Quick Links To Our 8 String Guitar String Sets Recommendations

• D’Addario NYXL0980
• Ernie Ball 8-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom
• GHS GBXL-8
• Ernie Ball 2625
• Stringjoy HVY108

Our 8 String Electric Guitar Strings Reviews

D’Addario NYXL0980

The D’Addario NYXL0980 nickel plated electric guitar strings are a very strong, durable and dependable set of guitar strings. They have the ability to last longer than most other guitar string sets. They are equipped with a rounded core, making them easier to play than regular round wound strings and provide clear, bright tone that sounds true.

They are made in the USA and are recommended by many players.

NYXL’s improved tuning stability and reduced breakage, while providing a smooth, accurate tone.

They are an excellent choice for 8 string guitars due to their versatility and balanced tone.

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Ernie Ball 8-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom

The Ernie Ball 8-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom strings are great for 8-string guitarists to use. They are very durable, and the tone is great. These are a lower cost option with a thinner low B to maintain tension for longer periods of time.

Another benefit is that the strings are designed specifically for 8-string guitarists. This helps the guitarist to have an accurate tuning. The tone is bright and clear, but not harsh.

They also have that signature slinky feel that all Ernie Ball strings are known for. They aren’t as flexible as other brands such as Elixir, but they also don’t break and fray nearly as easily. The tone is more defined, and the bright is much more noticeable than other strings.

They are a little thicker than average, which helps sustain.

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GHS GBXL-8

The GHS GBXL-8 is the industry standard for 8-string guitar strings. They are known for being bright and durable, giving a strong, clear sound.

These nickel plated steel strings are built for long life and hard playing. They will provide a bright attack and good sustain. They have a medium-thin feel for easy playability. These are good, all-around strings.

They also come in a range of different gauge combinations. Users are sure to find one that suits their needs.

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Ernie Ball 2625

The Ernie Ball 2625 is a great string for 8 string guitar. It has the best quality in sound and feel, and it is easy on the fingers. The 2625 has slightly more tension than most 8 string strings, but it is not nearly as hard on the fingers as some of the other brands on this list.

These are designed with a hex shaped core and nickel plating. Not only do these strings provide a great tone and feel, but they are affordable and easy to maintain.

These strings are excellent for 8 string guitar and suitable for all genres of music.

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Stringjoy HVY108

The Stringjoy HVY108 is a low tension, high quality string for the 8 string guitar. It is made of high carbon steel and has a nickel coating to help reduce friction. The strings have an even brightness that is ideal for any type of music style. They also have a uniform tension and low noise from the frets that makes playing fast passages and solos easier than ever before. This string is great for beginners and pro players who are looking to improve their tone over time.

One thing to note about these strings is how smooth they are to play. You will hardly notice the difference in tension from other strings. You can play with ease and focus on your music without worrying about feeling like the string will break or pop out of its tuning. And if you have ever played a string that is too high in tension, you know how uncomfortable it can be to play. These strings avoid this problem completely and make playing 8 string guitars a joy for everyone.

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Conclusion

We have more articles related to this as well:

• 8 string guitar pickups
• 8 string guitars
• Tuning an 8 string guitar

The 8 string guitar is one of the most exciting combinations of strings to be put on a guitar. These are exceptionally well matched for a few reasons.

First, the frequency range is different from the 6 and 12 string guitars, so a new set of strings requires some tweaking to find that perfect tone, feel and pitch that you are looking for. Second there is no standard tuning pitch for the string set as there are many tunings that work well with an 8 string guitar.

The post 5 Best Strings For 8 String Guitar appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

You have probably noticed while restringing our guitar that the strings are very long for what you need.  Ever wondered why?

Why are guitar strings so long?

Guitar strings are long in order to accommodate different scale lengths, headstock configurations, and different bridge styles.  It is very easy to trim your strings after installing them.

How Long Are Guitar Strings?

The standard guitar string is between 35 to 40 inches long.  There are some guitars that have much longer strings, but they are not common. The longest known length is 55 inches long.

Do I Need To Trim Guitar Strings?

You do not need to, but I would recommend trimming your guitar strings at the tuning pegs after installing them.  No one wants a mess of excess strings shooting out of all ends of your headstock.  It is a good habit to do this after every string change. I use the D’Addario Pro-Winder String Winder and Cutter to trim my strings.

How To Trim Guitar Strings Tutorial:

Make sure your guitar is tuned to pitch before trimming it.  Take the string off of the tuning peg and cut it with a pair of wire cutters or the recommendation I mentioned previously.  Do this for each tuning peg until all strings are cut and turned up at their tuning pegs.

What To Do With Excess Guitar String

I like to just coil them up and toss them. They don’t have a lot of use.

