Best Acoustic Guitar Strings

[JR#97]

Count me in on the Elixir crowd. I'm on my 2nd set... in a year. Granted, the first set should have retired after 3 months or so, but I never broke a string. And any other brand, I break the G string usually within 3-4 weeks of regular use. All of my alternate/open tunings kill strings fast because of the constant re-tuning I do. I'm lucky to get 3 weeks out of a set.

Other than Elixer's, I like Diaddario 80/20's. Bright, but I kill them fast. I also like the Diadario phosphor bronze if I'm not feeling quite so bright.

The best string for staying in tune I've ever used is the SIT (Stay In Tune) Brand. They did what the name says. My local doesn't carry them, or I'd probably use them more often.

 

[sjjohnston]

Elixir

I've been using Elixir's for awhile. Not that that should mean a ton to you. Get a set each of your various candidates and see how you feel about them.

 

[riotshield]

I've used only Martin Marquis 80/20's in the past. My last guitar (an Alvarez) came with Elixirs and I've been very impressed. I still haven't changed the stock strings after a few months of owning the guitar, and they still aren't dull. I would change the Martins every 3 weeks of moderate playing. I think perhaps the Martins sound better at their prime (about a week after changing them) but longevity is more important to me.

 

[ONEsnowRIDER]

Been playing guitar for 14 years, and by far I like the Exliers lites. They stay slick and the base tones are unbeatable for rhythms

Just my 2 cents.

 

[shagfu]

I like the D'addario stuff.

I've held out trying the Elixir stuff. I always thought it was some sort of gimmick, so I never tried them out. But all these positive posts will have me heading down to GC to pick up some sets to try out.

Do they sound different (muffled, muted, plastic-y, not enough sustain) than non-coated strings? Or is it a factor at all?

-thanks,
Shag Fu

 

[leastofall]

elixir's all the way. I use them on my Taylor and what they lack in "brightness" they more than make up for in fullness , comfort and overall tone. BTW, does anyone have any suggestions on my fender acoustasonic amp problems? If so, check out my thread.

 

[JR#97]

I like the D'addario stuff.

I've held out trying the Elixir stuff. I always thought it was some sort of gimmick, so I never tried them out. But all these positive posts will have me heading down to GC to pick up some sets to try out.

Do they sound different (muffled, muted, plastic-y, not enough sustain) than non-coated strings? Or is it a factor at all?

-thanks,
Shag Fu

The polyweb definitely sound more mellow, but still full. The nanoweb aren't as bright as say 80/20's. Probably on par with phosphor bronze. The first I thing I noticed about Elixer's was the lack of squeek. I will say that over time, my ears are pretty accustomed to Elixer's, so maybe I'm not remembering or realizing how different they are.

 

[Titanship]

Elixer NanoWeb.

NOT the PolyWeb!

Since I started this topic, I have discovered the Elixer's. Fantastic strings!

C7sus, can you tell me the difference in the poly/nanoweb?
PEACE,
titan

 

[James Argo]

D'addario...
you don't give Ernie Ball any option huh ?

 

[battleminnow]

Funny, I posted back in march when this thread started, and my tastes are a little different now. If we are talking recording, I think Elixirs still hold the title, however, I have been recently impressed by the D'Addario EXP strings, the standard on Tacoma Guitars. I won't put Elixirs on this guitar, simply because these sound so good. My only complaint about the Elixirs is that they lack serious projection, and I need a string that will complement my recorded sound as well as my live performance sound, because I have one main guitar. I have found that in the D'Addarios
My $.02

Pete

 

[Titanship]

D'addario...
you don't give Ernie Ball any option huh ?

Man, As I have stated before, I don't get out much. I've been using Guild Phosphor forEVER. I'm just now expanding my horizons!

Hey, have you guys seen that cool new movie that just came out? It's called STAR WARS. You've gotta see it!

titan,
PEACE

 

[Bass Master "K"]

Elixers

 

[riley357]

There's two different thicknesses of coating applied to Elixers. I found the thicker coating, which I believe is referred to as "Polyweb" as being a bit dull sounding. I think the thicker coating is the first they introduced. The NANO version has bright tone, and I use them in both light and medium guages. So far they have been pretty consistent, too, in terms of how long the good tone seems to last and in tuning stability.

Years ago I used Martin strings until I started getting "dud" low E strings on a pretty regular basis. They just were totally dull. So I switched to Guild 80/20 Phospher for about 10 years, until they moved production to Mexico. I've been using the Elixers exclusively since the first set I bought a couple years ago.

GC should usually do 2 sets for $25US on the Elixers. The local GC here sells most strings two-for-the-price-of-one. But they don't get the same deal on Elixers I guess.

Look around for Elixer Bass strings on sale from time to time though at GC. I got a set for 20 bucks last year......

 

[Richard Monroe]

For general use, I use elixir mediums on the Taylor, and lights on the Epiphone, but lately I've been tracking like crazy, and I may have to punch in on any track, so I change my strings just about every day. For that, I use Martin Marquis, cause great life doesn't count for diddly if you toss your strings every day. I can't afford a daily dose of 2 sets of elixirs. When I'm done tracking the project from hell, I'll go back to my elixirs.-Richie

 

[shagfu]

I'm gonna try out the Elixirs on my acoustics.

How are they on electrics? I do alot of chicken pickin'/pick harmonics and stuff.

Thanks.

 

[FROZ]

Anyone used these ?

I love Roto-Sound, Country Golds on my acoustics.
They are very bright sounding and seem to keep their tone
for a good length of time.
Don't know if you can get them in the States, I think they are
British Made.
Never liked Martin or D'addario strings much, they always seem
to get oxidised very quickly, maybe it's my particular brand of finger sweat that does it !
Must try out some Elixir's some time, probably on the 12 string,
I hate re stringing that bastard, so if they last 3 times as long
that would be cool.

FROZ

 

[dtb]

black diamond

 

[Middleman]

My favorite tone comes from using Dean Markley strings, but they only last about 10 minutes and then go dull. Can't anyone make a string which stays sparkly a long time?

 

[SS454]

I've always liked the Dean Markley .009s You know, the ones that come in the package with the naked spreading girl in the hayup in the barn loft.
I guess they're going to stop selling them at my guitar store, so I'll have to get something else.
I haven't broke a guitar string in many years, I think it's just cause my playing improved.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Any of you old timers remember Nashville Straights? I used to love them.-Richie