Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Dakine on January 30, 2006, 04:27:07 PM

Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on January 30, 2006, 04:27:07 PM
VERY subjective I know but what strings do y'all use?
I am advised to bring some back from states as they are cheaper.
Thoughts on brand/size.

Cheers

Nick
Title: Strings
Post by: Ratrod on January 30, 2006, 04:57:23 PM
D'addario 10's mostly. Except when I order a new BKP pickup, they come with a set of Dean Markley Darco 10's.
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on January 30, 2006, 04:58:33 PM
Anyone have any comments on Ernie Ball Hybrid strings? They sound promising.
Title: Strings
Post by: schmendict on January 30, 2006, 05:33:53 PM
Pfft, i had a set of Ernie 10-52s i think, slinky tops, heavy bottoms.
In a word.
None-too-good.
D'addario 10s are the strings im using now, im going to stick with standard gauges from now on.
I'd like to try some DR's soon...
Title: Strings
Post by: maliciousteve on January 30, 2006, 05:41:12 PM
D'addario's.  Ernie Balls always broke too easily and dean markleys don't have as much life in them as D'addario.
Title: Strings
Post by: Hell Hound on January 30, 2006, 05:41:48 PM
Elixir 9-46 on my Ibanez prestige and D'Addario 10-46 on my custom made.
Title: Strings
Post by: MDV on January 30, 2006, 05:43:09 PM
I use GHS boomers and DR tite fits. I've tried all the other major ones and those are my favourites (boomers are my preffrence, I use the DRs when I cant get the GHS I want).

Love round-wound.
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on January 30, 2006, 05:47:22 PM
Cool
thanks guys
Title: Strings
Post by: Searcher on January 30, 2006, 05:50:30 PM
I mostly use Dean Markley Blue Steel strings. I sometimes buy other brands just to experiment, but I like these ones. I think they keep their tone for longer.
Title: Strings
Post by: 38thBeatle on January 30, 2006, 06:42:05 PM
I have used Fenders but most recently have tried some Elixers on my Strat- so far so good. I will try out some DR's soon.
Title: Strings
Post by: jimi hendrix on January 30, 2006, 06:45:47 PM
I've tried d'addario's, Ernie Ball's, Gibsons, Dean Markley's, Epiphone, Ghs boomers, but personally I like the feel of Rotosound's and they seem to last a fair while.
Title: Strings
Post by: steve on January 30, 2006, 06:58:03 PM
GHS Boomers!The most consistant strings ive ever used,and have their own great tone.
Title: Strings
Post by: HTH AMPS on January 30, 2006, 07:53:07 PM
Dr Duck strings - I get 'em off ebay and they are great.  I had previously used D'Addarios for the past 16 years.

 :twisted:
Title: Strings
Post by: Ratrod on January 30, 2006, 08:04:23 PM
I'm planning on putting a new nut on my Pigged Mockingbird. When thats done I think I'll try some of those new Everly strings designed for low down evil tuning.
Title: Strings
Post by: jt on January 30, 2006, 08:07:17 PM
:D GHS Boomers i`ve used these strings for coming up to 20yrs !!!!

10 - 52`s
i order mine through Strins Direct 10 sets at a time for £3.60 a set

 :D  8)
Title: Strings
Post by: Elliot on January 30, 2006, 10:18:59 PM
GHS Boomer Sub Zeros or Dean Markley Blues Steels - they seem to sound better to my ears.
Title: Strings
Post by: big steve on January 30, 2006, 10:59:03 PM
d'addarios for me, £3 a set from www.theplanetofsound.co.uk (lol not endorsed by them by the way, wish i was...)

d'addario EJ17s (i think that's what they are) on my acoustic, the cheapest d'addario acoustics (ej12 i believe) are absolute cr@p, i broke 4 in about 3 weeks....
Title: Strings
Post by: math2014 on January 31, 2006, 08:07:19 AM
Daddarios 10-46 for me, 2.75GBP per set  :shock:

Funny thing... my local shop sells them for 5.99GBP sheeeeesh!!!!
Title: Strings
Post by: carlaz on January 31, 2006, 03:00:54 PM
Quote from: jt
:D GHS Boomers i`ve used these strings for coming up to 20yrs !!!! 10 - 52`s


+1 for GHS TNT (10-52) Boomers on the guitar.  I tried the Zakk Wylde ones (only the 10-60s, not the 11-70s), but they were a bit too extreme!