Conclusion

There you have it.  Why are guitar strings so long?  Not too difficult of a concept.  I wanted to give you what I thought was the best method to trim your strings, but it is up to you how you want to do it.

The post Why Are Guitar Strings So Long? (Cutting Excess Strings) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Are you tuning up your guitar and thinking that you have over tightened the strings?  Or are you worried that you may over tighten them and what the consequences would be?

Can you over tighten guitar strings?

Yes, you can over tighten guitar strings. If the tension is too high the string will break. This is the main reason you need to pay attention to the tension. If the tension is too low, your instrument won’t sound as good as it’s supposed to.

How Much Tension Can A Guitar String Take?

A typical guitar string should take around 20-25 pounds each.  The tension depends on several factors. The most important factors are the size of the strings and their thickness. Other factors include string composition and string gauge.  All strings are made of different materials, have different thicknesses and are of different composition.

How Can You Tell If The Tension Is Too High?

One way to tell if the tension is too high is by the feel of the string. You can do this by pressing it down with your finger. You can tell if the string is too tight by the amount of resistance that you feel.

When you press down on the string, it should almost all go down with no resistance. If there is resistance then it will be to hard for your finger to go through or it would stick to your finger. The tension should never stick to your finger because this means that it’s too tight.

Which Guitar String Is Under The Most Tension?

This depends on the type of strings that you are using so it never is the same for one guitar string to always have the most tension.

What should happen is that the low E string should have the most tension but with traditional strings, and how they are manufactured, the tensions can be all over the place.

There are now also balanced tension strings that are designed to make each string have close to the same tensions on each.  This gives a very consistent feel when playing each string.

Does A Longer String Have More Tension?

The length of a guitar string from tuning peg to bridge saddles should not affect tension.  A longer string will have a higher pitch but it should produce a lower amount of tension. It is the materials and thickness of the string that cause the main change in tension.

How Important Is String Tension?

String tension is very important if you want your guitars to sound their best. If you don’t pay attention to the tensions then your instrument won’t sound as good as it could do.  You would then need to spend time and money on setting it up again, getting new strings and so on. Which would all be time and money wasted.

What Happens When You Tighten A Guitar String?

When you tighten a guitar string, the pitch of the note goes up.  Tightening a string also changes the tension of the string. Bigger strings have more tension than smaller strings. If you use a set of strings that are all different sizes then they would have different tensions.

What Happens When You Loosen A Guitar String?

When you loosen a guitar string, the pitch goes down and the tension also goes down. If you were to use a single size it will be lower but if you used one size for each string it may not change as much.

Can Your Strings Be Too Tight?

Yes, your strings can be too tight. They may fall of or break if they were too tight.  It’s important that you don’t put a lot of tension on them because they need to be able to produce a good sound. A guitar string should never feel like your finger is going through it.

How Do You Not Over Tighten Your Guitar Strings?

Use a tuner!  If your guitar is out of tune you will be tempted to tune it more and more so that it matches the rest of the group. This often leads to over tightening of the strings. If you use a tuner then you can just tune it up or down as needed.

Conclusion

Can you over tighten guitar strings? Yes, it is possible to over tighten guitar strings. Make sure that you don’t over tighten them because then your instrument won’t sound as good as it could do. It will also start to wear out quicker than it should if the tensions are too high. By using a tuner you can stop yourself from tuning up too much.

The post Can You Over Tighten Guitar Strings? (Guitar String Tension) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Do you have a set of guitar strings that have been sitting in a drawer for awhile?  Not sure if they are still good to use?

It’s a good question and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.  Comparing new strings to old ones it can be hard to tell if they are still good or not. This post will go into detail about guitar strings and their lifespan and you can decide for yourself if your old string set is still usable.

Do guitar strings go bad?

No, guitar strings left in their package do not go bad.  There is no expiration date.  But, like other things made of metal, if they are not stored properly you can expect them to rust.  But this should only happen if the package is opened and they are stored in a moist environment.

How Long Do Guitar Strings Last?

• Played – depends on the guitar player. If you play a lot, you will go through strings quickly – within a couple weeks. If not, the strings will last quite awhile. A good rule of thumb is to replace them if they start sounding “dead” when you play.
• Not played – if the guitar is not played often, you can expect the string to last around 2-6 months.  Of course, this will also depend on how the guitar is stored as well.  A humid environment will shorten the life of the strings.

How Do I Know If My Strings Go Bad Or Get Old?

There are a number of things that indicate that your strings are in need of a replacement:

• You start to develop a “buzzing” sound when you play. The strings have become stretched and the distance between the notes is not as much as when you first installed your strings.
• They start to rust
• If you play a lot, “dead” feeling in the string means that they need to be changed. If you don’t play often, the sound will become dull and muted sounding over time.
• The strings feel “dead” and sound dull and muted when you play. This is caused by the metal deforming and by the string breaking.

