Considerations for selecting the best guitar strings
Choosing guitar strings is something that should not be taken lightly, because it's a constant investment, every month or two. Therefore, we have selected the following tips for you;
- Look for technology: we recommend buying those with the best technology, because only that ensures durability, quality sound for longer and good ergonomics, maybe not economy, but ergonomics.
- Versatility: look for strings whose sound adapts to any style, the electric guitar demands them. Don't limit yourself to signature or custom strings because they will be a problem.
- Budget: good strings are more expensive, so we recommend buying a 3-Pack, which is usually cheaper. You can also buy a complete box together with other guitarist friends to save money.
- Learn about materials: guitar strings and everything related to music is not just buying what others say is good, because it's also buying what you know is good. For that you must learn elementary principles about instrument materials.
In culturasonora we take advice very seriously and that is why our team is multidisciplinary, professional experts in different subject areas and among them we have not only professional musicians, but we also have professional experts in materials, chemistry, acoustics, sound, technology and others, so that you receive the best advice.
Types of guitar strings
Guitar strings are classified according to the material they are made of -Nylon strings and metal strings- and according to the types of guitars that exist -classical/Spanish, flamenco, acoustic/electroacoustic and electric-. All of them are explained in detail below.
Nylon strings
Spanish/classical and flamenco guitars have this type of strings. Nylon strings have four tension levels: extra high, high, medium and normal tension.
Extra high Tension
These are nylon guitar strings that withstand very high degrees of tension and produce a very bright, metallic sound. They are the hardest and require the most force when pressing them. They are very popular with flamenco guitarists and classical guitarists who are looking for baroque sounds or sounds that evoke a particular composer, such as Francisco Tárrega.
If you are going to use them you should do so with care. You have to keep in mind that this type of strings exert a few kilos of tension and could bend the neck of your guitar. To prevent this from happening, this is what we recommend:
- Know a little about the mechanical characteristics of woods, as well as the type of wood your guitar uses. Only use extra high tension strings in guitars whose neck woods support more than 450 kilos of bending. Visit our article on Spanish guitars where we describe in detail the characteristics of guitar woods.
- If you are going to buy a guitar, try to invest in brands recognized for their quality: Alhambra, Yamaha, Cordoba, Ibanez, Fender, Taylor, Takamine and others…
- When buying strings, ask what tension they withstand or exert and if the seller doesn't know, read the technical characteristics that are on the reverse side of the package and are also on the wrapping of each string.
- It doesn't hurt to invest in a guitar with a neck that has a core rod, there are Spanish/classical and flamenco guitars that do. All acoustics/electroacoustics and electrics have a core rod, which serves to adjust the resistance to bending.
High Tension
These guitar strings are most commonly used by guitarists from intermediate levels and upwards. They give a bright but warm sound. The styles that best suit them are contemporary ballad-type compositions and chamber music of the romantic period, since they evoke very well the sounds required by the harmonic structures of Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Mauro Giuliani, Dionisio Aguado, Strauss, Gaspar Sanz, among others. With these guitar strings, the recommendations we have given you for extra high tension strings also apply: both because it's important that you learn and because your instrument deserves it, even if the bridge and neck of your guitar are not prone to bending.
Medium Tension
This type of guitar strings are the most common in music stores. Their sound is warm, with well pronounced mids. In addition, their plucking is very comfortable, unlike the high tensions which are a bit hard and require more plucking force. These guitar strings go well with any style if you are not a concert guitarist. However, ballads and contemporary music can also be heard well if you use these strings.
Normal Tension
They work very well, especially if you are a beginner guitarist. The bridge and neck of your guitar will not suffer at all if it's in excellent condition. However, you must make sure that the bridge is not raised and the neck is not broken or bent, although this is something you must take into account with any type of strings.
Metal strings
These are the strings used in acoustic/electro-acoustic guitars, such as the Yamaha F310 and electric guitars. They are classified by numbers, which is the thickness reflected in decimeters, a measurement magnitude that is subdivided into millimeters.
