Re: d'addarios vs ernie balls
On my Strat, I tried a TON of different strings and Ernie Ball strings just work the best and have the best tone. I've found them very durable as long as there are no burrs on saddles, etc. I don't care for them much on any other guitar I've owned tonally though. They work for the strat, and thats about it (so far). They also die very quickly for me.
D'ad I think makes the most consistent strings, and they intonate and stay in tune the best, but I really hate the muddy low strings and raspy(dry) high strings. I've only had ONE guitar where they worked tonally- a Gibson Explorer w/ ebony board and stock ceramic pickups. Everything else I've put them on...yuk. Its unfortunate cos the quality (and availability, and good price) is there.
I prefer the feel of DR strings in general, but they are a PITA because of the way they are made, and they can really throw off your intonation and often require you to re-do the nut slots, even when using the same gauge in DRs as you were using before. GREAT strings though for stability and clarity and bending.
Recently tried some GHS boomers again- not digging them, they will be coming off in the next couple of days.
I usually end up with Dean Markley- I realize alot of people don't like the "edgy" sound, and they tend to be stiff apples to apples, but I've had great luck with them- whether the originals (now the Vintage Reissues) or the NickelSteels.
I also like Gibson Brite Wires on certain guitars, and PRS brand strings (though made Daddario, have an incredible feel and sound nothing like regular Daddario strings.