Do Guitar Strings Lose Tension Over Time?

Yes. As a guitar string is played, the metal wire that’s coiled inside it is stretched and compressed, and eventually micro-cracks form along the wire. As a result, the tension of a guitar string gradually loosens over time making it easier to play-thinner strings produce lower notes and thicker strings produce higher notes. But, since you should always be tuning your guitar, you should not notice this.

What Guitar Strings Should I Get?

Guitar strings come in a variety of different types. You may have started out with a basic set, but it’s likely you have upgraded already. If not, there is a lot of information online about the different guitar string types and which ones are best for you. It’s good to do your research because there is a lot of conflicting information out there.

I play acoustic guitar and for that I am happy to just use the standard round wound strings. They are easy on my fingers and I find they last a good while. When I did play electric guitar, I did different types of research to find out which type of string was best for me.

Conclusion

The new strings will not be the same as the old ones.  They have a new sound and a different feel, but they can still be used. So don’t just throw out your old ones. Use them until they no longer work or it’s time to retire them. You can get a lot of enjoyment from an old set of guitar strings if you use them for awhile.

The post Do Guitar Strings Go Bad And How Long Do They Last? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Are you shopping for new guitar strings but not sure if you should splurge on the more expensive sets out there?

Are expensive guitar strings worth it?

It depends.  Few things can make your guitar sound better than new strings, but they come with a price tag. There are factors to consider when deciding if expensive strings are worth it for you.  Consider your preferred style of playing, as well as your guitar’s make and model, when choosing a set of guitar strings.

What To Look For In A Set Of Guitar Strings

If your playing style involves shredding or tapping excessively, or if you play regularly in venues where smoking is allowed, then the extra longevity of coated strings could be worth the spend.

Some coated strings offer other benefits beyond added longevity. For example, D’Addario offers a few coated string sets that feature their patented Silk Coating finish, which locks in string vibration for improved tone and sustain while reducing finger squeak.

If you play a variety of music and need to switch between different strings, then have a look at sets that have multiple gauges or types of strings within one package. For example, D’Addario offers a set of steel core strings as part of its Signature series.

If your favorite guitarist uses a particular set of regular strings for electric guitar or acoustic electric or acoustic guitar, have a look at the model. For example, even though it’s a bit pricey, you may want to consider picking up a D’Addario Rondo Pro guitar string set to see what kind of difference you can hear in your acoustic or electric guitar. Ernie Ball makes some excellent options too.  The strings are coated with clear lacquer that enhances the tone and sustain, while the gauges allow for different tension for different playing styles.

What To Consider When Deciding If Expensive Strings Are Worth It

While new strings will always be a good idea, there are plenty of other factors to consider here as well. For example, some guitarists have a difficult time getting used to the feel of coated strings. Plus, most coated strings will not last as long as uncoated ones. This is due mainly to the fact that you will most likely experience more string breakage with coated formulations.

Depending on the type of strings you currently use, there’s a chance that your guitar may not be compatible with coated strings. For example, if you prefer roundwound strings then coated strings may not be an option. If you’re in this boat, then there are plenty of options available when it comes to choosing which brand and type of string will work best for your playing style.

If you are looking for longer lasting strings, like Elixir strings, but don’t want to deal with coating compounds, then consider the tone tradeoff.

Generally speaking, uncoated strings will have a more responsive feel to them. In addition, you won’t have to deal with any squeaking from brand new strings.

For many guitarists, the added tone that coated strings provide is very important for their genre of music. If that’s the case for you then it may be worth spending a bit more on a quality coated string set.

Related – light or medium guitar strings?

Cheap Vs Expensive Strings

There are a number of differences between cheap vs expensive guitar string.  First though, I would consider “cheap” to be anything under $5 per set.  Expensive is over $10.

• Tone differences – Expensive strings will produce a bigger, clearer tone.  The difference is often not noticeable, but there is a big difference in the actual sound that is produced.
• Durability – If you play often, or travel with your guitar, cheap strings will break down faster than expensive strings.  The most expensive strings are also the strongest, so they won’t break after a few weeks of playing.
• Resonance – High quality strings produce more vibration, giving them a warmer tone.  This is due to the internal metal wire that is used in making these strings.  Cheap strings do not produce as much vibration, and they don’t tend to have the same sound.
• Feel while playing – If you like the way that an expensive set feels while playing, then this is another reason to spend more.  A good set of strings should feel like silk when you play them, and the different gauges within a set should feel different.

Do Cheap Strings Sound Bad?

Well, no, not really. They do sound different than expensive strings. Your guitar will still sing.  Cheap strings are made of lower quality metal that produces less vibration (warmth).  This makes the tone less clear.  Some people may notice this, but for most, it’s simply a difference in sound.

