String Experiments

[mrpinter]

Does anyone else get excited about guitar strings? I'm currently stoked about a new custom Optima set I'm putting together for my turquoise SB2 model Electric 12 String. Right now it has a standard 12 string set of Optimas - .010 – .045. It plays really easy for a 12 string, but it takes a definite adjustment in playing technique after playing my 6 strings that are strung with .009s. So I'm going to try to bridge that gap with this set (again, Optima strings): .009 .009 | .012 .012 | .016 .009 | .026w .012 | .035 .016 | .046 .026w (I tweaked the gauges a bit and edited it). I'm just waiting for a couple of single strings to arrive, then I'll restring and it gets a setup for the lighter gauges. I can't wait to get those strings on it, I think it's going to play like a dream.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I had been playing 10’s for about 40 years. 20 of them on Erie Ball slinkies, the latter on Elixr’s. In noticing that arthritis is slowly getting its way with me, I decided to experiment. I tried several brands with their stock 9 or 10 gauge sets, and found the low end too slack for me. I decided to transition by using the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky, which is 9.5 through .46 if memory serves. Now I get my strings in bulk from www.just strings.com in a custom collection of singles, so for instance, a bag of 12 each .009’s, a bag of 12 each .011’s, etc with a .058 for the low B of my 7’string guitars. So, basically, I have 12 sets of strings for about $45.00 USD. They play and sound comparable to Ernie Balls or D’Addario. I get the more flexible treble end while retaining the heavier low end for my 7’strings and detuning my low E to Dropped D, and going from Gibby scale to Leo scale seamlessly.

 

[Spud]

Does anyone else get excited about guitar strings? I'm currently stoked about a new custom Optima set I'm putting together for my turquoise SB2 model Electric 12 String. Right now it has a standard 12 string set of Optimas - .010 – .045. It plays really easy for a 12 string, but it takes a definite adjustment in playing technique after playing my 6 strings that are strung with .009s. So I'm going to try to bridge that gap with this set (again, Optima strings): .009 .009 | .012 .012 | .016 .009 | .026w .011 | .035 .016 | .046 .024p. I'm just waiting for a couple of single strings to arrive, then I'll restring and it gets a setup for the lighter gauges. I can't wait to get those strings on it, I think it's going to play like a dream.

View attachment 63753

Not really.

 

[Strat Avenger]

009-046 for electric, 010-047 for acoustic.
Non-coated strings for electric, coated strings for acoustic -- D'Addario EXP which are better than Elixir, and cost less.

Edit: I guess the coated acoustic strings I like are called "XT" now.

 

[mrpinter]

I have to get it on the guitar and set up, but I've changed the gauging a little, and now have all the single strings I need for an all-Optima set. Here is my current thinking: .009 .009 | .012 .012 | .016 .009 | .026w .012 | .035 .016 | .046 .026w. It is pretty much a "heavy bottom" set, which is unusual for a 12 string, but I'm wanting to hear a little more definition in the low end. It might be too much - we'll soon find out.

 

[AleForce1]

Stringjoys. I've tried several other brands, but the sets I get from Stringjoy seem to have more life.

 

[mrpinter]

Stringjoys. I've tried several other brands, but the sets I get from Stringjoy seem to have more life.

Stringjoy is a pretty cool company. I love that you can order custom sets without paying a premium (and you even get the gauges printed out on the box, IIRC); and their tension calculater is very useful if you are making up those custom sets.

 

[Bruce Campbell]

I've been really into the D'Addario XS since trying them on electric & steel string acoustic. Haven't tried the nylon sets. The XT line is also great if you prefer thinner coating; I'm cool with the extra bit on the XS, which almost equates to the Elixir Polyweb (XS) vs Nanoweb (XT) feel difference. However, IMO, and as others have also agreed, these D'Addario coated offerings outperform Elixirs significantly.

Also, the physical act of playing is so much easier/smoother with the XS that it's worth checking out if you have hand issues. Even more relief if you play stainless steel frets.

 

[mrpinter]

My "custom light" set of strings is now on my test mule electric 12 string, and my first impression is - the guitar feels and sounds different. I'm still getting used to it, but I'm liking it. It hasn't lost the "chime", it has more bottom end volume and definition, and it's easier to play - much easier. My new builder is very good - the action is pretty low and there isn't the slightest trace of a buzz. I'm a happy camper.

 

[BroccoliRob]

missed opportunity to call them stringsperiments, smh

 

[NutBehindTheGuitar]

Does anyone else get excited about guitar strings?

Yes I do.

I'm not proud of it, and I really keep it to myself, but yeah it's a thing.

Part of my reticence comes from this devasting, but entirely accurate, signature/ slogan on somebody else's post, on some other forum.

"You start off playing guitars to get girls & end up talking with middle-aged men about string gauges."