(Part 2) Best guitar strings & bass strings according to redditors
We found 428 Reddit comments discussing the best guitar strings & bass strings. We ranked the 207 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Body: White MIM Fender P Bass - Alder
Neck: Slim Wenge Warmoth JAZZ neck with a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard and Graphite rods
Nut: White TUSQ
Frets: SS6015 stainless
Pickups: Lindy Fralin P bass pickups, stock or +5%
Bridge: 2 Tek, because they look super clean
Tuners: Chrome Hipshot Ultralight - Fender style
Strings: LaBella 760FL or LaBella Copper Nylon
Pickguard: Black or Red Pearl
Total cost is ~$1,000
PM me to get the address you need to send everything to.
Here is my advice, buy some new strings and a feeler gauge. Grab an allen wrench, a screw driver, and your tuner. Restring your bass with the new strings. Then watch this video for neck adjustment. It helps to have a capo, if you dont and pen and some rubber bands will do fine. After you watch that video set up your bass neck relief. Then set your intonation. This covers most of what you need to do to get it sounding more accurate. This should help with the fret buzz.
Although it seems boring, if you know/or can find out what kind of strings in particular he uses (brand name/string model/string gauge), a bulk set might be in order. I change strings on my 8 electrics quite often so a 25-pack of D'addario's (example) make sense for me. But I know a lot of the factory made string brands make multipacks.
You mentioned picks not being very special. I agree, but several dozen of his favorite kind is an awesome gift. It doesn't say 'clever' but it is certainly practical. I also like basic options like this because it is viable across all budgets. (example)
If your boyfriend is a more academic guitarist, get some cool music books. Maybe hes mentioned wanting to learn some modern jazz theory, classical guitar techniques, or even just wants a transcription of the Led Zeppelin discography. A hardcopy book just does things that an online .pdf or video can't do, and vice-versa. (example)
Lastly, find a good guitar teacher in your area and pre pay for a lesson or two. I've been playing for 15 years and have had some highly talented professional musicians as teachers, but I would still get a huge kick out of a blind lesson. I would like to note that in order for this kind of gift to be effective, you're going to need to do a bit of research. In addition, if you are stuck between a few good candidates, I would go for the pricier and more experienced one. Quality over quantity!
For tangible goods, support a local mom&pop music store if you can. I use amazon and guitar center when I don't have a choice but I worry that my future children won't have the benefit of visiting local/old/music shops like I did.
Good luck!
Do they have that smooth, slick feeling? That's why I like elixrs. Fast to play on and they last longer than uncoated strings.
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Are you talking about these strings? If so, then no, they are not "just as good." They are basic strings- sound good, but don't last as long and aren't slick at all.
http://www.amazon.com/DR-Strings-NMCB-45-Guitar-Multi-Color/dp/B00DMACALC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454187550&sr=8-2&keywords=dr+neon+bass
20 - Fender's take on it.
30 - Rotosound's
30 - D'Addario's
25 + S&H - GHS's
45 - LaBella
These are a good starting point. Just get these and go from there.
newbie question here...
but i just broke one of my electric guitar strings for the first time, and i think it's time that i changed the entire set over to some fresh new strings.
just wondering, does a product such as this contain just one thickness of string? or when it says "single set" refer to all 6 different string thicknesses? probably a pretty stupid question but i'd rather be safe than sorry.
Also if anyone has any recommendations for certain types of strings let me know! I really have no idea what I'm looking for in strings so any guidance helps.
If it has those plastic strings then you need nylon strings for it these ones will be fine
You will definitely be able to do it yourself. This video should show you how to to it. I'm pretty sure these dont have a ball end but if they do make sure the ball end is on the bridge and not at the head of the guitar.
Your fingers will hurt when learning, try not to press super hard though, just enough to make the strings touch the fret board.
Hi,
You can find bulk pack of strings on Amazon :)
Exemple : https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EXL115-B25-Electric-Strings-Blues-Jazz/dp/B0009FUOV6/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1503691601&sr=8-13&keywords=strings+bulk+guitar
EDIT : Not a lot a choice though ... =/
The 4th gen. pups on the Elite are supposed to be VERY good for noiseless. Use the dials on your amp for more chime.