If you are looking for an edge to give your playing that extra kick, then it may be time to spend some cash on new strings.

Do String Brands Make A Difference?

While there is no difference in tone between different manufacturers, there are definitely differences.

Since there are so many different string brands out there that offer coated or uncoated strings, the right set for you will depend on your playing style and needs.  Traditionalists can get away with uncoated setups while hybrid players should look at coated ones.

Conclusion

In this article, I covered a number of things when it comes to choosing new guitar strings.  I detailed the major factors to consider when shopping for a new set, and I also included a list of specific brands that can give you an idea on what type of string will work best for your playing style.

The post Are Expensive Guitar Strings Worth It? (Maybe?) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Are your guitar strings dirty and are you looking for the right thing to clean them?  Maybe you want to try hand sanitizer?

Can you use hand sanitizer to clean guitar strings?

No. Hand sanitizer is not the best thing you can use for cleaning your guitar strings. Hand sanitizer is usually around 60{0794a961920d97099aea99cac5a861228867c4461e5cf936a4873e99fb4a0da6} alcohol, water and other ingredients.  It is good for sanitization but not cleaning your strings.

What Can I Use To Clean My Guitar Strings?

If you are looking for a way to clean your guitar strings, the best thing that you can do is to use plain alcohol. Alcohol can disinfect AND clean dirty guitar strings.

You may have heard that standard alcohol is bad for the wood. This is because it evaporates very quickly and leaves nothing behind to protect your instrument’s finish or to condition its wood.  However, there are some specially designed alcohol products that can be used without harming your guitar.

• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) – Alcohol will kill many germs and disinfect the guitar strings. However, it is not recommended that you spray or wipe down your guitar with alcohol directly because it can dry out and damage the finish of your instrument.  Put it on a microfiber cloth first and rub the strings with the cloth.
• Guitar Polish – These products are fantastic for cleaning your guitar strings. It has a soft cleanser that gets deep into the strings. The softness of the cloth doesn’t affect or damage your guitar’s finish or wood. It is made to be gentle on instruments and finishes so it leaves no residue behind when it dries at room temperature.  My favorite guitar polish is Dunlop 654C Formula 65 Polish.
• Dry Guitar Polishing Cloth – If you do not have any alcohol or polish available, a dry cloth will work. It is also good for making sure you do not get any polish on the wood. The cloths are made of a material that does not leave any residue or scratch marks behind when it dries at room temperature.
• Commercial string cleaner – check out this one – The String Cleaner by ToneGear.

What Household Cleaners Are Safe For Guitar Strings

There are a few things that you may already have at home that you can use to clean your guitar strings in a pinch:

• Boiling water – This is an effective way to clean your guitar strings. Put a cupful of boiling water in a mug, add a drop of dish washing soap, stir well and pour it over the strings. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes and then wipe them with a dry towel.
• Vinegar – This will also work but it will not clean well. Simply soak the strings in a small bowl of vinegar for 5-10 minutes and then wipe them with a dry towel.
• Windex – Should you have Windex handy, you can quickly wipe with a damp cloth to clean your strings. This is a very fast solution that will not scratch the strings in any way.
• Dish Detergent – You can use dish detergent with water for this if you do not have anything else available.
• Dry paper towel – One other thing that you can try is to use a dry paper towel. Just wipe and clean the strings and then wipe the string dust away with a dry towel to keep your guitar clean.

Can I Use Alcohol Wipes For Cleaning Guitar Strings

While I do recommend using alcohol, alcohol wipes are something I would not recommend.  They contain a higher percentage of alcohol and they can damage the finish on your guitar. For this reason, I do not recommend you use alcohol wipes on your guitar strings.

Can I Use WD40 To Clean Guitar Strings?

No.  WD40 is a lubricant and a penetrating oil that does a great job of removing dirt from knobs and switches, but is not an effective cleaner for strings. It just won’t clean the strings.  It can also damage the fretboard of the guitar.

Conclusion

Alcohol is the best thing to clean your guitar strings. This is because it will disinfect, clean and will not dry out or damage the finish of your guitar in any way. It also dries quickly at room temperature which means that your guitar won’t have to suffer any rough drying with a towel used to wipe away the alcohol.

The post Can You Use Hand Sanitizer To Clean Guitar Strings? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Do you find that your guitar seems to go sharp after a short period of time?

Want to know why?

Why do guitar strings go sharp?

Guitar strings go sharp due to environmental conditions.  When it cools down, guitar strings tend to get sharper, while when it warms up they get flatter. Similar changes can occur when humidity is high or low.  The remedy is proper guitar storage when not playing it.

What Temperature Is Best For Storing Guitars?

The best temperature for storing guitars is 70 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 – 24 degrees Celsius.  Anything above or below should be avoided if possible.  Remember that as a guitar string gets warmer, it stretches and as it cools down, it contracts.

