daveinspain Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Many of you guys like different gauge strings... Why do you like what you use? What are the main differences/advantages between the various gauges? I've been a member a long time and I don't remember this topic being covered although I'm sure it must have been. I did a superficial search on string gauge and still didn't find anything about why one is better than the other... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXE® Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I use and endorse:-" these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 I use and endorse:-" these. Thought they were condoms for a minute there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubrnostrum Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Many of you guys like different gauge strings... Why do you like what you use? What are the main differences/advantages between the various gauges? I've been a member a long time and I don't remember this topic being covered although I'm sure it must have been. I did a superficial search on string gauge and still didn't find anything about why one is better than the other... Strings are a simply a personal preference thing. There are some basics though, that should be considered. Scale Length. Gibson's, for example, have a shorter scale/string length. So it's easier to get away with thicker strings. Ever wonder why you can bend the hell out of 11's on a Gibson, but 11's feel like tree trunks on a Tele? Fenders have a longer scale/string length so the tension to get the string up to proper pitch is greater. It's a general perception that higher gauge strings "sound" better. This is purely speculation. String material. Nickel is more of a "vintage" sound while steel is more of a "modern" sound. Again, purely up to the ears hearing it. This is bare minimum, but a good launching point. I play D'Addario 11-56 on my Gretsch's and 10-52 on my fenders. Nickel. I like them for the mix of playability and sound. My opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 i just switched to 11's after 30 years of 10's and all i can say is 'what was i waiting for??!?!' . bending is a little harder but that's the only minus. the thicker tone and stronger chording response are what i wanted and got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeBudfrumHull_SG Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I've used Dean Markley's 9's on my strat copy for the longest time, but now I use Ernie Ball 10's on my SG. I Like both of them. To be honest , I can't say I find alot of differences between the different string brands if they are the same gauge and material. I just find a gauge and brand that I like and stick with it . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djroge1 Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 It depends on the guitar really. Mostly I will switch between 10's and 11's and lately leaning more towards 10's. I used to play 12's and 13's on everything. I used to be on this SRV kick and trying to get that think beefy/meaty tone. I just don't play enough now to keep up the strength for 13's even though I still have them on my SRV strat - tuned 1/2 step down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeVeeWee Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I use 2 out of 4: Elixir Anti-rust and the Dean Markley's blue steel and they're both +++ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikko18 Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 It's pretty much personal preforance it seem. I like to use 11s and 12s on my guitars. The one thing I have noticed though is that the bigger the strings the better they seem to respond to wah pedals and some other effects. Don't know why and it might just be my ears but that's how it sounds to me. Also I read that in the early 80s SRV used 16s and 17 0___________o Same with **** Dale but always for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAS44 Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I like using Gibsons Humbucker strings (11s). Because I like the feel of the 11s over 10s and nines (9s and tens seem to have too much give) and the strings themselves work great with humbuckers and are very strong (stronger than your normal strings due to the different metals used) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I've been using 9's forever but have been thinking about switching to 10's simply because I've been playing a lot more and the 9's are starting to feel too loose to me. Obligatory promotion: Buy WebStrings - Great tone, great price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstMeasure Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I always go back to 10's on Electric. Started on 9's, worked my way up to 11's, flirted with 12's, came back to 10's Dean Markley 1972 Reissues or just Dean Markley Regulars. Acoustic is 12's and I don't care which Brand, I still experiment a lot with Bronze, Phosphor Bronze, Brass when I want to go bright. I want to try those new Red Copper Bronze strings by DR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
six-string Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Ernie Ball Power Slingy STAINLESS STEEL 11s Elixer 11.s are great but i also user Dr. Ducks. or even just some old barb wire if i'm really stuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I use the Elixir polyweb - a bit thicker coating in theory although I don't have a microscope to see the difference. I've got the light acoustic ones for the acoustic and they sound fine but at 10s are heavier than I like for how I play. The super light electric polyweb on electrics. 9 to 42. I think the Goretex may help with mellowing things just a little compared to some strings of that gauge and also I have a very, very light touch with bare fingers and thumb most of the time - at least that's my intent. <grin> When run through an amp... I don't hear much difference other than I can do stuff with the light ones I can't with the heavier ones. Left hand technique is more analogous to classical "nylon string" style than what folks brought up on steel strings might do. Fugure I'm playing a "classical guitar" but with the tone and sustain of steel. So - the lighter strings make a lot of barre stuff work where heavier strings make it more difficult. (E.g., with a barre at the third fret, finger what would be a root "C," then what would be a root G and then what would be a root Am.... now fingerpick an arpeggios during the change - or do it so the treble works up and the bass goes down as in counterpoint. With hollow, semi hollow and solidbody - all "Gibson" scale - these strings work. Heavier ones don't. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrosurfer1959 Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Depends on the guitar I use mostly Elixir Nanoweb (10's) on almost all electrics. I use Gibson Strings (.10's) on my R9 and R8 I go Heavier on guitars I drop Tune and the Trussart and Rickenbacker models. The only 9's I use are on the Taylor T5 I use Elixir light (9's) acoustic strings on it with a custom acoustic bridge because of the Tone I want and I play 12's on my National's because I want those to ring. On Starts I use Fender Bullets (10's) because I always have. and lastly my Bass I use Fender Flatwounds (55's) a real pain but I love the acoustic Bass tone they generate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I want to try those new Red Copper Bronze strings by DR. I just bought a pack last week but I have not installed them. They are advertising so much that I just had to try it. I finished re-stringing my 12-string acoustic just a couple of days ago, the guitar doesn't have a pickup so I use them mic on the tuner. Talk about a pain, 12 strings and 12 pins, a flexible top and no onboard tuner, at this moment I do not want to tune anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I want to try those new Red Copper Bronze strings by DR. I just bought a pack last week but I have not installed them. They are advertising so much that I just had to try it. They are pricey but I do not change strings often anyway. I finished re-stringing my 12-string acoustic just a couple of days ago, the guitar doesn't have a pickup so I use them mic on the tuner. Talk about a pain, 12 strings and 12 pins, a flexible top and no onboard tuner, at this moment I do not want to tune anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I use Ernie Ball Lime regular Slinky 10's (2221), on my 339 and SG and Melody Maker, 9's on the Tele, and 12's Nanoweb on the J45RW. The 339 gets changed after 4 gigs (3 hours 15 minutes play +/- X 4) and the SG is practice/backup whenever I decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corrosion of conformity Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 10's just feel right to me. I've used 11's before, and I just didn't like them. 9's are too loose for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I love Elixirs too - but only on acoustics - 6 and 12 string polyweb light gauge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisdude Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Now for the Wiggly Stick angle. Yeah nobody mentioned that yet huh?? (Wiggly haters) hahahaha,,, Dead simple me, I LIKE that. XL 9's generally, then 1 guage per half note. So on the new 7 (although it is a Kahler which will be "interesting" I will use 11's as it will be generally tuned to D. I would say for me, 12's on an LP would cripple me. 12's on a Byrdland it would break!!!! So in my opinion it very much depends on the guitar too. From Chris, alone in Sheffield on a course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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