String 'em Up Boys.......Yyeeeeee..Hawwww
Please share some of your preferances, applications, experiances, knowledge and ________________(fill in the blank) on strings. :idea: :arrow:
There are so many choices, and considerations, and this is an area I'd love to know more about. I'm learning and making some mistakes, and realize that is part of the process, but I know there is a world of advice and thoughts right here...just for the asking.
I have a couple guitars with the floating bridge, and manufacture suggests ultra lights. As you know, whenever you go up or down in gauge...you have to re-adjust the tension....and same with custom tunings....so I've decided to run one with ultra-lights...and another with lights...and leave standard tuning. I use my fixed bridge guitars for the up and down custom tunings...alot less work.
The custom tunings is also a NEW thing for me. I know lots of guitarists use this gauge or that gauge...even custom sets for certain styles of tunings.
I'm bothered by the ultra lights somewhat. I tend to snap the high E with my aggressive bends...and since playing the lights, now the ultra lights seem too strange...like they are too light...but I sense more touch control.
I haven't figured out lots of things yet. I'm in a deep learning hole, and sure would like some suggestions and what have you.
Is there a guage that responds best to tapping, or legato work? I know it's said if you go to like drop D to go to higher gauge. I'm still very noviced at custom tunings...haven't even tried the \"Nashville tuning\" yet.
I use the Eb tuning on Satch's \"The Extremist.\" And I see why he uses like about a dozen guitars throughout a performance.....except...I did see him last April 9th in Detroit play that song with straight open E tuning. Honestly....I didn'tlike the sound as much...but only he can pull rabbits out of a hat.
There are so many choices, and considerations, and this is an area I'd love to know more about. I'm learning and making some mistakes, and realize that is part of the process, but I know there is a world of advice and thoughts right here...just for the asking.
I have a couple guitars with the floating bridge, and manufacture suggests ultra lights. As you know, whenever you go up or down in gauge...you have to re-adjust the tension....and same with custom tunings....so I've decided to run one with ultra-lights...and another with lights...and leave standard tuning. I use my fixed bridge guitars for the up and down custom tunings...alot less work.
The custom tunings is also a NEW thing for me. I know lots of guitarists use this gauge or that gauge...even custom sets for certain styles of tunings.
I'm bothered by the ultra lights somewhat. I tend to snap the high E with my aggressive bends...and since playing the lights, now the ultra lights seem too strange...like they are too light...but I sense more touch control.
I haven't figured out lots of things yet. I'm in a deep learning hole, and sure would like some suggestions and what have you.
Is there a guage that responds best to tapping, or legato work? I know it's said if you go to like drop D to go to higher gauge. I'm still very noviced at custom tunings...haven't even tried the \"Nashville tuning\" yet.
I use the Eb tuning on Satch's \"The Extremist.\" And I see why he uses like about a dozen guitars throughout a performance.....except...I did see him last April 9th in Detroit play that song with straight open E tuning. Honestly....I didn'tlike the sound as much...but only he can pull rabbits out of a hat.
Comments
This is probably a sure sign that ultralights are too light.
Agreed, although hand strength might dictate the gauge somewhat.
I've always played Ernie Ball 10's or 11's and I would urge everyone to give them a try. I find the sound to be a little drier whereas D'Addario sound a little squeaky to me (does that make any sense?).
HTH
Choronzon
I use 11's on my acoustic, 10-46 on my SG, just put a set on my bass too, sounds like a totally different instrument.
My 2nd choice for electric are the Gibson vintage reissues
I was hoping for other's personal experiance...and in various applications. I realize this is a matter of preference, and personal application. But, seems to me, much of this also may be universal findings.
Like for instance...I think it's agreed...heavier strings...means better tone. ( at least on a fixed bridge )...greater physics and magnetic principles. I know I get more presence from my light gauge over the ultra light.
I'm going to a heavy gauge pick too. I don't own one...all I have are mediums. But when I played years ago...I used Ernie Ball super slinkies and thin picks. I'd like to think both technique and I have come a long way from then.
I will say the ultra lights seem to give me more touch and control....and maybe that is a good thing. I tend to bend the note properly, and not flat or sharp out my intended note I'm bending to. Satch songs which I practice most, uses alot of 1 1/2 to 2 note bends....and these ultra lights are snapping because I over bend them to get to that note...and I know it's a price for not becoming competant...but I think even some pro's must mutter a foul word at times.
I have a feeling medium strings might reduce my practice time...but maybe I'll get use to them. Maybe I'll like the added tone and not wish to go back.