What Humidity Is Best For Storing Guitars?

The best humidity for storing guitars is 45 – 50 percent.  Ideally, guitars should be stored in a case or a dry environment that is away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Guitar Storage Options

Guitar Cases

Guitar cases can offer a safe storage space for your guitar.  They will protect it from temperature, humidity and other environmental influences that may cause strings to change pitch.  A case will also give you a safe place to store all your accessories such as picks, strings and other tools.

Keep your guitar case in a cool place that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Guitar Storage Cabinets

If you have a lot of guitars, purchasing a guitar storage cabinet can be a smart move.  In most cabinets, you will find an option to control the temperature and humidity.  Guitar storage cabinets also keep dust from accumulating on your instruments. A guitar storage cabinet is also a great place to display your instruments if you have a lot of them.

Keep your guitar in your storage cabinet when it is not being used for best results.

Guitar Stands

Guitar stands are also a great way to keep your guitar in good condition.  They are portable and can be moved to different locations.  But you must take care when storing your guitar on the stand because it may fall over or become damaged if stored in a high-traffic area.

Your guitar should not be stored on the stand when you are not using it.

Take a look here for our guitar stand recommendations.

Guitar Hangers

Hangers can be used to store your guitar in areas where space is limited.  While they are not as protective as other storage options, they are still a great way to keep it safe from dust and other elements.  A hanger will also give you the flexibility to move your guitar easily when needed.

You should avoid keeping your guitar on a hanger for an extended period of time. It may cause the strings to change pitch.

Take a look here for our guitar wall hanger recommendations.

What Is The Best Way To Store A Guitar?

This is not an easy question to answer.  Guitar storage techniques have changed so much in the past few years.  But there are some basic rules that you should adhere to in order to keep your guitar in good condition over the long term.

Personally, I like to keep my guitars in their cases.  Every once in a while I will put them away for a few weeks and even months at a time.  But overall, I try to keep my guitars in their cases when they are not being played, and I try to keep them in dry locations when playing.

The guitar case will protect it from environmental factors that may cause it to go out of tune or sustain other damage.

If you follow these rules, you will know when problems begin to arise on your instrument. And if proper storage is maintained, your guitar should last for years and years of quality use.

Should Guitars Be Stored Flat?

There is an ongoing debate about whether guitars should be stored flat or standing upright.  Some people say that storing your guitar flat will help equalize the tension on all strings. While others say that it is better to keep your guitar in an upright position because it’s less stressful on the neck.

The truth is, if you follow the basic rules of storage, you do not need to think about this debate much at all.

Is It Bad To Hang Guitars On The Wall?

No.  Storage on the wall is a great alternative if you have limited space.  Just be sure to store it in a dry place that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

When you think about it, the tension on the neck from the strings is a lot more than the tension that would be cause by the weight of the body on the neck while it hangs.  So if you follow the rules and store it in a dry area, there shouldn’t be an issue.

Conclusion

So, why do guitar strings go sharp?  The answer is simple. Guitar strings go sharp due to environmental changes.  And while you may have some control over some of these factors, others are not under your control at all.  If you want your guitar to stay in tune, make sure that it is stored in a dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight when not being used.

The post Why Do Guitar Strings Go Sharp? (Proper Guitar Storage Tips) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Do you have flatwound strings on your guitar but think that they may need to be replaced?

Not sure if this is the right time?

How long do flatwound guitar strings last?

A set of flatwound strings should last between 5 – 6 months.  But this time also depends on how often you play the guitar.  The more you play, the less time that they will last.

As you can probably tell, they can last a fair amount longer than regular roundwound strings on either electric guitar or acoustic.

What Are Flatwound Strings?

A flatwound string is a guitar string that has a flat wire wrapped around it.

It is made up of the same materials as the roundwound electric guitar strings, except for how it is manufactured.

The roundwound strings are wound on to a flat sheet metal, whereas the flatwounds are always made from one long continuous string.

This means that there are no end loops, which makes it harder to unravel over time – which is why they last longer.

Flatwound Vs Roundwound Strings

Those who play guitar at a professional level typically use flat wound strings because they produce a certain type of sound that isn’t available from rounds.  This is due to their tighter surface, which means that there is less string stretching and sliding back and forth when playing near the bridge area.

Flatwounds also produce a more powerful sound than regular round wound string sets, so professionals tend to prefer them. However, this type of string wear out faster than other types without proper care, so it’s essential for guitar players using flatwounds to change them out regularly.

The advantage of a flatwound string is that it is strong and stable.

How Do Flatwound Strings Sound?

Flatwound strings don’t have the squeaking sound of a roundwound string when you play across it. This is because the surface has no give – it’s a straight, flat surface that doesn’t move much, so the sound doesn’t change.