I'd change the strings ASAP. You should SLAP yourself for dinging ANY guitar with old factory strings (seriously, please punch yourself in Hendrix's name). Strings are CHEAP, so DO IT NOW!
.....Try these fantastic strings.: https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-GB-DGF-Signature-Nickel-Plated/dp/B00135HFK4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520031076&sr=8-1&keywords=ghs+gilmour
Other than that, learn how to mesh your amp with it. Fender amps are #1 with Fender guitars btw.
After this you could change the pups, but I'd do this as a LAST(!!) resort as that effort could be easily resolved elsewhere to get the tone you're after!
......BTW, your other error is judging a first class gigging PRO level instrument with craptastic Bias Fx. LOL. Any other guitar will also sound like crap b/c it seems you know little about dialing in sounds, and are simply going off straight craptastic presets.
.....Also, you want sustain? Throw in a Compressor(!) in your chain. This is BASIC knowledge, dude! Look at Youtube vids how to use a Compressor correctly. Here's some of MANY videos to get you started:
https://youtu.be/8nM5GsNNbyA?t=7s
https://youtu.be/JFBTG4CqckE?t=41s
You should consider getting him a pack of Ernie Ball Cobalt strings. I use them on my electrics and I find that they last longer than other strings I've tried. That said, it depends on individual peoples skin oils. The oil my skin produces is extremely corrosive, so corrosive hat it corroded my aluminium macbook.
If you were planning on getting your fiance a few packs of strings I wouldn't recommend getting more than one of those Cobalt sets. They are much more expensive and its not worth buying lots of them in case he ends up not liking them. I've seen a few people that don't really like them and prefer the standard Ernie Ball strings. If you were planning on getting him a few packs, try a few different ones and let him pick out which ones he likes the best.
Oh, and do you hear that? The Greybeards are calling, Dovakhiin.
Try silken string, they're more or less the same as metal strings, except they have a silk core so they're a lot easier to play. I picked these up and it was a huge upgrade: https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EJ40-Steel-Guitar-Strings/dp/B000OR88JE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=silk+string+guitar&qid=1550197516&s=gateway&sr=8-1
D'Addario EJ40 Silk & Steel Folk Guitar Strings, 11-47 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OR88JE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1B2DAbDH717QG
Good luck and enjoy! I love them.
I use Martin Acoustic SP (Mediums) on my Taylor. I really like their tone and the feel, and they last me a decent amount of time.
http://www.amazon.com/Martin-MSP4200-Phosphor-Acoustic-Strings/dp/B0002D0CAI
Here’s my recommendation:
The guitar: this it’s really an excellent guitar, for price you can’t beat that.
The strings: used for The Wall
Additionally you could replace the pick ups depending on your amplifier: with these personally i would not recommend it on the specific strat I recommend for you to buy cause it cost twice the guitar. But if you get one, try to find one second hand!
Also remember its not all in the equipment, you also they way you play the guitar! Learning the proper style of playing can get you a long way!
Now pedals and amps:
I personally think this is the most important no matter what guitar you have, if you put it threw a good amp it really does miracles!
I personally have a Fender M-80 amplifier, the distortion on that amp sound extremely good so I don’t really use disto pedals!! But I do have 2 disto pedals that sound like him,
1: Real Tube Overdrive: this
2: Big Muff: here ya go
3: Definitely get an Echo Pedal thats a must! Any one should do! like this
Just use a decent amplifier, if you already have one it’s probably fine, around 200-300 Watts is great.
Additional links:
This website called Gilmourish is excellent if you want to find the exact correct pedals and techniques! Here: http://www.gilmourish.com
And this video:
this! and this
Hope this helps!
Edit: if you dont have an amplifier, try looking for a second hand Fender amp, either on ebay, craigslist, facebook market place! You can send me a pm if you found one and I could tell you about it!
