[CRG1400]

Ok, I have been playing for about 5 to six years and am still cornfused about strings. I was hoping a few out there could clear up my questions (for instance dadfad). I know strings sound different on all guitars, but if you could answer these following questions in general. What sounds are generated as in mellow, bright, bassy, and other sounds do strings from extra light to medium or bigger diameter strings like bluegrass make? What sounds are generated by the different material used such as brass, bronze, and phospher bronze? What does the 80/20 or whatever number signify? And just for kicks, what is your favorite brand strings. Mine is D'Addorio. Much appreciation for response. Thanks.

[dadfad]

(My favorites, for most acoustics, are D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Bluegrass Guage.)

80/20 refers to the copper-ratio in the brass (brass is made in a number of different alloy-grades). 80/20s are generally brighter than phosphor-bronze but don't hold up as long. For mellower tones, they make jazz strings (often flat-wound or ground-wound). Bigger diameters for the most part increase the volume (not always, but usually). It takes awhile to really experiment and develop a string-preference, and some strings sound better on some guitars but not others. And sometimes an individual's preference (or style) can change too. Generally, I like the D'Addario bluegrass guage because it's a hybrid set with slightly heavier wound strings, which give a more powerful bass-response. Mediums or lights (depending on the guitar) being my second choice when Bluegrass Guage isn't available (they aren't always easy to find). But everyone has their own preferencees.

[RICH.J]

I got some Elixir Polyweb mediums (13's I think) the other day, by mistake for my acoustic, and they're the best strings I've used so far. They're coated in something, and they stay brighter for much longer than my usual strings. They were double the price though £15, that's probably $30 or so...

[sunday_girl]

Hi Dadfad and Rich.J
I also was wondering something about strings, I use ultra lights ernie balls at the moment, but have also used D.Arrio,
All the talk on here, is about thick diameter being better sound quality, but hey guys I just cant play those thick old strings.
So how can i get that good tone with thin strings, or will i never achieve the power and tone that you all do.
hopefully

Rachel

[RICH.J]

I tried lights when I first started, and I just don't like them. They don't feel right under your fingers, and they just don't have that tone. I'm not sure you can get the same tone as you do with 13's.
I'm not experienced like DADFAD, but I'd say if you wanted a better tone with lighter strings, you'd have to just go through all the different makes every time you buy a new set, until you find a brand you're happy with, or maybe buy a really nice guitar? That'll get you better tone straight away I'd imagine.
My guitar isn't a great one, but I get a lovely sound from using heavy strings.
Are you quite young? If so, I'd say use lights, until you can barre them easy, then move up to a heavier set, until you can play those easy, then move up to heavy ones.
It would seem to me, what you can't do one day on the guitar, you can a month down the line. It all just takes time, your fingers will get stronger, the more you play, the hard skin will build on your fingertips, and they will hurt less. You'll eventually be able to use heavy strings, I'm sure. There's no point rushing the ol' guitar, it will all come with time.

Try those medium Elixir strings I mentioned. They're heavy, but they're not hard on your fingers at all, see how they go. I think they're great.

This post has been edited by RICH.J: 05 January 2005 - 11:43 AM

[sunday_girl]

Hi Rich,
I've been playing nearly two and a half years but i'm quite small and find those heavy jumbo guitars enormouse for me. yes as time goes bye things do get easier to do.
Whats important to me is how high the action is and i need a slight string to bend and do all those pesky important things we guitarists want to do.
I have got quite a nice guitar. I payed about 350 pounds for it so its not bargain basment and that does help.
I have tried 11's but they tore my fingers to bits, so have gone back to my old favouites.
I did try those elixers but they sounded awful in lights so i took them off and gave them to a friend.
prehaps you are right and in a few years I will be able to play with heavier strings but if not I will have to accept my limitations and make up in some other way.

Rachel

[LeonOfGrimsby]

hi, gibson brite wires gauge 9 r the best strings in thw world . good for all music types aswell. i use them on accoustics and ellectric and there ######ing great well in my own view at least hehe. cost me £5.50 from poolesmusic store near where i live