This produces a deeper tone from your guitar because of less string movement and stretching. The roundwound strings create more vibrations because they are wrapped around each other, which means that they produce louder sounds than their flat counterparts.

Flatwound strings are also not as susceptible to outside noise when in use.

Can You Put Flatwound Strings On An Acoustic Guitar?

Yes. The advantage of flatwounds on an acoustic is that you get a warmer, richer sound.

The downside to using a flatwound string on an acoustic is that they do not deepen the tone as much as roundwound plain strings do. However, this is usually not much of a concern for those who prefer playing acoustically as opposed to electric instrumentation.

Why Use Flatwound Strings?

Many guitar players prefer to use flatwound strings instead of regular roundwound strings for several reasons.

One of the first is that they produce a certain type of sound that their round counterparts do not. They last longer than regular strings and don’t need to be changed as often, which makes them cost-efficient in the long run. Another advantage of this type is that they do not produce any squeaking sounds when playing across them, which means you get a less-audible noise while playing.

There are also some disadvantages to using flatwound strings. For one, they are more expensive than regular strings, which is something to take into consideration if you are on a tight budget.

Also, it typically takes flatwound strings longer to break in before they produce the same type of sound that you would get from regular roundwound strings.

Should I Use Flatwound Strings?

For someone who has a deep, rich tone and doesn’t like their guitar to make any noise while they play (both of which you will get from flatwounds), then yes.  For someone with tight budget that isn’t too concerned about the noise, then perhaps not.

Many professional guitar players like to use flatwound strings because they produce a certain type of sound that regular roundwounds do not (and according to them, feel more comfortable). Unfortunately, these strings are more expensive than regular strings and take longer before they have their full potential.

What Do Flatwound Strings Feel Like?

If you’re a beginner, then this won’t make much of a difference. In the beginning, flatwounds will feel smooth to the touch, but after a few months they become harder to play.

It is something that you will have to get used to.

Why Are Flatwound Strings More Expensive?

Because they are more time-consuming to produce.  In addition, they have to use tools that have been specifically made for flatwound strings, which is a different material from regular strings.

Not only that, but they also require more material and labor and last longer than regular strings (which means you don’t need to change them as often). This is why flatwound strings are more expensive than regular sets.

Do Flatwound Strings Have Less Sustain Or More?

Flatwound strings will produce less sustain than roundwounds – probably about 1/2 of the sustain.  However, they do seem to emphasize the note better.

Are Flatwound Strings Easier On The Fingers?

Yes.  Flatwounds are, in general, a little more forgiving than regular strings.  This makes it a bit easier to play around an acoustic guitar neck since they don’t seem to press as hard as roundwounds do.

What Music Genres Are Flatwound Strings Good For?

Are They Good For Rock?

I’d say it’s about 50/50. The flatwounds do tend to produce a more “fat” sound than the roundwounds. This is because of how the flat surface provides extra firm footing for the string, which allows it to stay put in place while not moving much – which in turn produces a deep, raw sound.

Are They Good For Country?

While flatwounds tend to be a little harder to play, they can create a nice country sound as well.  With that said, the main difference is that this tone tends to be less “bassy” or “thick” than that of other genres.

Are They Good For Jazz?

One of the reasons that flatwounds tend to be preferred by jazz musicians is that they produce a deeper tone. This is why they are often used for guitar orchestrations and guitar players who play in a full band.

As far as carrying over their tone to the acoustic, many jazz guitarists use flatwound strings on their acoustics – although it can vary from one to another.

Are They Good For Metal?

Metal players tend to use regular strings. However, there are some metal artists that have experimented with flatwounds, which tend to produce a more “thick” sort of sound that tends to complement the genre.

If you’re unsure about what kind of strings are best for your music genre, then just ask around! There are plenty of forums with online musicians who will be happy to give their opinion.

Final Verdict On Flatwound Strings

If your goal is simply to have a deep rich sound from your guitar that will last longer than the normal roundwound set then flatwounds are for you.  It all comes down to preference.

The post How Long Do Flatwound Guitar Strings Last? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

6 Best String Brands For Acoustic Guitars

D’Addario

This enterprise has operated in some form or another for millennia, just producing strings for musical instruments.

When the family relocated from their little town in Italy to the United States around the turn of the century, they began creating guitar strings.  They are now one of the world’s largest string makers.

D’Addario has risen to the top of the industry as a result of centuries of experience and a reluctance to accept compromise. Their uncoated strings are of excellent quality, and you can rely on them.

I personally love their acoustic guitar strings – especially the Phosphor bronze strings and lighter gauge strings.  They have excellent string life and make acoustic guitarists sound great.  The thinner strings and heavier strings are both an excellent choice of string for great acoustic tone.

