(Part 3) Best guitar strings & bass strings according to redditors

First off, no need to apologize for inexperience. Asking good questions means you are gaining experience.

1. Now-a-days Squier makes a fine guitar, but just get it set up by someone who knows how if you haven't already! A good setup is so important to how any guitar plays. I would rather play your Squier with a good set up than an American fender with a shitty set up. As far as upgrades go I would think about some locking tuners. I think those are just drop in tuners with no drilling needed even for Squier, but I would make sure.
   
   
2. There are a ton of pickup makers out there but you can not go wrong with Seymour Duncan. Just browse around and take a look at their output and EQ charts that show how hot the pickup is and then listen listen listen to sound demos. Pickups are very subjective so youtube is a great tool.
   
   
3. Personally I love Elixir strings! They last a long time, especially if you have sweat like mine that kills strings very fast. That being said a lot of people don't like the feel of Elixir. They don't like the "slippery" feeling of the coating on the wound strings. If you want to stay with coated strings that feel more like traditional string you can check out D'addario EXP strings. Again it's subjective like anything else, so test drive and see what you like.
   
   
4. Oh boy pedals. Pedals can be a slippery slope financially haha. I also think /r/guitarpedals would be able to help you (better than I can at least) there but if you like distortion then I have heard a lot of good things about the Mesa Flux-Drive and the JHS Angry Charlie.
   
   As for your amp I do not have any personal experience with the Vypyr but if you like the sound and it is loud enough for your applications then go with it. Those are really the only things determining if you need a new amp. If you ever want to upgrade to a tube/valve amp I would suggest looking at the Marshall DSL line if you are into heavier tones and want to spend money.
   
   The pedals and amp are really based off what you like to play. If you are not satisfied with your current amp there are A LOT of good combos out there that are more affordable than tube amps. Andertons Music youtube channel just put out a great combo amp round up video you should check out if you want. I hope that all helps!

I like DR strings. I started out with D'Addario but have grown to hate them. They make good bass strings though. Their guitar strings are just twangy/flat sounding to me, don't feel good, and break easier than DR. I don't think I've broken a DR yet. DR strings for me, especially the coated ones, sound really warm. All 3 string sets I get sound great, have lasted me longer than D'Addario, and the non coated also don't feel terrible if they corrode. I use the Black Beauties, DDT, and Dimebag Darrel signatures.

• That alcohol is extremely overpriced. Just get that locally from a drug store or Target, it is like $2 a bottle.
  
  
• The thinnest guitar string (High E) will work perfect for cleaning nozzles. I dunno how that kit is but you can just get a pack of guitar strings for less than $5 and those strings can be cut into dozens of pieces for repeat cleaning.
  
  
• Get the stuff to do the MOSFET upgrade. As a Maker Select owner, you should do that before you do anything else.
  
  
• I would say drop the hair spray and get a sheet of PEI. It will last you a long time, has amazing adhesion and only needs to be put on once.
  
  
• That table is going to be really bad for a 3D Printer. I would drop that and get the $9 Ikea Lack Table, that is what a huge majority of us use. If you don't want to wait for Ikea's slow shipping, the Parsons table on Amazon is still cheaper and is basically the same thing.

Most likely nylon tapewounds. I use the Labellas on my P, I can't see ever changing brand or type again:
https://www.amazon.com/LaBella-760N-Bella-Tape-Bass/dp/B000EEJDLE

They mellow out and round off your tone, but not too much.
They're often favored by jazz and quieter bass players, but I play rock, sometimes getting fairly heavy, and they don't weaken my tone whatsoever.

They sound a little darker, mainly used for jazz. But you dont get that scratching noise with flat wounds.