Numbering of guitar strings
0.08 strings for electric and electroacoustic guitars
It's the thinnest and most fragile of all guitar strings, but it's very good for bending, which is a string stretching technique. These strings are the equivalent of normal tension nylon strings. However, they are much more fragile and tend to break easily if the guitarist doesn't have a refined technique.
0.09 strings for electric and electroacoustic guitars
They are the most commonly used in electric guitars. The reason is that they have a very good resistance to bending and facilitate the pulsation and movement on the mast. On the other hand, they are not widely used for electroacoustics.
0.10 strings for electric and electroacoustic guitars
They go very well with electric guitar for styles that demand heavy sounds. For this reason, they are often used by Power Metal, Heavy Metal and other guitarists who demand heavy sounds. The 0.10 strings are also the most commonly used for acoustic/electro-acoustic guitars because they are technically very versatile and last long. They require an intermediate and adequate tension for the neck and bridge of the guitar.
0.11 strings for electric and electroacoustic guitars
These are rare guitar strings, but like the 0.10 they are used for heavy rock and metal rock styles. For the acoustic/electro-acoustic guitar, on the other hand, they are not at all common. We do not recommend them because they put a lot of stress on the neck and bridge of the guitar.
When should the guitar strings be changed?
It depends on the use and the rods you put in them. For example:
- Professional guitarist: understood as someone whose source of income is music, live concerts, studio/recording sessions. In this case, you will already know that you should change them every two months and if the concerts are regular, every month.
- Professional/hobby guitarist: we refer to someone who is skilled at playing the guitar, but music is not their main source of income. You should change them every two months.
- Intermediate guitarist: we recommend changing them every two months.
- Amateur/apprentice guitarist: we recommend changing them every three months. If left any longer, the strings will stop giving harmonics, octaves and will not tune correctly, which will affect the development of your musical ear and the learning process will be slower.
Can the life of guitar strings be extended?
This is a fairly common question. Especially among beginners and intermediate guitarists who want to extend string life. The answer is simply no.
Some recommend boiling the strings in soapy water. But that is absurd and not at all advisable. You will only half remove the rust, but then accelerate the oxidation state due to exposure to boiling water. It's basic physics. If you are serious about music, we recommend that you take this section seriously and don't mess around.
Standard guitar tuning
In music there is a tuning standard (A 440Hz) which refers to vibrations per second (Hertz) and was standardized in ISO 16 in 1955 and reaffirmed in 1975. Perfect tuning is not easy because the note (A 440Hz) must be indicated with the temperature at 20ºC, which means that to get the best possible tuning, these two conditions should be met.
Thus, the note of (A) corresponds to the fifth string of the guitar counting from the bottom up. In that order, the guitar strings acquire the names (E, B, G, D, A, E) which correspond to intervals of fourths and thirds. This refers to the distance between the different notes, e.g:
- If we count from (E) to (A); E, F, G, A, are four notes away and with (notes) we refer to the name, but not to the (tone) which is a musical expression that represents something different.
Name of the guitar strings:
Based on the above, guitar string names are named after the standard tuning of the fifth string (A) at 440Hz at 20 degrees Celsius.
As a result, the following order is counted from the bottom to the top; E, B, G, D, A, E.
And also, the names of the guitar strings by their material:
- Transparent nylon raw strings; E, B, G.
- Bass strings: D, A, E.
String tuning tricks
There are a few tricks to help you improve the tuning of your guitar. It's true that new strings, especially if they are nylon, must stretch enough to tune correctly. Otherwise, it will be torture to see your strings constantly stretched and out of tune.
For this reason, we recommend that you place them and tighten them with the tuning peg until you feel that they are moderately taut. Then, take the neck with your left hand (if you are right-handed) and grasp the string tightly at the level of the soundhole (of the guitar) with your right hand and stretch it several times.
Press again on the pegbox and repeat this process about five times. With that, you should be fine in no time. Then, if you have a digital guitar tuner, you can adjust the tuning until the indicator bar is in the center and that's it: “perfect” tuning. Please note that there are no magic tricks to achieve “perfect” tuning. What does exist is experience, time and dedication.
How to calibrate or harmonize acoustic/electroacoustic and electric guitar?