On my Rick 4001, I use Dean Markley Blue Steel medium lights (45-105, I think).  4001 necks aren't happy with heavy-gauge roundwounds, so I don't push it!
Title: Strings
Post by: HJM on January 31, 2006, 03:54:34 PM
GHS TNT - consitant and great value. I do drop to 9-46s on some trem guitars like the PRS and my Ibanez RGs.
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on January 31, 2006, 04:03:58 PM
Yeah,
I was wondering about trem strings.

I have the Jackson (locking) and two Music Mans (coming, floating). Suggestions with the trem? I would love TNT but dunno if it's a good idea?

Will get a tremol-no (if they ever become available).

What ya think for good sound with the trem axe's?

Cheers,
Nick
Title: Strings
Post by: carlaz on January 31, 2006, 04:23:21 PM
If I am interpreting HJM's post aright, he would be using GHS "Custom Light" Boomers (9-46) on his trems.
Title: Strings
Post by: HJM on January 31, 2006, 05:37:33 PM
Quote from: carlaz
If I am interpreting HJM's post aright, he would be using GHS "Custom Light" Boomers (9-46) on his trems.


yep - couldn't remember the name!! :lol:
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on January 31, 2006, 05:42:31 PM
Bo**ocks!
So no bigger would be advised then?   :(
Title: Strings
Post by: PUMPINGDELUXE on January 31, 2006, 08:05:57 PM
d'addario 11's on my electrics, used to use GHS boomers the Zakk Wylde signature ones for about a year, awesome strings but not to good when your in a function band and playing songs in standard tuning, great work out for the fingers tho ! oh and elixir 12's or 13's on my acoustics,
Title: Strings
Post by: HJM on January 31, 2006, 09:24:13 PM
Quote from: Dakine
Bo**ocks!
So no bigger would be advised then?   :(


I've got TNTs on a guitar with a Wilkinson tuned to Eb and my Charvel, also in Eb. They feel about the same as 9-46s in E. Trems always feel a touch heavier with any given gauge- you're trem's working against you here!

Some trems just won't float with some gauges and tunings, try it and see, if you get it set up and working go for it :twisted:
Title: Strings
Post by: Gochaz on February 02, 2006, 05:39:56 PM
Ernie Ball 11s "Power Slinkys". I keep looking for 12s, but no one stocks them. I'll get them off the web.

My favorite type can only be bought from the US, but they're pure nickle, Ernie Ball Rock and Roll 11s. Had one set of them, and loved them.
Title: Strings
Post by: Spleen on February 02, 2006, 09:32:27 PM
Dean Markley all the way here, either Blue Steel or Nickel Steel 9-46.  I got a set of Elixirs for my birthday, we'll see how those sound.
Title: Strings
Post by: indysmith on February 02, 2006, 10:36:03 PM
Haha I've got some Framus 10s one...guess where they came from?  :wink: i should probably change them sometime soon
Title: Strings
Post by: hobleguitars on February 03, 2006, 09:53:32 AM
I currently use Ernie 8-38s, but I'm wondering whether there are any better quality 8s anyone can recommend? Actually, if anyone knows of any decent lighter string sets vaguely available, that would be great. Not sure I'd actually use them, but it'd be good fun to noodle with.
Title: Strings
Post by: Jp. on February 03, 2006, 12:06:41 PM
Dean Markley CL 9-46 Signiture series here. Shocking life span, but nothing I've used .... NOTHING sounds as good when there new.