I've heard of some guys mixing sets with various gauges...and for certain applications. I'm curious to any personal experiance in this area.
I just put a set of GHS Zakk Wylde 10-60 on my Les Paul. I like them...I think? :roll: Not going to attempt to try these on a floating bridge...that might be half a day of adjusting and readjusting...and then thinking .....what the hell am I doing...anyway... :evil:
I do see where this is a pure trial and error evolution...for me or any guitarist. I guess my main problem is....being cheap.
If I look at it as a set of strings is about equal to a lousy gallon of gas....or a beer and a shot.....geez louise. :x
I think for me I am settling an issue of do I want or need xtra-lights 9-42 ? I'm fairly satisfied the lights 10-46 are better for me.
GREAT...I still have 8 sets of Martin 9-42 ...which now I don't really want. I made the 12 pack purchase off eBay at a good price.
Still not sure I wanna fool around on the floating bridge...just probably should leave straight light gauge on them. Make life easier. I can string myself along all I want on my fixed bridges. Maybe not be so cheap...and try lots of things out.
If someone asks me about strings....I'm going to say.....<You can talk to 10 different guitarist, and get 10 different choices. It's like the age old question, \"what is the best guitar?\".>.. Quote by ednrg. :?
......oh yeah...the heavy pick...I gotta get use to that too... :? It about flew out of my hand...I was sweep picking without trying to.
for heavy stuff dropped Db C, B I use the Ernie ball Heavy Top thin Bottoms. ( the red package)
I use 11s on my ovation. though I havent decided what kind I like best yet so I am currently running through all the brands . I think D Addario's this month. :roll:
That would answer more to my purpose for this thread. Thank you.
My biggest inquery is peoples preferences for specific string use. General purpose I understand. But getting into how various gauges react on a floating bridge...how various gauges react on various tunings. My budget isn't necessarily limited. I just was hoping for others experiances using what gauge for what purpose. Maybe the more experianced player has \"been there and done that.\" It may save me some time and money...but more than that...gleen insight, better understanding, and tips through actual experiance.
I think I am satisfied going to light gauge for general purpose is better for me, and I won't keep breaking so many strings. No one has given me a reason to think maybe ultra lights are better for this reason or that. .....ie; better bend control, faster legato, more responsive tapping, longer practice time...etc. I'm actually wondering why such a light gauge? Sell more strings?
My next big mission is to try all the tunings and see what thats all about. I have been leary about using ultra-lights to do a Nashville tuning. Afraid I'll just snap a string right away. I've used the Eb tuning on \"The Extremist.\" That works okay with ultra-lights. Haven't tried the drop-D, double drop-D, or any of the other tunings yet. I found over 20-some tunings, and plan to figure what, why, where for...etc.
There again...I was hoping for some feedback in that regard...for me. anything would be helpful, as I am totally new at this aspect of gartology.
.......hey...I just made a new word...I LIKE it.....gartology.
I read somewhere that stevy ray v used 13's and with all that bending== he was a animal
I tried em on my sg and had to adjust the truss rod . They were a lot louder and may have been alright if someone (who knew what they were doing ) else had set the thig up! lol
I agree w/ u manitou -- I don't like ultra lights__ too twangy and they break---I've been using D addario xl120's(lights) for over 20 years ---they sound great and don't break
my advice is stick to the fixed until you find a tuning that you love since it's such a bi%@h to adjust the tension ---but you already knew that!!
I too have been in a deep learning hole so when you find out how to get out ---throw me rope
paul
Gonna give the Elixer strings a go here soon.
For Instance it depends on the player. I know guys that use 11's on both B and E strings.
I like a 24 D, 17G, 11B, but you can't always find them that way. So your choice is to get close to what's comfortable for you. or you can buy bulk 12's of any size you want.
be cautious of changing gauges though... heavy gauges to light gauges can create problems for the guitar nut, bridge saddles and more.
I always played 9's got tired of breakage (floyds are a PITA). I like to bend so I find a gauge that suits my syle... light tops, heavy bottoms.
My standard tuning guitars are all 10's...
here's a tip- play an acoustic the next day. Do this often and bending a 13 won't be a problem. We baby ourselves with Electrics, low action and faster necks. If you get a workout on an acoustic, it will be a cakewalk on an electric the next time you play the same thing. I do this to build agility and rigidity of my fingers. Also, tap a 2x4 with your fingertips before acoustic sessions... Neil Zaza showed me that a long time ago.
Shred lives!