Martin

Fender is to the electric guitar what Martin is to the acoustic guitar.  As a result, talking about their strings is talking about a company that has the know-how and power from a construction standpoint to manufacture the best strings to go with the best instruments.

They are the world’s most popular flat-top brand, in case you didn’t know.  Christian Frederick Martin founded it in New York City in 1833.  Their main manufacturing site and offices are now located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

Martin’s acoustic guitar strings department has enough possibilities to meet most requirements.  The Lifespan 2.0 coated strings, for example, are ideal for road players.  Their classic SP line has a stronger tensile strength for improved performance, and it looks great on 00 bodies.  Finally, acoustic players may bend deeper on a friendlier string thanks to the “Marquis” line with silk ends and the innovative “Flexible Core.”

For nearly two centuries, Martin has been a premier guitar manufacturer.  They are the recipients of all string remarks from guitarists.  As a result, purchasing one of their sets is purchasing 18 decades of leverage, passion, creativity, and hard labor.

Dean Markley

After successfully selling his own-made strings and accessories in his Santa Clara, California music store, Dean started this company in 1972.

Dean Markley expanded his company greatly after inventing the Talkbox pedal utilised by Peter Hampton in “Show me the Way,” expanding it to include all kinds of accessories such as guitar strings, pickups, and cables.  Today, the company is regarded as one of the best acoustic and electric string manufacturers in the world.

The “vintage bronze” series, which has 85 percent copper and 15 percent zinc alloy for a clean mellow tone, allows acoustic players to enjoy the original balanced tone that made the strings renowned in California back in the day.  In addition, their new “Black Hawk” series features coated strings with a nickel-plated steel wire core and the same winding proportions.

Finally, Dean Markley’s Blue Steel line is one of his most notable accomplishments. These acoustic guitar strings are cryogenically treated to remove transient elements and improve tone while also lasting three times as long as regular strings.

Fender

Fender is a well-known name in the music industry.

Fender strings are made with the same dedication that goes into making world-class guitars. Strings like the “Bullets” are well-known and used over the world because they are the best match for Fender instruments, despite not being their primary selling point.

Acoustic players can benefit from bronze, phosphor bronze, and Dura-Tone coated strings in a variety of gauges. Strings wound with pure silver windings and premium-quality nylon for improved warmth and stability are available for nylon-string players.

A company the scale of Fender doesn’t just drop into a business niche; it goes above and beyond to dominate it.

Related reading – guitar strings medium vs light

Ernie Ball

Another well-known name in acoustic guitar strings is Ernie Ball.  Since the early 1960s, the company has earned a reputation as a go-to option for stringing electric guitars, having started as California’s first guitar-only shop.

With the introduction of the Slinkys in the 1960s, Ernie Ball attracted the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Angus Young, and Joe Bonamassa, as well as millions of others in over 120 countries.

Despite the fact that Ernie Ball is primarily renowned for electric guitar strings, acoustic players will find plenty of fantastic options in the Ernie Ball acoustic guitar strings catalogue.  They can, for example, appreciate the brilliance of aluminium alloy strings, an Ernie Ball innovation that improves high-frequency response.  Finally, the silver/nylon and bronze/nylon type of string varieties are extremely beneficial to nylon-string players.

Elixir

When they came out with their coated strings, Elixir undoubtedly created a new business niche and charted the course for guitar string innovation.  Their proprietary fluoropolymer covering protects them from debris, sweat, and any other material that could compromise their integrity, such as corrosion.

Let us go back to 1997, when the business that would become Elixir Strings began testing cables and applying polytetrafluoroethylene coatings.  Soon after, they began experimenting with the coating material in order to create guitar strings that were both aesthetically pleasing and corrosion-free.

Elixir Strings was born after being put to the test by over 15,000 guitarists and bassists. The company has worked with a nano polymer since the first prototype, evolving the coating into a minuscule layer that has no effect on killer warm tone.

Elixir’s nanoweb and polyweb coated acoustic strings come in bronze, nickel, nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, bronze, and phosphor bronze, and are ideal for acoustic players.  Furthermore, the brand’s acoustic strings sound great and last a long time, resulting in a large following across the world.  Elixir is an excellent choice if you want a long-lasting, bright tone.

Acoustic Guitar String Brands Conclusion

Any of these excellent brands of acoustic guitar strings will be excellent choices for your guitar!  Either coated or uncoated strings, thicker strings, heavy strings, light strings, etc depending on your preference or playing style for both beginner and experienced players.

The post LOOK: What Is The Best Brand Of Acoustic Guitar Strings? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our 3/4 Scale Acoustic Guitar Strings Recommendations

• D’Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze – Our top choice!
• Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze
• Elixir 16052 Strings
• Martin Authentic Acoustic MA175
• Fender 60L 073-0060-403

Our Guitar Strings For 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitars Reviews

D’Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze

D’Addario’s EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze set brings out the highs and lows in your acoustic guitar sounds with a bright edge. Their enhanced phosphor bronze rounds out the tone for everything from a jangle to a warm hum.