This process is called octavado or quintado. Both names are correct, because the intention when harmonizing the guitar is that the octaves and fifths are precise in their relationship to the strings in the air (without stepping on any fret). However, the terms are imprecise since theoretically, it's called harmonizing, since it's done by checking the harmonics and the harmonic function of the guitar so that the tuning doesn't fail at any of the frets. If you are more curious, you can take a look at our article on electric basses and learn more about the harmonic function.
So… how do you calibrate a guitar? It's a complicatedly simple thing. To do this you need six fundamental tools: Digital chromatic tuner, 2. 80 cm metal ruler, 3. Scalimeter, 4. Allen wrench on the bridge rails, 5. Allen wrench on core rod, 6. Cross/slotted screwdriver.
Basically, the idea is to establish a correct physical relationship between distance and height (the distance between the nut of the neck and the bridge of the guitar, by the height of the strings with respect to the fretboard). In our article on acoustic guitars, we explain the importance of this physical relationship.
Now, there are three fundamental aspects to this:
- This should be done every time you put new strings on your acoustic or electric guitar.
- Each string gauge requires a specific harmonization.
- If you don't, your guitar will go out of tune on several notes across the neck.
Height of guitar strings
This is a question that everyone asks at some point and the answer is linked to harmonization. Therefore, the height of the guitar strings depends on the design that the manufacturer has given to the guitar, some opt for a high neck profile, others medium, others low, while the more specialized ones look for mixed profiles. For example, Fender makes their instruments with mixed profiles and these can be adjusted in very low ratios without loss of sound quality or an obnoxious lisp. The same happens with Ibanez, but their instruments lose sound quality with high strings.
Ideally, however, the height of the guitar strings should be between 3.8 and 4 millimeters in relation to the fretboard of the guitar. Now, we will soon dedicate an article and maybe even a complete video to explain step by step and straight to the point, how the harmonization of a guitar is done, so that you can give a correct pitch to your instrument.
The best nylon strings for Spanish guitar:
The best nylon strings for flamenco guitar:
The Best metal strings for acoustic/electroacoustic guitar:
The best metal strings for electric guitar:
The best nylon strings for spanish guitar
D'Addario EJ45FF Pro-Arte Carbon
D'Addario brand seal of approval
The harmonics start to fail after a month of using the strings.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: Nylon/carbon .
- Touch: Pleasant.
- Durability: Medium (two months).
D'Addario has been making high quality guitar strings since 1974. Its hallmark is innovation. A good example of this are the ProArte Carbon strings, strings that have some characteristics that we like very much.
Materials:
D'Addario EJ45FF ProArte Carbon are guitar strings that have concentrations of carbon (they fall under the classification of special polymers). Nylon combined with carbon fiber achieves really good results. Carbon provides good pH resistance. When we touch things, our hands sweat a lot and the fluid we give off has concentrations of salt and acid that vary depending on the individual. These strings, having carbon concentrations of 0.55%, make their atoms more compact and therefore have less porosity. The result is less sweat accumulation in the pores of the material.
Sound:
In this type of strings, the trebles are prominent and accentuated. This feature may not appeal to everyone, but it's highly valued by the classics. On the E, A, D strings, the sound is very metallic and with good overtones, this is especially recommended for chamber musicians. The tunability of these strings is very good. Not much effort is required to get the strings to achieve the necessary tension.
They have an attack that responds well to the stimulus of the nail and a pleasant tone that reaches a great projection. The wound strings also use a technology that D'Addario patented, called “Dynacore”. It's a core composed of several materials that give it a more accentuated tone, with power and good vibrations.
Ergonomics:
In its calibers we find: .0240, .0272, .0331 trebles and .028, .035, .044 basses. It results in a configuration for normal tension strings and this makes the sound less bright, but balanced along with the mids and lows. In addition, the touch is soft, pleasant and prevents our fingers from suffering as a result of the pressure exerted by the string on our skin.
Conclusion:
The D'Addario EJ45FF ProArte Carbon are very good strings. However, it's important to keep in mind that to achieve the proper smoothness, you must combine it with a quality classical guitar. Find the best prices at thomann.