Edit 2: really depending on your budget I can tell what to get so feel free to pm always happy to help a fellow Floydian.
Flat wound stings like these will minimize squeak noise between the chord movements.
D'Addario ECG23 XL Chromes Flat Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Extra Light Gauge, 10-48 (1 Set) - Ribbon Wound and Polished for Ultra-Smooth Feel and Warm, Mellow Tone - Sealed Pouch Prevents Corrosion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006OHVK2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eoeHDbW4R54FZ
A fret muter might help the open strings
Gruv Gear FretWraps String Muter 1-Pack , Large, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y0N18EK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9peHDbG7BGMGH
Happy birthday! :D
Favorite food: menudo
What has made me happy: I almost have my final piece for classical ready.
Guitar strings
Sushi
Yeah dude.......If one broke I would replace all, but I could see why at 7 dollars a pack you might be more than hesitant to the pull trigger.
https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Cobalt-Regular-010-046/dp/B007BY2F7O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1524608577&sr=8-5&keywords=ernie%2Bball&th=1
I found these: https://www.amazon.it/DAddario-ECG23-Corde-Elettrica-Chromes/dp/B0006OHVK2/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&keywords=D%E2%80%99Addario+ECG23+XL&qid=1564960806&s=gateway&sr=8-1
But it says they are for electric guitar. I need it for the acoustic. Not sure if they are ok anyways or not...
8 lbs 7 oz. - a perfect weight!
Sorry to hear you are on bedrest :( I was too and it made me crazy, I had ants in the pants constantly (isn't that an expression?), I will be happy for you when its over and you are holding your angel!
Not ridiculous but will bring joy to my life, new guitar strings
Hohner lists "Factory brand nylon strings (medium gauge) here:
Any brand of medium gauge nylon classical guitar strings should work:
Cheers. On an acoustic I'd probably start with 11s, something like this set should get you up and running. I'm partial to Elixir strings personally, but they're a bit more expensive and don't sound any better, they just last a bit longer before breaking since they're coated.
For a nail buffer, I use just a cheap 3 sided thing from the local dollar store. They have a soft spongey backing to the various polishing sides, so it's dead simple to just run it over each fret from side to side a couple times. Here's a blog post with a picture to help visualize.
yes!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DR-Hi-Def-MULTI-COLOR-Electric-Strings/dp/B00DMACALC
I've been playing these Gilmour Boomers for a while now and they don't sound dead at all to me. They stay pretty bright for a long time.
My favorites have been these Rotosounds, though you need to expand the slots in the nut. I've played others too that were thinner and didn't require extra setup. They all work well. I don't know that they are that much darker. Way easier on the fingers. If you play up by the neck you can get an upright sound.
the guitar is ~20 years old so i dont think it has the same strings. but i just ordered these
Wanting more tone from my 1st string, I chose to tune down a whole step (DGCFBbEb) and use a D'Addario Regular Light EXL110 set which is 46-36-26-17-13-10. I'm liking the tone and bendability, while avoiding the confusing fretboard dot placement you get when tuned down just a semi-tone.
I like to use Ernie Ball Slinky Top/Heavy Bottom 10-52. Basically standard top strings (10-13-17) and Heavy (30-42-52) bottom strings. I like having standard 10s I find the slinky and super slinky there to be too loose (I pick and bend pretty aggressively) but the 11s/12s to be too much of as struggle. For the bottom strings I like the heavy tone of the 30-52s especially with SRV style riffs on those strings. They're also not that expensive <$5.
More specifically I'm pretty sure he uses skinny top heavy bottom strings
Get a set of 12s (Ernie Ball https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Slinky-Nickel-Wound/dp/B0002E1J3Q/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ROFRGSOZ8V1P&keywords=ernie+ball+not+even+slinky&qid=1555719375&s=gateway&sprefix=ernie+ball+not+even%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2 )
Then, you can choose an 8 string set with a .74, which i recommend the GHS 13-74 (you could use this single set, but the higher 6 strings would be super tense), or the Ernie Ball 8 string.