​

Here's a link for some d'Addario flat wounds if you're interested!

https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EFT16-Phosphor-Acoustic-Strings/dp/B0006IQN2U/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3IJO1SSOJNMYS&keywords=flatwound+acoustic+guitar+strings&qid=1563221840&s=gateway&sprefix=flatwound+ac%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-3

Chances are those will work fine

[Otherwise these specifically say they're for acoustics] (https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EFT16-Phosphor-Acoustic-Strings/dp/B0006IQN2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=62890658104&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhJrqBRDZARIsALhp1WSpEoHPGR6dxkR3SdkWU8Mm1A91VqNo_D7IdsqVjwvITIWWio0xH48aApTIEALw_wcB&hvadid=274874043812&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9005290&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=b&hvrand=14484935767298735481&hvtargid=kwd-298890860093&hydadcr=12987_9734068&keywords=flatwound+acoustic+guitar+strings&qid=1564968380&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

20 - Fender's take on it.

30 - Rotosound's

30 - D'Addario's

25 + S&H - GHS's

45 - LaBella

Ernie Ball

The guitarists there play almost exclusively classical or Spanish-style acoustic guitars. I wasn't sure before I went, so I brought some metal and some nylon strings. The nylon ones were far and away more appreciated, as most of the musicians who I encountered didn't have much use for the metal strings (what most strumming guitarists in Western music use). You'll want to look for sets labeled "tie end", as "ball end" strings didn't seem to be as common (though they can still be used). Here are a few options on Amazon:

One

Two

Three

There are some more options at varying price levels, but those are for sure safe bets. If you have a Guitar Center or local music shop nearby there will absolutely be somebody knowledgeable there who can help you if you're still stuck. I promise that whatever you bring will be much appreciated!

I use the D'Addario XL Chrome super light flatwounds

They're light, flat (so it won't hurt at all even if you do a bit of slide over them), and the sound is excellent.

Normally I would say surprise me, but I really want to string my electric guitar. Thanks for the contest!

fortissimo

Fascinating article, I had absolutely no idea. I just ordered this set of D'Addario .010s with a wound G to try them out. Thanks for posting that.

For the same feel of string tension, you'll need to get thicker heavier strings. For that reason, IMO you're best bet is to buy short scale heavier gauged strings. Also, keep in mind that for a 30" scale you may need Medium scale per this review

Thank you for your reply! Would these ones be okay? (sorry, i'm so stupid with things like this!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-ECB81M-Chromes-045--100-Electric/dp/B000H28IPA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452365256&sr=8-2&keywords=d%27addario+bass+strings+medium+scale

Now I'm looking at this Cordoba C7-CE Cedar as well as this one Cordoba C7-CE Spruce. I'm thinking the spruce top one is the way to go. Thoughts?

Guitar strings

Guilty pleasure song: A thousand miles by Vanessa Carlton

not our division

This question was actually just asked a bit over an hour ago in this thread Here.

In short, although not ideal, you definitely can. Just make sure that the strings have ball ends because you can't tie normal nylon strings to a Steel string guitars bridge. I've had good experience with Ernie Ball's Ernesto Palla Nylon-Ball End Strings personally.

I order these, usually at the same time I get a water filter for my fridge:

https://www.amazon.ca/DAddario-EXL110-7-7-String-Electric-Strings/dp/B0002LI5R2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1525812979&sr=8-4&keywords=7+string+guitar+set

I've got these on it at the moment. They're 30-90, but I think 40-100 might actually be a bit better. However, the 30-90 set works great. It plays like a bass, sounds like a bass, but feels far more comfortable.

Opinions on flatwound strings on an acoustic?

I have a takamine acoustic bass that I was thinking about fitting with these flatwounds.

I was wondering if anyone uses flatwounds on their acoustic, and if there are any issues, or how they compare to flats on an electric.

My Big Baby came with these and I just bought two more sets off Amazon. (I did snap a B string while trying to re-string my guitar so that kinda sucks.)

D'Addario ENR72 Half Round Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Long Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009FUPJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-b73AbE76GHPT

I switched to these a couple years ago and have never looked back.