D'Addario EJ46FF Pro-Arte Carbon
New ones have a great tone.
They don't seem to wear out fast but their sound fades.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: Nylon/carbon .
- Touch: Soft.
- Durability: Medium (two months).
These are the high tension guitar strings of the Pro-Art Carbon line. These are high quality strings that are considered one of the best on the market.
Materials:
D'Addario EJ46FF Pro-Arté Carbon guitar strings, like their normal tension siblings, have a combination of polymers with carbon fiber that gives them a very good resistance to breakage. In addition, this results in slower wear, so they can last a long time without losing their tuning ability.
Sound:
This is what we like the most. They get a very good sound, although we personally feel a certain predilection for the high tension strings. The response to the attack of the nails produces in the first strings a strident brightness, with volume, they have a lot of sustain, and we love this. In the mids, the sound is very balanced, something that is not easy to find because most guitars have a certain flaw in getting the G string to tune and respond well. But with the Pro art carbon, the sound is very good.
On the E, A, D basses, the response is as expected and with them you get some of the most baroque sounds, high, full-bodied, metallic, but without exaggeration. Also, the basses have depth and in a quality classical guitar you will have very good warmth and body. The harmonics of the D'Addario EJ46FF Pro-Arté Carbon guitar strings are what we like the most because they are very rich. They have a good gain and by simply plucking the high E string in the air, you will notice that the harmonics flow smoothly. The downside is that these wonderful harmonics start to fade after a month of use. However, although these D'Addario strings wear a little fast, compared to other brands they last longer.
Ergonomics:
These strings have a configuration of: trebles .0248, .0280, .0339 and basses .0290, .0360, .0460. These parameters place them as high tension and therefore the touch is harder than those of normal or medium tension. However, when compared to other high tension guitar strings, these D'Addario strings are soft. Fingers move comfortably in plucking (phrases) and chords do not require excessive use of force. As you look for the higher notes, you find that the tension doesn't vary much and the hardness is almost imperceptible.
Conclusion:
Generally speaking, D'Addario EJ46FF Pro-Arté Carbon guitar strings are more comfortable than other brands and that is why they are in our TOP 3. They also last longer than the competition. Interested? Find the best prices on thomann.
Our recommendation:
We love high tension strings: in this case, the D'Addario EJ46FFPro-Arte Carbon is our top choice for all levels of learning. In addition, guitars reach their maximum sound potential at high string tensions.
The best nylon strings for flamenco guitars
Savarez have dedicated themselves to diversifying their stock using the advice of today's best flamenco guitarists. This synergy has contributed to Tomatito's great works. These are excellent strings and we invite you to discover why they are one of the best sellers in the market.
Materials:
SAVAREZ T50R flamenco guitar strings are made of several materials, such as New Cristal clear nylon for the strings (E and B), a new textile fiber that is more resistant than conventional nylon strings. In addition, the new “crystal” finish resulting from high-temperature processing produces a higher sustain. The Sol string is composed of ALLIANCE KF technology. It's a fiber composed of dense micro-layers that increase the resistance of the strings and produces greater balance in the vibrations of this string. The basses are traditionally silver plated and cover the multifilament polymeric nylon core, whose fibers are made of the same New crystal which also increases their resistance.
Sound:
The development of new materials by the Savarez brand has resulted in a very bright sound in the raw strings (E, B), something uncommon in normal tension strings. In addition, they have a lot of I, and the sound is long and loud. One of the most problematic strings for the guitar is (G) because it's difficult to get it in balance, but at Savarez this is not a problem because with Alliance KF technology they have achieved a better balance in the vibrations to obtain a more precise tuning.
Tomatito's contribution has been his experience and taste for the traditional touch of flamenco together with jazz/flamenco fusion. Thus, Savarez has achieved bass strings (E, A, D) with a metallic, full-bodied, round and balanced sound. The sound response of SAVAREZ T50R flamenco guitar strings is instantaneous and precise. In addition, it offers a pleasant projection and sounds very characteristic of the flamenco guitar. If you wish to better discover its warm sound, follow the link below.
Ergonomics:
The configuration of these strings is: Prime: 0.029. 0,033. 0.033 and Bordons; 0.029. 0,034. 0,043. When compared to classical guitar stringboards, the difference is remarkable: its thickness is less in every sense. The G string is equal to the B string; the D string is equal in thickness to the E string prima and the A string differs very little from the B and G strings. This configuration is responsible for its well-balanced sound.
They are normal tension strings but bright, and this is what is most surprising about the Savarez T50R strings. By achieving such a bright sound, it induces a feeling that they could be harsh, but they are not. They are very comfortable strings, with the feel of normal tension but a sound that borders on high tension. Phrasing is smooth across all the frets of the guitar, and chords are very comfortable. The only variable may be your technique, because these guitar strings are wonderful. And best of all: the bridge of your guitar will not suffer excess tension with these flamenco guitar strings.
Conclusion:
We love these strings because they have a high tension sound, even though they are normal tension. This indicates that they last much longer than the competition. We invite you to try them on your classical guitar, you will see that they are amazing. Find the best prices on thomann.
Savarez Alliance HT 540J
They are the best selling strings on the market.
They are classified as classical guitar strings.
Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: Fluorocarbon.
- Touch: Professional.
- Durability: High (three months).
Savarez Alliance strings are the next step in the maturity of this company. These strings are classified as classical guitar strings, but are also suitable for flamenco guitar. Want to discover why they are so versatile? We reveal the secrets of the Savarez Alliance HT 540 J.
Materials:
These guitar strings have been developed with a technology that cares for nature and are very resistant. The thin strings are made of ALLIANCE carbon: this is a thermoplastic material found in E1 – B2 – G3 strings and has proven its performance, long wear and durability.
The G string offers the same balanced sound capacity for any key, where the transition is perfect from the B string to the A string. The E, A, D basses, made of twisted wire and nylon microfiber core, are great and just as resistant as their other companions.
Sound:
The sound of the premiums is powerful, bright, with a lot of projection and the picking sounds great. The transition on the G string is the most balanced we have heard, which is not easy to achieve due to a common defect in all guitars, but Savarez has managed to solve the problem with a G string of high technological quality.
The snares have a powerful, aggressive, metallic and bright sound, where the pickups sound fantastic. In addition, the harmonics of these strings are durable, easy to achieve and maintain. In the phrasing, they bring out very rich harmonics, with a lot of volume, while the chords have beautifully balanced vibrations.
Ergonomics:
The greatest concern when using high tension strings is the hardness of their tension. However, in the Savarez Alliance HT 540 J this is no longer a problem as they are quite comfortable throughout. The pulsation through the neck is pleasant, both in the picking and in the arpeggios, and as you look for the higher sounds, you find no major resistance. It's also comfortable in chords, and you will only encounter the traditional resistance when making chords with index finger cellija.
Conclusion:
These strings are rated for use on classical guitars, but they are so versatile that they go great with flamenco guitars. This versatility is what makes us recommend it for every professional guitarist. Interested? Take a look at thomann's best prices.
Our recommendation:
Savarez Alliance HT Classic high tension strings are the best strings despite being rated for classical guitar. But for all their characteristics they are the best we could find, for you to express your flamenco passion.
Best metal strings for acoustic/electroacoustic guitars
Elixir Nanoweb Extra Light Acoustic
They are leaders in guitar string manufacturing technology.
None.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: 80/20 bronze with 1% phosphorous coating.
- Feel: The best on the market.
- Durability: High (three months).
Elixir is an American company that stands out for manufacturing the best strings on the market, and also the most expensive ones. But every euro is worth it. Want to know why the price of your guitar strings is justified?
Materials:
Elixir strings are the best acoustic guitar strings on the market. The reason? Its advanced technology and strict quality controls. A reflection of this is the Elixir Nanoweb Extra Light Acoustic: a set of strings made of phosphor bronze. It's an alloy of 80% copper and 20% nickel. Bronze nanoweb strings are manufactured with a 1% addition of bronze and phosphorus. This addition closes the pores of the bronze to prevent oxygen (nature's main oxidizer) from corroding the material faster.
It also enhances the resistance and antioxidant capabilities of the material, thus extending the life of the strings up to three months without losing sound quality. This is something to keep in mind, especially if we compare it with the lifespan of most strings, which only maintain their quality for a month or so.
Sound:
The sound is fabulous, as they are made of bronze, which is a favorite resonant and produces harmonics rich in vibration, powerful in timbre and with a lot of sustain. The sound is great, reaching a significantly higher projection than other brands.
The balance between the strings is wonderful, and the phrases on the E, B, G raw strings sound great and you will love it. On the snares, the metallic sound is predominant and the harmonics are fabulous, the tapping is soft and all the musical notes are perceived, so much so that any piece of Fingerstyle music is possible to interpret. Generally speaking, the sound of these strings is round, warm and enveloping.
Ergonomics:
Nanoweb Extra Light Acoustic strings are extra light tension, number .010: our favorite. They are the softest to the touch that you will find on the market, their touch in chords is wonderful and in phrases they are practically imperceptible. But you should not be overconfident, because so much softness demands a greater technical mastery because if you do not have it, it will sound fretted (lisp) in excess.
Conclusion:
These strings are recommended for all learning levels. If you are a learner, you will notice that they help you develop your musical ear. If you are a session guitarist, you will find in them the perfect ally for your studio and live recordings. Intrigued? Find the best prices at thomann.
D'Addario NB1047 Nickel Bronze Set
D'Addario quality is a seal of guarantee.
They are not better than elixir strings, but they are a good option.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: Nickel/bronze 80/20.
- Touch: Professional.
- Durability: Medium (two months).
Once again D'Addario occupies a privileged place on our list. The reason is that the D'Addario NB1047 Nickel Bronze set is a string of very good quality and durability, but it also has other advantages.
Materials:
D'Addario NB1047 Nickel Bronze acoustic guitar strings are made of 80-20 bronze, just like the elixir strings. This material is the best for the manufacture of acoustic guitar strings. They are resistant to breakage due to their stainless steel core. However, these strings do not have the 1% phosphorous coating, which means that they rust faster (2 times faster) than the strongest strings on the market, but they are still very good.
Sound:
The sound of these strings is really good and compete in that sense with the Elixir. The reason for this is the NY steel core which, when resonating with the bronze of the winding, results in richly nuanced harmonics. The sound of the premiums is bright, full-bodied, though with little sustain. While the G string presents a great transition between the trebles and the bass strings. The basses have a metallic sound that we like very much, because it projects well the compositions that demand slap on the acoustic guitar.
Also, the harmonics in the basses have a lot of presence and this is difficult to achieve, but as always, no matter what strings you have, the quality of your guitar will be the one that allows you to take advantage of all the potential of all the strings. In addition, we recommend that you get a good capo.
Ergonomics:
They are extra light and yes, they are soft, but not as soft as we would like. The most comfortable are the phrases (solos-scales), the touch is ideal, and we like them very much for bending because they give a very bluesy sound. The arpeggios already require more strength for the sweeps pulsation, but it's not impossible or unbearable to do. The chords do get a little uncomfortable, but if you are a professional guitarist, that won't be a problem because your technique should be good enough for it.
Conclusion:
They are very good strings, not as good as the elixir, but one of the best on the market. Interested? Find the best prices at thomann.
Our Recommendation:
As we said at the beginning, elixir guitar strings are the best in the market, due to their sound capacity, durability and feel.
The best metal strings for electric guitar
Elixir Optiweb 19027 Custom Light
They are manufactured with first quality materials.
None.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: High-strength nickel-plated steel.
- Touch: Excellent.
- Durability: High (three months).
Elixir optiweb is Elixir's choice for electric guitars. Let's take a close look:
Materials:
Elixir always seeks to be at the forefront of technological development for the benefit of music. This is attested to by these nickel-plated steel strings, which have a bright but not extreme sound thanks to optiweb technology. Optiweb is a variant of nanoweb that allows it to have a high resistance to corrosion and become as resistant as nanoweb.