It is bright but not brash, perfect for those with an ear for the musical. The EJ16-3D are made with color-coded hexagonal core strings that are easy to see if they have become worn down. You won’t have to worry about tuning out of pitch or time due to strings that are too loose or too tight. The EJ16-3D set is within your price range and an excellent string choice for those who want a bright sound nearly any time.

Once you install them, you’ll notice the difference in the overall sound of your acoustic guitar, and you’ll have a clear understanding of whether or not they need to be replaced.

Pros

• Affordable strings that enhance the sound of your acoustic guitar
• Easy to see as they wear out and need changing

Cons

• Some buyers find the strings too bright and brash

Check The Latest Price On The D’Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze

Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze

Ernie Ball Earthwood strings are a great go-to for 3/4 scale acoustic guitars. They’re phosphor bronze in construction, with a wide range of sound that is never too tinny or shrieking. The EJ16S-3D set is affordable clean, and their smooth surface makes it easy to play.

These strings are made from an alloy for excellent string performance as they wear. They’re resistant to corrosion and keep their clear tone through playing. The sound quality will last, no matter how much time you spend playing your instrument, and the price is right on target for those on a budget.

Pros

• Great sounding strings that last, no matter how much you play
• Affordable strings for 3/4 scale acoustic guitars

Cons

• Some buyers find the strings too tinny or shrill

Check The Latest Price On The Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze

Elixir 16052 Strings

Comfort. Precision. Durability. These are the three words that best summarize Elixir 16052 strings for acoustic guitars, and they are exactly what you’ll experience when playing an acoustic guitar with these strings on it. They feel more like a fine quality ballpoint pen than anything else, making this string a great choice for guitarists who are sensitive to string noise. While you’d never confuse Elixir with a super-thin set of strings or anything that pack an aggressive punch, these strings make the sound of your acoustic guitar more versatile.

The extra-long life of Elixir strings means you’ll need to replace them less often than with other sets. The sound and feel of your acoustic guitar will last for a long time, even with heavy play. This is especially helpful if you don’t have much experience changing the strings on your instrument.

Pros

• Long lasting strings that won’t need to be changed as often as others
• Sounds great, and is softer on the fingertips

Cons

• Some reviewers find they don’t make much difference in the sound of an acoustic guitar

Check The Latest Price On The Elixir 16052 Strings

Martin Authentic Acoustic MA175

Martin’s MA175 strings offer a rich sound and feel that lasts until the next time you change your strings. They’re made to be compatible with any 3/4 scale acoustic guitar and come in a variety of gauges to fit the needs of the player. They are made for authentic Martin Guitars, but these strings can be used on other brands made with a 3/4 size acoustic guitar in mind.

Martin’s MA175 Acoustic Guitar Strings set offers a clear sound that is complemented by the smooth touch of their nylon. Because they are made of material that will not corrode or rust, you’ll know your strings will last you through a lot of play time before needing replacement.

Pros

• Clean sounding strings that last a long time

Cons

• May need to be replaced more often than coated strings

Check The Latest Price On The Martin Authentic Acoustic MA175

Fender 60L 073-0060-403

For a lot of acoustic guitarists, Fender 60L strings are a great choice. They’re bright and warm sounding with a nice balance between tones that makes them great for any sort of play. The clear notes will stand out in your music and help you to see if your guitar is sounding off-pitch.

Fender 60L 073-0060-403 Acoustic Guitar Strings offer a smooth surface that won’t catch or fray as you play. You’ll still get the bright sounds you’re looking for, along with a long playing life during each session of play time. These strings are made for stringed instruments with 3/4 scale guitars in mind and offer you just what you need to make your instrument sing.

Pros

• Clean, bright sounding strings that last a long time

Cons

• Some buyers find they don’t make much difference in the sound of an acoustic guitar

Check The Latest Price On The Fender 60L 073-0060-403

Strings For 3/4 Guitars Conclusion

It is evident that each of these strings for acoustic 3/4 scale guitars will improve the sound of your guitar and at least one of them will make all the difference in your sound. You don’t want to cheap out when it comes to stringing your acoustic guitar, so choose the correct type of string for your needs.

Related things to know – acoustic guitar strings names – light gauge and medium gauge strings difference

Strings for 3/4 guitars are not the same and each one will produce a different sound in your music. Choosing the right set is important because you’ll need to make sure they’re compatible with your guitar and that you like their sound. You can also try seeing what sounds great with a particular acoustic guitar, so that you can narrow down the selection process by locating a desired tone.

The post THESE 5 Best Strings For 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Sound Great! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.