I'm a string brand junkie. I've tried every brand I can get my hands on and I always come back to Dean Markley Signiture strings. Even the blue steels were a dissapointment to my ears.

Same can be said for D'addario EJ26 on my accoustics

Just my 2c :lol:
Title: Strings
Post by: love_o_rock on February 13, 2006, 09:08:12 PM
I've had 2 pack of d'addario 10s and they always slip out of tune, and I know it's not the tuner or the how i tied it, because I did it multiple times to try and fix it but still kept on goin down. So now I don't bother with them anymore. Strings are $4-7 in US if you were wondering. :wink:
Title: Strings
Post by: Muttley on February 14, 2006, 12:42:38 AM
Been using D'Addario EXL110 (10-46) strings for about 10 years now.

Muttley
Title: Strings
Post by: genocidal tendencies on February 14, 2006, 12:56:03 AM
I use rotosound reds myself. I used to play super slinkys but they sounded pathetic and broke too often. Then I used a few sets of power slinkys, which were better but lost their tone equally quickly. After my first set, I kept using the rotos partly because they last forever and partly because there's a kind of synthetic, muted hint to the sound that I actually like for some reason. Doesn't sound like the sort of thing you should like, but I do. Never tried any other brands, didn't see the point after I found one I was happy with.

That said, when I finish my strat I'll use different strings, probably some form of 10s.
Title: Strings
Post by: PhilKing on February 14, 2006, 12:07:50 PM
I've tried many strings and never got on with Ernie Ball (even though I used to sell them!).  I started to use Vinci back in England, but then went onto Fenders for a while in the US.  Now I use D'Addario XL115 (11-49) on Gibsons and XL120 (10-46) on Fenders.  Here in the US you can buy the 25 pack from Musicians Friend for about $60.  

I also have about two dozen sets of pure nickel strings from Dean Farley (Snake Oil Strings), these are the Scalar brand that Dean used to make (I also just bought up all the rest of his Bass Strings, which I use on my basses (40-90/120 on 5 string).

Pure nickel seem to give me the sound I like, another brand that I have tried and liked, but they are hard to get, is John Pearce.  The pure nickel take a couple of days to bed in, but then they keep the tone for months (having a lot of guitars, they don't get played enough to keep changing stings every week!).  The guitars I play more regularly have the D'Addario's on them, which are great for a month or two of playing at home.  Ernie Ball's seemed to lose their tone after 1 gig.
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 14, 2006, 01:00:46 PM
Well, I just tried some GHS Boomers 10-46 on the Axis (with trem) but bought some D'arrios too.
The Ernie Balls on there were not old but tone was very yuck. Also have heard Ernie Balls (although good strings) lose their tone fast!
Title: Strings
Post by: Muttley on February 14, 2006, 02:30:17 PM
Quote from: love_o_rock
I've had 2 pack of d'addario 10s and they always slip out of tune, and I know it's not the tuner or the how i tied it, because I did it multiple times to try and fix it but still kept on goin down. So now I don't bother with them anymore. Strings are $4-7 in US if you were wondering. :wink:


I've never, ever had tuning issues with D'Addarios on my guitars.  They also seem to keep their tone well, and rarely break.  I think I've had about 2 break during gigs in all that time.

Muttley
Title: Strings
Post by: Kilby on February 14, 2006, 02:51:31 PM
Many years ago before I had gained a little knowledge I used to use Ernie Ball strings, but I always seemed to be spending my time changing strings.

However after returning to playing over the last couple of years I switched to from EB to D'Addarios and they last a lot longer (no gigging ofcourse). Also their price isn't too bad either.

Now if only I can find longer lasting 12 string strings, ten quid and the tone dissapears after 3 days.

Rob...
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 15, 2006, 10:14:36 PM
Well
just changed to D'Addario 10-46!
After only 3 days the GHS Boomers were rusting! Even with wiping fretboard after each practice. So GHS are out LOL.