Guitar strings please!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002LI5R2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2MMYMGOPK2AP5&coliid=IJBWHLZT5MUZR

The best way to amplify a classical guitar is to use a proper mic and not a pickup.

If you want a pickup-equipped guitar, there are some options.

1. Yamaha SLG-130N and a few other "silent guitars" they can only be heard if amplified, or with headphones).
   
2. A normal nylon string guitar with preinstalled pickup like this Cordoba C7 or C5
   
3. Any classical guitar can be fitted with an undersaddle pickup and/or a soundboard transducer.

For an LP look into 12-60. They work quite well for Drop Tuning. I use these on my LP and work great:

https://www.amazon.com/DR-Strings-DDT-12-Nickel-Electric/dp/B003JFVESA/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510188943&sr=1-1&keywords=DR+Strings+DDT-12

DR DDTs, buddy.
Balanced tension, and the strings aren't too thick. I swear by these.

For tapping I would suggest these strings http://www.amazon.com/Rotosound-FM66-Stainless-Funkmaster-Strings/dp/B002CVUNO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322084697&sr=8-1

They are a little thinner and have less tension so tapping is easier. They also have a sweet twang to them. What kind of bass are you trying to get?

Nope, not the NYXL. These https://smile.amazon.com/DAddario-EXP110-Coated-Electric-Strings/dp/B0035K9WTC/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474148674&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=coated+stirngs+electric+guitar

I did a coated string comparison a while ago - Elixir vs Cleartone vs EB Coated vs D'Addario Coated and the D'Addario showed discoloration so fast I couldn't believe it.

D'Addario EXL120-3D Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Super Light, 9-42, 3 Sets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CC4JFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DMQ5AbND6K7F2

Something like this would work just fine. That's what I use, they are like $5 and they work very well for drop tuning. Yeah, listen to "Pursuit of Vikings" and listen to him chug his low string. And then chug your low E, listen to how much lower his sounds. That's because he's dropped his low E string alllllll the way down to A. Same goes for the other strings.

It's important to note that switching the gauge of strings that severely may require a truss rod adjustment because the tension on the neck has changed so drastically.

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


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Exactly. Check those Strings out. Black nylon is the shit. https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EJ32-Konzertgitarre-Saiten-Ballend/dp/B000OR4VOU?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duc03-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000OR4VOU

You could also look into nylon strings with ball ends like these. https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EJ32-Guitar-Strings-Trebles/dp/B000OR4VOU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486622794&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=D%27Addario+EJ32+Folk+Nylon+Normal+%28.028-.045%29+Ball+End+.

I use these strings.

Without knowing anything about the type of guitar, what songs are played, rhythm, lead, etc...

D'Addarios are a safe bet. Super Lights are better if you're a lead player, or a newbie with sensitive fingers. Extra Lights are a bit thicker/stronger and would be a great choice for rhythm or conditioned fingers.

Note: those are 3-pack prices. Always nice to have extra strings in case one breaks.

While skimming through string sets, I came across Dunlop's Heavy Gauge

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-DHCN1254-Strings-Heaviest-012-054/dp/B003E19G48?tag=guitarfcom-20&th=1&psc=1#customerReviews

Does anybody have experience with these strings/are they recommended?

I started with rounds. Then went to flatwound, looking for a thicker tone. I found the feel to be a bit strange on my left hand and the tone a bit too thick. So I settled on half-rounds and have been playing those for years.

[D'Addario Half Rounds] (http://www.amazon.com/DAddario-ENR72-Guitar-Strings-Medium/dp/B0009FUPJM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834886&sr=8-3&keywords=d%27addario+half+rounds)

here is what I use on my baritone guitar, 27" tunes just fine down to G or all the way up to D (could probably get a standard length guitar to B or so and up to E easily)!

http://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-2839-Nickel-Baritone/dp/B0019FX5F2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422511981&sr=8-1&keywords=ernie+ball+baritone

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009FUOSY/
there are these 10-46 strings with a .18 G?
you could always order some custom sets, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to look up.