Strings of Choice?

[vroom]

I'm just curious what everyone's using for strings out there. On my cheap Peavey strat copy, I've started using GHS Boomers Mediums (11-50). While I like the heavier low E, the first three strings could be lighter. I do like the sound of the GHS strings so far, though. Any suggestions?

[jdl]

Personally i like dean markeley MTHB, 11-52. Thats what i use on my strat, and they seem to work. On my LP copy, i use ernie ball regular(i think!).

james

[sumgai]

I like Dean Markley Blue Steel strings, 11-52 or 10-46, depending.

These things last almost forever, and the can't go out of tune! Well, provided that your nut doesn't pinch them while bending or vibrato'ing.

Some folks will tell you that they wear out frets, but I've not had that issue at all. I think that those who make this complaint are heavy-fisted, and would wear out their frets anyway, no matter what strings they used.

$0.02 cha-ching!


sumgai

[dunkelfalke]

na, never again blue steels. after 6 weeks of them my guitar had half of the fret height shaven away. you don't believe? i can take some pics. and blue steels rust like hell.

i usually take thomann .10 valuestrings. boring sound, not very well made, yeah yeah.
but they cost only 1 euro per set so i can afford to change them often.

[jdl]

hmm,
I've never encountered the strings going rusty. Do mean yours turned that sort of dull metallic colour? Personally i've had my latest set on my strat for 2 months or so, and they are still bright and clean.

james

[dunkelfalke]

no, i mean rusty. that dull colour comes after two or three days already.
my sweat seems to be corrosive - i can as well change strings every two weeks or so.

[UnklMickey]

dunkelfalke said:

...my sweat seems to be corrosive...

everyone's is, to some degree.

sweat (and fingerprint residue) is largely a combination of acids, salt, water, oils, and proteins.

the first two are main culprits.

frequent hand-washing helps, and also wiping down the strings after playing, but you've been around long enough, i'm sure you already are in the habit.

lots of water intake and exercise make the sweat more dilute and less corrosive.

of course, inexpensive strings and frequent changes works too.




unk

[lunaalta]

After 30 years I still haven't found better than:
Ernie Balls for the Strat
Earthwood for the acoustic
I'm looking for best overall sound, not long, long lasting or cheap.
When they wear out you gotta chang them :+(

[mlrpa]

D'Addario's 10-46 for my Penco Paul and Ibanez Pro540R, 9-42's for my Aria Pro II.
Vroom, There are hybrid packs of strings that are 10-56. I know Fender makes them, and the dreaded Earnie Balls do also.

[RandomHero]

Ernie Balls 10-56 on my 7-string, and Martin Medium guage on my cheapie acoustic.

[Ripper]

hmmmm?...I find that interesting about Blue Steel strings wearing away your frets. I use nothing but Blue Steels ( 10-46 ) on my Strat. Its been in the shop now for over a month being re-fretted. I have never heard that claim before, so I may choose another brand from now on. Not only have I been without my beloved Stratocaster, or 44 as I call her, but its going to run me close to $400 when all is said and done. Thanks for the heads up fellas!

[sumgai]

deepblue,

hmmmm?...I find that interesting about Blue Steel strings wearing away your frets. I use nothing but Blue Steels ( 10-46 ) on my Strat. Its been in the shop now for over a month being re-fretted. I have never heard that claim before, so I may choose another brand from now on. Not only have I been without my beloved Stratocaster, or 44 as I call her, but its going to run me close to $400 when all is said and done. Thanks for the heads up fellas!

I don't know how old your rig is, but I have a '97 Strat AmStd that's had nothing but DMBS 10-46 on it for it's entire life. No significant fret wear at all on whatever Fender used as their standard fret material at that time.

My only wonderment is that you let somebody take a month or more to do what should be done in a week, depending on how busy they are. IMHO, if they are so backed up that they need a month, then yes, they must be good to attract that kind of attention, but who's attention are they attracting? Do you think a working pro musician will tolerate using a backup guitar for a month of gigs? Uh-uh.

Unless you live in Lower Slobbovia, then there are alternative luthiers that will turn the job around much quicker, and be just as good. And maybe a bit more cost competitive, too. The highest-reputed luthier in the Seattle area charges nearly $400 for a complete neck overhaul, including replacing all frets, just like your guy, although he usually has it back to you in two weeks or less (usually less). But we also have a local repair person that does nothing but necks, all day, every day, day in and day out. She only needs 5-7 days to do the same job, and most guys consider her work to be as good or better than the luthier's. And she's cheaper too, by about a hunnert bucks.

Just my gut reaction talkin' here, you understand.


sumgai

[RandomHero]

My GC store manager, a fellow 7-string player, swears by Blue Steels. I'm made curious and wanna warn him if the whole fret thing is true.

[dunkelfalke]

hmm, a guy i know would refret a guitar for 50 euros, but only if it has a bolt on neck.
so that ibanez talman which i used blue steels on will stay with dead frets. and if i had to pay about 200 euros for a refretting job i could as well buy a new guitar

[dunkelfalke]

unklmickey said:

frequent hand-washing helps, and also wiping down the strings after playing, but you've been around long enough, i'm sure you already are in the habit.

actually i am not
have figured that with my playing habits (mostly spontaneous but not long lasting) it is too much hassle to wash hands before and clean strings after playing.

so i stay with ultra cheap strings and only put better ones on when i do some recording (which is seldom enough)

[JohnH]

Unk - i agree with using reasonable cheap strings.. In terms of tone per dollar spent, it is better to use good value strings and change them often.

John