D'Addario are cheaper anyway lol. $29.99 for a ten pack right now.
Title: Strings
Post by: _tom_ on February 16, 2006, 12:10:14 AM
I started using D'addario 11's a while ago. I'll switch back down to 10s tho sometime, just to see what its like. I used to use ernie ball but they went dull too quick and snapped easily. I didnt like rotosounds either, I bought  a pack of Roto Reds and within 3 days I'd snapped 2 strings  :shock:
Title: Strings
Post by: Tinus on February 16, 2006, 01:01:25 AM
I use DR BT-10s (10-52) because I like the tight feel and the bass response, when they're not in stock I get d'Addario 10-52s instead. For my twelve strings I use sets by Rickenbacker (for erm... the Rickenbacker 330-12) and d'Addario's (Epiphone Elitist Riviera XII).
Title: Strings
Post by: rinse_master on February 16, 2006, 01:08:21 PM
I usually use D'Addario 10's although I have some Everly 10's that are nice. I never really liked EBs', seem to break really easily on me? I want to try some DR's too.

I read a thing about near equal string tension, for 10's it goes .010 .0135 .017 .026 .036 .049 add a .066 for 7 string. sounds worth a try. Here's the page it's on: http://www.zacharyguitars.com/Strings.htm
Title: Strings
Post by: 38thBeatle on February 16, 2006, 06:24:37 PM
I put a set of Elixirs on my Strat and they have lasted 4 gigs so far- though for half the set I used my Tele ( with BKP's free strings)- they seem ok to me.
Title: Strings
Post by: headtheball on February 16, 2006, 07:52:43 PM
Weird. I seem to like Ernie Ball for the same reason most people hate them... They lose brightness rapidly!!! I can't get on with new strings at all, and It takes me ages to wear them in a bit (chef hands, folks, no sweat at all!!!), but ernie 10's sound right after about a week, and last a good while. I got into a weird habit, y'see. Everytime I get a haircut, I get a new set o'strings.....
Title: Strings
Post by: blue on February 16, 2006, 08:17:35 PM
hmmm, i seem to be the opposite to most of you, i used ernie ball strings for years, then after someone else raving about them i tried d'addario's.  at first they sounded good, but quickly went dead, and i mean DEAD!  they sounded terrible!  e.b.'s go dead too of course, but they never sound as bad as those d'addario's.  
just my opinion, please don't shoot...  :lol:
Title: Strings
Post by: love_o_rock on February 17, 2006, 01:12:40 AM
Quote from: Muttley
Quote from: love_o_rock
I've had 2 pack of d'addario 10s and they always slip out of tune, and I know it's not the tuner or the how i tied it, because I did it multiple times to try and fix it but still kept on goin down. So now I don't bother with them anymore. Strings are $4-7 in US if you were wondering. :wink:


I've never, ever had tuning issues with D'Addarios on my guitars.  They also seem to keep their tone well, and rarely break.  I think I've had about 2 break during gigs in all that time.

Muttley


I might give them one more shot since they receive so much praise. Third times the charm  :wink: .
Title: Strings
Post by: Eric on February 17, 2006, 06:25:53 AM
I'm another Ernie Ball fan. I know lots of people don't like them. But they don't bother me at all. I've been using the .010 - .046 set forever. Been considering the .010 - .052 set though.
Title: Strings
Post by: Thazy on February 20, 2006, 05:42:16 AM
I use DR strings. Can get two nights out of the same set. Could never do that with my previous brand.
Title: Strings
Post by: Neemo on February 21, 2006, 01:26:49 PM
I use DR Tite-Fits .009-.042 with standard tuning