Sound:
These strings have a brighter sound than uncoated strings, although it's compensated for by the elixir Optiweb. Due to elixir's patented technology, these strings tune very well, in a short time and maintain the tone for longer periods of time than conventional strings. In addition, it has a great balance on the G string which usually gives many drawbacks, but which elixir has been able to solve. Another aspect we like is the metallic sound of the snares and you can enjoy them a lot if you play funk pieces that require slap.
Ergonomics:
The Optiweb coating also benefits the touch because it provides a natural feel when plucking, even though you usually play them with a plectrum. It's softer than conventional strings. Performing the chords is where you get a better feel, as it's really smooth, and phrasing is a delight. Tapping is the real bliss on this guitar because it sounds great! The sound is clear, precise and durable. With strings of gauge 009 – 011 – 016 – 026 – 036 – 046 these elixirs are a dream come true.
Conclusion:
The feel, durability and sound on these strings are ideal and every beginner guitarist should aspire to have them. To check out thomann's best prices, click here.
D'Addario NYXL0946
Very resistant to breakage.
Slightly harder than the conventional .09.
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Technical Characteristics:
- Materials: High resistance NY steel.
- Touch: Normal.
- Durability: High (three months).
Now we have D'Addario strings, which we think are the only ones that can compete with the elixir strings. The best part? They are more affordable. But that's not all, because their features are also very good.
Materials:
These electric guitar strings are made of a steel alloy with a high carbon content (up to 20% which is the maximum). This implies a higher resistance than any electric guitar string, although this doesn't mean that they won't rust, because it's only resistance to breakage. In addition, the other relevant material is nickel, which gives it a higher brightness than that present in other strings. However, this can be a negative point that many guitarists don't like because so much brilliance is only sought after for heavy or symphonic rock styles.
Sound:
As mentioned in the previous section, these strings have a lot of brightness . Ideal for a guitarist like Michael Romeo of Sinfony X, or perhaps some like Steve Vai who likes bright and sensitive strings that facilitate tapping. As for the mids, the G string has a good transition between treble and bass, which compensates a little for the strident nature of the treble.
The basses are quite metallic, with very good gain and highly sensitive to tapping, which can appeal to Van Halen-style guitarists. According to their technical specifications, the strings have a power boost of 1 to 3.5kHz for more punch, crunch and gain. Generally speaking, these strings seem to be designed to the specifications of a Heavy guitarist or similar styles and if you are one of them, these strings are the ones for you.
Ergonomics:
These electric guitar strings are of gauge 009 – 011 – 016 for the trebles and 026 – 036 – 046 for the basses. Although extra light in gauge, these strings are harder than conventional .09 strings. This stiffness is appreciated when performing phrases (solos) because they require a greater force in the pulsation, although as we have said, it's not extremely hard. Again, this feature seems to be designed for Heavy or similar styles as they require a very good technical mastery by the guitarist.
Conclusion:
Aside from stiffness, these strings are a clear competitor of the Elixir and that is why we highly recommend them. If you want to see thomann's best prices, follow the link.
Our recommendation:
Without a doubt, the best guitar strings are the Elixir. Follow us and learn more about the best accessories for guitars and other music instruments, such as Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster guitars. In Culturasonora we will guide you in everything within the scope of our knowledge. We recommend you check out our review of the best guitar straps and capos.
Technical characteristics of guitar strings
MODELS | Material | Touch | Durability |
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| D’Addario EJ45FF Pro-Arte Carbon | Nylon/carbon. | Pleasant. | Medium (two months). |
| D’Addario EJ46FF Pro-Arte Carbon | Nylon/carbon. | Gentle. | Medium (two months). |
| Savarez T50R | Nylon 6,6 semi cristalized. | Professional. | High (three months). |
| Savarez Alliance HT 540J | fluorinated carbon. | Professional. | High (three months). |
| Elixir Nanoweb Extra Light Acoustic | Bronze 80/20. | The best on the market. | High (three months). |
| D’Addario NB1047 Nickel Bronze Set | Nickel/bronze 80/20. | Professional. | Medium (two months). |
| Elixir Optiweb 19027 Custom Light | High resistance nickel plated steel. | Excellent. | High (three months). |
| D´Addario NYXL0946 | High strength NY steel. | Normal. | High (three months). |
