hands about 10 mins before you play, they will be drier than if you don't. That said, I am gonna recommend Cleartone Strings. They are expensive at $14.98 a set, but they last forever and sound great. If you don't break any, they can last up to a year (that's me playing for 2 hours every day and gigging at least once a week). So, they actually cost less...

 

Bob[/quote']

:)

[LPguitarman]

You could always try Elixir Strings. they have some kind of protective coating on them that makes them last longer and stay cleaner.

 

Other than that, do what many others have said. Keep your fingers clean and wipe down the strings after every use...

 

I use Ernie Ball 10's and they last a good 2-3 months...

[CoffeeGuitarRum]

Hi, I use Super Slinky 10's or D'Addario Pro Steel 10's. The Pro Steel's last much longer and also give a better tone because of the magnetic properties found in steel that are not found in nickel guitar strings. Give them a blast monsieur.

[Andre S]

You could always try Elixir Strings. they have some kind of protective coating on them that makes them last longer and stay cleaner.

 

Other than that' date=' do what many others have said. Keep your fingers clean and wipe down the strings after every use...

 

I use Ernie Ball 10's and they last a good 2-3 months...[/quote']

 

I found the Elixirs horrible compared to the Ernie Ball Super Slinky 10's. The minute I plugged it in after a string change, WOW!!! It sounded so good, clear, crisp!

 

Of course I did leave the previous set of strings on for nine months, but I note the same crispy sound every time I change the strings every month to two months.

[deepblue]

I only use Gibson Vintage Reissue strings on my R9 (10-46)

 

Some people have very acidic sweat so the strings dont last as long.....as was said, wipe them down alot.

[Laney1566]

A good ol' $5.50 set of Ernie Ball Regular Slinky or GHS Boomers do well...Strings like it or not SHOULD be changed after a couple of weeks of playing anyway. Maybe less if you have several guitars. So the above mentioned strings give you more bang for the buck!

[AXE®]

I use and approve of all these brands.

[CoffeeGuitarRum]

Just try a few, experiment, see what feel and sounds best, and last. People do get hung up on which strings to go for, most people go for what their idols/influences use. I know I used to but now I will take anything pretty much. Slinky 10's do the job for now.

[Bluemoon]

My strings generally last a month...then they start feeling and sounding a little "off."

[Ben1222]

Has anybody tried custom gauges for strings? Or Ernie Ball skinny top/heavy bottom? I feel that the short-scale neck loses some tone with .10's. But, geez, .11's are tough to bend, at least for me.

 

And I tried Elixirs once (on another guitar) and I really disliked them. They definitely would have lasted longer - like new, even, but 1) new strings are a bit bright for me and 2) Even after a while, I couldn't feel them under my fingers the way I feel other, 'regular' strings. No friction, I guess. I found it hard to play. I changed them.

 

And for me, I change strings about once a month, give or take. When they start to feel rusty.

[AlanC]

I'm also a fan of Ernie Ball string for my Les Pauls. For a long time I used Ernie Ball 10's now I use the Power Slinkies (11's)!

[tazzboy]

I use GHS RPS 9, 11, 16 and the Burnished Nickle 24, 32, 42 mixtures