GHS: https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-DYM-Nickel-Plated-013-056/dp/B000OR17O2/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1_sspa?keywords=ghs+.13+-+.74&qid=1555719516&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull-spons&psc=1
Ernie Ball: https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-8-String-Slinky-Nickel/dp/B004Y9YQS0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=8+string+slinky&qid=1555719624&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Ithink that this is my cheapest. I love strings!
Assuming you don't have one for some reason, you should most definitely get an alarm clock. Don't want to be rushing to a store at 11 pm because you were already in bed and realized you didn't have an alarm clock to set!
You're really attractive!
They're electric strings. Using these
And I've tried two brands, D'addarios as well. Same result
D'addario just released a set of balanced tension strings found here. In the medium set the low string is fat enough to handle drop C, while the higher strings aren't too thick. That's probably your best bet. They sound good in C standard to.
try these... they are a good compromise and have a great warm sound
http://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EJ40-Acoustic-Guitar-Strings/dp/B000OR88JE/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1320775989&amp;sr=1-3
These are the strings I've been using. I don't necessarily like them but I had a few packs bought for me when I received the guitar as a present.
Just to piggy-back on this, Amazon sells strings that are color-coded to the strings in the game:
http://www.amazon.com/DR-Strings-NMCE-9-Electric-Multi-Color/dp/B00DJU340G/
(not an affiliate link - just points to the aforementioned product)
Saw that and got goosebumps of pleasure.
Found a better deal, tho.
Thanks. I got these Ernie Balls off Amazon in 50-105 gauge. A lot cheaper too
https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Regular-Slinky-Nickel/dp/B000MFL7UU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=ernie+ball+tapewound&amp;qid=1564074149&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1&amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSkpHMjdWUFQ2SVdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTU2NTM4SENETENMTVVYTDdaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MDY2NTVRMDI4SURKNzZLOEMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
You might want to try half-round or flatwound strings. They sound warmer and darker than roundwound strings, they keep a consistent tone for longer and they feel silky smooth. I use Thomastik flatwounds on nearly all my guitars - they're expensive, but they sound great and last forever. Other good options include D'Addario Half Rounds, GHS Brite Flats, D'Addario Chromes and GHS Precision Flats.
They come in different gauges:
You click the dropdown when ordering and change the "1" to "12".
I used their big cardboard bulk packages a long time ago but I live in a really humid area and by the time you get to the bottom of that package the strings you're pulling out aren't exactly the freshest and if you bring that big box around to gigs it gets bumped around and the thinner strings tended to get tangled up and it became more trouble than it was worth.
I go through a lot of strings.
One of my guitars has Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky strings, and is tuned BEADF#B. No problems what-so-ever.
Best option I know of is the bulk sets:
https://www.amazon.ca/DAddario-EXL115-B25-Electric-Strings-Blues-Jazz/dp/B0009FUOV6
They're usually not in stock from Amazon but if you click on the sellers carrying you can place an order and they usually ship them within a week. $135 for 25 sets.
Oh and also I'll probably buy them off of Amazon through this link. Which size would you recommend? The Regular Light, 10-46?
Amazon?
These?
I usually buy D'addario 25 set pack. They sell the 25 packs for a couple of their most common gauges, if you need a custom or specialized set of gauges you'd have to buy smaller packs or individual strings.
I actually just tuned to drop F# on mine.
This is the string set I got, left off the high .010
27" scale. Tension is on the tighter end for me, but I play a lot of stuff tuned down to E as well, and honestly I prefer more tension for djentier stuff, can pick harder and get that snappy/sharper sound.
Have you tried balanced tension? https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EXL220BT-Strings-Balanced-Tension/dp/B00AQBT3GK?th=1
Or kaliums? https://kaliummusic.com/product/string-pack-2v333b3j/
I went with Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky, which is 12 - 56 here, for both tunings. I find that in Drop-C, the action on my guitar raised a bit over time, probably meaning that even in that dropped tuning, there was a bit too much tension on the neck. I've since dropped it to Drop-A, and it's improved with the lessened tension. I'm still experimenting and trying to get the right setup.