Best strings??? (Your opinion, please.)

ItsAlwaysRainin · December 2005

I just received a PRS copy from Rondo Music. Generally, it's pretty nice but the strings suck and I want to replace them. So I'm soliciting your opinions on what the best strings are nowadays.

Basically, I'm blues / rock groping towards speed metal. The guitar I bought is an Agile PS900 with 24 frets, graphite nut, and Tune-O-Matic (clone) tail. It produces good tone and sustain, and when it comes to strings I use either nines or tens. Wouldn't mind using tens on this guitar.

I can be pretty rough on frets, as I like to get very physical with string bends and vibrato.

I'd like to know what you think the best strings are in terms of tone, feel (in your hands), reducing friction and minimizing fret wear. Also, why do you think this?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Rained On

SydeKiK · December 2005

I've found that choosing a string is a very subjective event. What one person likes another will not. It also depends on the type of music you play. I've noticed a lot of players nowadays seem to favor a heavier gauge of string. Personally I use D'Addario EXL 120's .009-.042 super lights. They work for me just fine and I've used them for years but a lot of people don't like a real light gauge string. I think originally I made my decision on strings because my favorite guitarist at that time was using them. I used Ernie Balls for a time but the D'Addario's have a brighter sound and to me a smoother feel when I move around the fretboard.
I know I'm not helping you in your decision making but I would suggest you try a set of several different brands, just remember if you change gauges to readjust your intonation or you may think the strings suck when in actuality it is just the intonation that is causing the problem. Also read up on your favorite players and see what they use perhaps try those brands and gauges. Good Luck finding your sound.

M_R_O · December 2005

I don't play a PRS, just a variety of Strats. I use the the 3250RL (009-046) \"Super Bullets\" sets and find the best balance between bending/vibrato on the unwound strings. I mainly play a Blues based shred, and find the heavier wound strings offer less of the \"Kerrang\" effect of 009-042 sets on the wound strings. Since most PRS models are an average scale length between Fender and Gibson popular models, you should try some \"hybrid\" sizes.

iliace · December 2005

I usually use some kind of 10-gauge strings. Commonly Fenders or Carvins. No particular preference, depends on the mood when I'm at the store. I can't say that I'm a shredder, but I do a healthy combination of rhythm and lead stuff, ranging from rock/metal to jazz(-ish).

thehootman · December 2005

I use Ernie Ball 10 - 46. I play rock/hard/rock/blues/metal + shred.

One thing i think is worth it, irrespective of brand/gauge of strings is to get some sort of string lubricant. Protects strings, makes it smoother to play and reduces string noise.

If you've got a hardtail 10 - 46s be best in my opinion; they'll give you more sustain.

KiLLiN-TiMe · December 2005

I use Blue Steel strings and swear by them. 9 - 42. The 9-46 are too heavy for me.

I was reading an artical the other day and Phil Collen of Def Lepard uses 12-52! :shock:

http://www.jacksonguitars.com/news/index.php?display_article=12

dmock66 · December 2005

I also use the Steel Blues, but the 10s (I think they're 10 - 52). I used Ernie Ball Slinkys for years, the 9s, but changed to 10s a few years ago. I tried a set of the Steel Blues about a year ago and really liked them. I must have acidic fingers or something because my strings get really dirty really quickly. The Steel Blues last twice as long as the Ernie Balls used to. If you get them from MF they're under $5 a set!

glp_78 · December 2005

I swear by Ernie Ball skinny top/heavy bottoms. These have been my main string for a few months now. I gave up the D'Addario EXL10's for these. I love these strings. Sustain, tone, and feel are great. I also love having the 10 on the high E and the 52 on the low. I can get a lot of versatility with this gauage setup. If you're not sure get like 10 sets of different kinds and use them over a course of time to see what you like best. Strings are typically pretty cheap. IMHO.......Ernie Ball.

Mike B · December 2005

My strings of choice are GHS Boomers, .10-.46, I have been using them for years on my electric. I like Elixar on the acoustic.

peace on earth.

Terranaut · December 2005

I've used D'addario 9's for the past 15 yrs. Since trying out the new EXP coated strings on my acoustic, I'm switching over to the EXP's on my electric. I've used Elixirs in the past, but these have a different feel and retain a steelier tone longer.

thehootman · December 2005

\dmock66\ wrote:

I must have acidic fingers or something because my strings get really dirty really quickly.

SO DO I! I hate it... Rustyish after a 3 hour jam...

Kewlpack · December 2005

I've found two brands of strings that work wonderfully:

Snake Oil Brand Strings - excellent feel, tone, and longevity (keep 'em clean)
http://www.sobstrings.net/

Elixir Nanoweb (w/ Anti Rust plain strings)
All my guitars have 9's on them now. They sound great and last forever. Low low maintenance.

sickstringz · December 2005

Ive tried lots of different ones over the years and cant find anything i like better than elixirs. I play a gibson SG, and their tone seems to suit it better than anything else. I use them on my acoustic as well. I played 2 identical taylors at guitar center, one strung with elixirs the other with martins, the differnce was amazing. It made me realize how much differnce strings can make in tone, cuz they actually sounded like 2 different guitars. Elixirs last longer too which is a definite plus.

ItsAlwaysRainin · December 2005

Thanks everyone.

I've been using Fender strings in Fender guitars; kind of got out of the string market. Buying a new guitar causes me to go shopping again. Your input has been a big help.

Sounds like Blue Steel is going to be my first choice to experiment with. Will try some others for comparison, but the reviews I'm hearing (here and elsewhere) about Markley's Blues seem pretty interesting. I've gotta see for myself.

Again, many thanks.

Rained On

LuredMaul · December 2005

I have been a guitar repairman for 15yrs, tried them all and I'd recomend the Ernie ball rock n roll Regular slinkies. these are not your regular Ernie Ball string these are Pure Nickel Like back in the day of GREAT tone, not alot of ppl know about them,give`em a try. I personally don't like Dean Karkely strings the G string is almost always tarnished out of the pack and feels funny. If you like BRIGHT strings try GHS Boomers they Rock too

Best strings??? (Your opinion, please.)

Comments