Strings

[Jp.]

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:

[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.

[Muttley]

Been using D'Addario EXL110 (10-46) strings for about 10 years now.

Muttley

[genocidal tendencies]

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.

[PhilKing]

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.

[Dakine]

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!

[Muttley]

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.

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

[Kilby]

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...

[Dakine]

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.

[_tom_]

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:

[Tinus]

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).

[rinse_master]

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

[38thBeatle]

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.

[headtheball]

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.....

[blue]

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: