Time to try new strings

[Doadman]

So my lovely new Jackson SL3 is rapidly approaching its first set of new strings and I'm not sure which direction to take. I'm not overly fussed on either Ernie Ball or D'Addario, though they're OK, so would like to look at something different. I play in a Rock covers band doing everything from Free to Black Sabbath as well as some songs with no distortion at all. They'd need to work well with an OFR and Alder body (my previous guitar was mahogany and I'm assuming the tonal quality of the wood may affect my choice of strings). I'd also like them to be long lasting as my hands can sweat quite a bit while playing but I don't want to go back to the expense of Elixirs if I can avoid it.

I initially thought of GHS (Boomers probably) but read that a number of people complained of them deteriorating too quickly. I've also been considering DR strings but I've no idea which type of DR strings might be best. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Johnny Mac]

So my lovely new Jackson SL3 is rapidly approaching its first set of new strings and I'm not sure which direction to take. I'm not overly fussed on either Ernie Ball or D'Addario, though they're OK, so would like to look at something different. I play in a Rock covers band doing everything from Free to Black Sabbath as well as some songs with no distortion at all. They'd need to work well with an OFR and Alder body (my previous guitar was mahogany and I'm assuming the tonal quality of the wood may affect my choice of strings). I'd also like them to be long lasting as my hands can sweat quite a bit while playing but I don't want to go back to the expense of Elixirs if I can avoid it.

I initially thought of GHS (Boomers probably) but read that a number of people complained of them deteriorating too quickly. I've also been considering DR strings but I've no idea which type of DR strings might be best. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I use DR Strings on my Charvel 6. I've always used 9-42 as the Floyd is set for that tension. You can't go wrong with DR.

Did you ever get a set of Optima gold in the end? I think you can still get them and they look and sound great but twice the price

[Doadman]

No, never did try Optima. I just didn't think I wanted the extra expense. Those DR strings look good but which ones would be best? I thought the Hi-Voltage sets might be too much of a one-trick pony and was wondering about either Tite-Fits or Hi-Beams.

[Johnny Mac]

No, never did try Optima. I just didn't think I wanted the extra expense. Those DR strings look good but which ones would be best? I thought the Hi-Voltage sets might be too much of a one-trick pony and was wondering about either Tite-Fits or Hi-Beams.

I use Tite Fits. They are the only type my local shop stock. They last ages and you can give the abuse + they sound great.

[tekbow]

No, never did try Optima. I just didn't think I wanted the extra expense. Those DR strings look good but which ones would be best? I thought the Hi-Voltage sets might be too much of a one-trick pony and was wondering about either Tite-Fits or Hi-Beams.

I use Tite Fits. They are the only type my local shop stock. They last ages and you can give the abuse + they sound great.

+1000 DR's are amazing strings

[Doadman]

The Tite Fits seem to have a lot of support so I guess I'm better with them than the Hi-Beams

[JDC]

DR are my favourite, can't remember which ones I used as I'm on the D'Addarios to get the gauges I like.

What you think to the Elixirs? I ordered some but couldn't get gauges I wanted so I'll be mixing them with D'Addarios.

Someone will probably suggest Newtone strings sooner or later.

[Matt77]

DR Tite Fits are on all my guitars and have been for the past 2 years or so.
They last well and sound good to me

[FELINEGUITARS]

[Stevepage]

Ever thought about GHS burnished nickels?

They're a little warmer sounding, last a little longer and feel nice. I've got a set on my JR Tele, really prefer the sound of them to nickel plated strings.

[Roobubba]

DR are my favourite, can't remember which ones I used as I'm on the D'Addarios to get the gauges I like.

What you think to the Elixirs? I ordered some but couldn't get gauges I wanted so I'll be mixing them with D'Addarios.

Someone will probably suggest Newtone strings sooner or later.

Newtone strings, although I can't tell you what they're like yet as my custom sets haven't arrived. If you don't need stupid-sized strings like me, then you can get them from various places, such as Strings Direct.

Roo

[Matt77]

Nowt wrong with those either :)

[Doadman]

What you think to the Elixirs? I ordered some but couldn't get gauges I wanted so I'll be mixing them with D'Addarios.

The Elixir strings do last for ages and after the initial stretching, stay in tune very well. They're expensive but do work out OK when you factor in their longevity. I found that I was changing the strings before they'd completely deteriorated because I was wanting to clean the guitar properly and condition the neck. They generally lasted me between 4 and 6 months depending on playing and weather conditions. I also found that the coating made quite a difference to feel. A set of 10's on Elixir strings felt noticeably thicker than a set of 10's by someone like, say, Ernie Ball and that impression was born out by the floating bridge on my guitar, which certainly needed adjustment when the Elixirs went on even though I hadn't changed the gauge. It was like I'd changed to 11's.

[Andrew W]

I've been using DR Pure Blues strings for a while in both 10 and 11 gauge on my guitars and I really love the tone.  They might not be ideal for the more Sabbath end of things for your requirements.

[Doadman]

Ordered a couple of sets of DR Tite-Fits so really looking forward to trying those  :D