Acoustic Guitar Strings

[mart_haj86]

Hi all probably not the best place to post this but doesnt seem to be an appropriate sub-forum for this topic.

Just wanted to make a recommendation for those of you (like me) who have started to learn to play the acoustic guitar.

I have had my first guitar (Yamaha APX 500) for 3 months now and have been using the same strings that came with the guitar from the day it was purchased.

Today I went to a local musician shop and purchased some new strings, D'addario 85-15 "great american bronze" Was all they had in stock for £5.25. I got home and wasnt expecting much of a difference in the sound of the guitar... Could I be any more wrong?

The sound is Richer, More precise and it delivers a much longer sound "sustain".

The guitar feels and sounds easier to play.

This may seem like a completely pointless post but the point im trying to make is that those of you who are just beginning may want to consider replacing the standard strings that come with your guitar (unless your a lucky person who can afford a top of the range guitar - where they are provided with the best quality strings?). You really will thank yourself for it.

[chicken]

That reads remarkably like an ad, but yeah I know what you mean. Decent strings make so much difference to the sound and guitars often come with cheap ones on.

[Colossous]

The sound of your strings changes quite dramatically with age, i know people who change there strings weekly (and have heard of pro guitarists who change before each gig) allthough there is a range of different style of strings and sounds to try as you've discovered !! Even cheap new strings would sound amazing after a few months without renewal though !! Good luck with the playing !!

[ikonia]

its all personal taste, so recommendations are hard to make.

The guitar/player can make a massive difference.

I have a main brand/gauge of string I use on most of my guitars in most situations, but certain guitars are strung with specific make / gauge to suit what I'm doing.

each time you re-string try a new set / make until you find what you like.

[Spud1]

I can't reccomend acoustic strings unfortunately as I play electric most of the time..but as for the difference in sound when changing them, yes this can be massive.

I change my strings every month, or more often if I am lucky enough to have lots of time to play lol

[kidzer]

I change mine regularly (Dean Markley Lights on the Maverick X1, Dean Markely Extra-Lights on the Squier Strat, and likely to be XL's on the new Jackson once I get round to ordering it!), which I consider to be quite normal - I have a friend whos a brilliant player who has never changed a set of strings in his life!

He breaks a string, and replaces just the one - I think its partly down to how much hassle he thinks restringinging a floating-bridge guitar is, but there we go..

..So yes, I'm a Dean Markely fan, looking around they do Acoustic Strings aswell, were I to have my own acoustic, I guess I would give them a try.

[wombar]

Just thought I'd chime in and say that if you need a decent selection of strings check out http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/

You can mix and match to get discounts, they've got a great selection of strings and offer free delivery on orders over £10 (but £1 per cable I believe). I've used them for years and a lot of my friends have used them after my recommendation, never had a single problem with them.

[kidzer]

Oooh, that'll be a new one for me to try - I usually use stringbusters.co.uk, they're pretty good in my experience.

[fat jez]

Oooh, that'll be a new one for me to try - I usually use stringbusters.co.uk, they're pretty good in my experience.

Another vote for Stringbusters here too, they are my preferred supplier.

I generally use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Light strings on mine, which Stringbusters do for £13.70 in a pack of 3.

The other thing that can make a big difference to your playing is having your guitar setup properly. I had the action lowered on mine, the frets redressed, the nut lowered and a new bone bridge put it. Cost me £80, but the guitar is so much easier to play, especially barre chords. I had mine done at Kincade Guitars in Bristol. Great place, especially if you have over a grand to spend on a handmade guitar and can wait a year for it to be made for you.

Cheers,
Stephen

[ikonia]

funny enough - I'm working with him on a custom model at the moment.

[fat jez]

Yeah, he's a top bloke. Really friendly and happy to chat when you go into his shop - once you find it that is!

Cheers,
Stephen