With E tuning you need to use light strings to get the light playing feel, too bad they also break often if you play aggressively. Anyone noticed any differences in looseness between different manufacturers on strings with the same gauge?
Title: Strings
Post by: monkeywalker on February 21, 2006, 06:48:43 PM
if the strings are the same guage and in standard tuning would not all manufacturers strings have the same 'looseness' so to speak because the string tension should be the same. i don't actually know, i'm just guessing
Title: Strings
Post by: PhilKing on February 21, 2006, 10:18:59 PM
Quote from: monkeywalker
if the strings are the same guage and in standard tuning would not all manufacturers strings have the same 'looseness' so to speak because the string tension should be the same. i don't actually know, i'm just guessing


No, the thickness and type of core and the tightness of the winds affects it.  Also, some of the 'smoother' sounding strings are wound tp a larger gauge and then 'pressed' to the correct gauge.
Title: Strings
Post by: monkeywalker on February 21, 2006, 10:54:09 PM
ah yea, my dad pointed out to me that his rickenbacker strings are compressed round wound, they are compressed to the required guage.didnt realise :oops:
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 02:31:39 PM
Well D'Addarios got rusty too and were not impressing.

Thus far

GHS worst
Ernie Ball next
D'Addarios next

So, I stumped up the change for a set of DR Extra Life. At first was put off not only with the price (over twice that of the other strings tried) but they are BLACK.

But, so far, I LOVE the tone, the feel and the overal ease of play!
The black colour actually looks cool (dunno about the red or blue ones though lol).
Time will tell if they are worth the extra $$$$. I know I have acidic sweat (ask my old woodwork teacher lol) so am hoping this coating will be the annswer :)
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 05:52:47 PM
you can get black strings..... omg i want some.... whats the make? whats DR?
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:03:16 PM
http://www.drstrings.com/dr/html/colors.html

In Black,red or blue
Title: Strings
Post by: Hell Hound on February 23, 2006, 06:07:33 PM
Those strings are really good but a bit too limited in term of gauge range  :( i tried some on my standard tuned guitar, better than Elixir.
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 06:09:37 PM
wow.... they look so damn good.... guage range is no issue for me.. im too young to care... lol...
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 06:13:02 PM
how much is a pack of them in dollars nick? and i dont spose can you get multipacks of 'em?
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:13:32 PM
http://www.stringbusters.com/frameset.asp?MAIN=http://www.stringbusters.com/ko-kat/ELECTRIC%20STRINGS/DR%20HANDMADE/
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:17:30 PM
Not found multi packs no.
I am liking em thus far.
I have found cheapest here (mail order) thus far (barring sales etc.) is about $9.25 or 5.50 gbp
Seeing as cheapest just found em on google uk is bout 11 quid! If I get on with em will be bringing ALOT back with me!
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:22:56 PM
http://www.drstrings.com/dr/main.html
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:23:13 PM
http://www.drstrings.com/dr/main.html
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 06:23:41 PM
cool. let me know what they're like after a bit of playing. cant beleive they're half price in the U.S compared to UK lol.
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:28:01 PM
LOL
hey Sam, see they are available in Pink now too, interested? LOL, sorry bud :)

http://www.drstrings.com/dr/main.html
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 06:48:04 PM
lol pink strings eh... why not?! they could suit a black guitar quite well actually.... seriously...
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 06:51:20 PM
Only seen red/blue/black but their site now says (after NAMM) they have green/pink/silver too.
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 06:52:32 PM
uurrrrghhh green!?!?!! i think thats going too far lol.... but what are initial impressions of them tone and playability wise?
Title: Strings
Post by: Hell Hound on February 23, 2006, 06:59:32 PM
It's very VERY good! If you like Elixir strings, thos are in fact better. They feel almost like non coated strings and sound good :)
Title: Strings
Post by: sambo on February 23, 2006, 07:02:31 PM
cool cheers mate. im gonna have to get me a set of these black beauties...
Title: Strings
Post by: Dakine on February 23, 2006, 07:38:01 PM
Initially VERY good.
Heard the Elixir nano ones the coating starts to come off after awhile.