Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

[NateCordova]

Hello.

I have a custom string set on my guitar in which the wound strings balance perfectly and are all d'addarios.

However in the 3 plain strings, 1 is D'addarios, 2 Dunlops, and are all the same gauge type (10-14-18)

The plain strings overall are a bit too hard to bend but i tried a lower gauge and it sucks. I think the Dunlop 2 plains i put there are more bendable than the D'addario though.

Now, also consider i have a bright guitar, so i would like warm plain strings too. So i think a brand change on the plains only would benefit me.

So in your opinion, which are the Warmest and most Bendable PLAIN strings for electric guitar for a given gauge? Compared to D'addario plains.

Remember, i'm only talking about plain strings, i use D'addario's for wounds.

I can choose between GHS Boomers, Ernie Ball, Elixir, DR, Dean Markley, La Bella and Thomastik Infeld in my current very cheap international store (Strings By Mail), as i live in Portugal. I cant choose Dunlop.

 

[superpete]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

Dr pure blues

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

Nylons!!!

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

I've always liked Ernie Ball. GHS is decent, as are Gibsons

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

EB Slinkys and also agree on the DR Pure Blues...These days I really like the D'Addario XL 120+strings.. This is the in between .009 and .010 set...Perfect!

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

Eh, why not go 10-13-17? That's the usual setup with 10's.

I'm really liking La Bella HRS for nickel-steel.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

If you want easier to bend strings you have to go down in gauge and also if your action is super low that will make it a bit harder to bend because you can't get a decent grip on the string.

As for warm sounding plain strings that would come from how you set up you amp. Plain strings are going to sound a bit bright regardless just because they are so thin and not wound. A

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

I think most plain strings sound and feel pretty much the same, it's the wound strings that differ in tone and feel IMO. That all depends on the size of the core wire and the wrap wire, round core or hex, and the composition of the wrap wire. I don't use standard gauge strings, I buy 10-46 sets and change out a couple of the plain strings, and I buy singles of different brands and don't hear any difference in them. The only thing I've noticed is that some brands break more easily than others for me (D'Addario for one).

Al

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

My last set of D'Addarios lasted over 3 months and I just changed them last night.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

It's got more to do with your setup than with your string type/brand. Try raising the strings that you bend. Also, get some fret work done, or at least make sure they're polished. There are very few guitars that come straight out of the factory with the ideal fretwork already done. And even if it came from the factory with perfect fret work, you'll need to get it redone from time to time due to wear.

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

...if your action is super low that will make it a bit harder to bend because you can't get a decent grip on the string.

It's got more to do with your setup than with your strings. Try raising the strings that you bend.

This is the opposite of my experience, FWIW. Lower action has less tension on the strings, which makes it super easy to bend the strings right around the neck.

I also break Ernie Balls more easily than D'Addario's.

YMMV. I would try variations on all of this advice to see what works for you.

 

[LReese]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

Actually - I think I agree with the Rockstar. Easier to get a hold on the string with slightly higher action. High Frets and/or scallops will offset this.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

This is the opposite of my experience, FWIW. Lower action has less tension on the strings, which makes it super easy to bend the strings right around the neck.

The tension of a string is the same regardless of string height (assuming the strings in question are the same type and brand tuned to the same note).

Higher strings may take more force to fret, but they are easier to bend.

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

The tension of a string is the same regardless of string height (assuming the strings in question are the same type and brand tuned to the same note).

Yeah, I realized this after I posted. Basic physics...

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

EB Slinkys and also agree on the DR Pure Blues...These days I really like the D'Addario XL 120+strings.. This is the in between .009 and .010 set...Perfect!

I agree. When 10's are too stiff, and 9's are too slinky, I go with D'Addario 120+ strings. They are 9.5's and do not get as thin and buzzy as 9's can in the wrong setup. You will probably have to order them since most stores won't carry them.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EXL120PLUS?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CMaV5JyVq7wCFSFo7Aod9kgANg

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

I agree. When 10's are too stiff, and 9's are too slinky, I go with D'Addario 120+ strings. They are 9.5's and do not get as thin and buzzy as 9's can in the wrong setup. You will probably have to order them since most stores won't carry them.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EXL120PLUS?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CMaV5JyVq7wCFSFo7Aod9kgANg

I have been using these lately on my 25.5 scale Fender guitars...Love these!

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

I don't like any standard gauge string sets, so I keep a bunch of plain singles around in 9 1/2, 10, 12, and 16 gauge, and buy 10-46 or 9-46 sets and just change out a couple of the plain strings to get these gauges:
Gibson scale: 10-12-16-26-36-46
Fenders: 9 1/2-12-16-26-36-46
This is after a lot of experimentation over the years, works great for me.

Al

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

Actually - I think I agree with the Rockstar. Easier to get a hold on the string with slightly higher action. High Frets and/or scallops will offset this.

It's the ability to get actually under the strings with the higher action..

 

[J E C]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

With the EXL120+ set, is it just a feel thing or is there also a tone difference? Do you think this set would work well when tuning down to E flat or would a .010" set be better in place of using a standard .009" set?

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Easiest to Bend and Warmest PLAIN Strings

It's the ability to get actually under the strings with the higher action..

I still think you guys are smoking crack...