String Theory

String Theory

  • Total voters
    12
kneadmomunny

kneadmomunny

New member
I was playing some different strings lately, and I have been noticing that I really like the sound of EBall and GHS boomers, but they fade really fast.
I find the longer lasting strings like blue steels (my current comprimise) have a duller tone to begin with, but they last for months.

is there something between the short lived EB and the everlasting blah DM?
without coatings, I hate the feel of coated strings, I don't know why. (no flames please)

:soapbox:
 
Re: String Theory

"...I'll blast you, Mr Jizzmaster-Zero, with my Orgasmo-rayder"

I've been on the DR's of late, and i do like em. I can't overstate the importance of wiping off your grime when you put your guitar down. Just a quick whizz over and under the strings...

I too hate the slimy feel of coated. And i wear that stuff off the plain strings in two hours! Also, one forgets the good ol D'addarios. Unfussy and great.
 
Re: String Theory

I switched to the Dean Markley F150 set. Something went wrong with Fender's QC, so I had to find someone who made the same gauges as my old Fender Rock & Roll set. I like these a lot better than what Fender was making.
 
Re: String Theory

I have noticed that Ernie ball strings for me lasted good for around a week and then after that went dead. So more or less i had to change them, and went back to D'Addario.
 
Re: String Theory

I know you say you don't like coating but you should really try Elixir Nanowebs. They have a pretty bright and rich sound to begin with and keep it for months(i'm using the same set on my DR-7 for ages now), and imo you don't really feel any coating coming from blue steels(what i've used before)
 
Re: String Theory

I've got to agree w/More Gear, I really like the DR strings when I'm out of SOB's/ They really have a great feeling to them and they sound great.
 
Re: String Theory

I've found that the Gauge of string really makes a difference in how long EB's last. Back when I was useing 9-42's I noticed exactly what ya said, Great for the first week or so (depending on how much that guitar was played) but after that they died a quick death. So I was changeing strings at least every 7 days.
But when I decided to move up to a heavier gauge, that didn't seem to be the case as much. I've been useing the Slinky top/heavy bottom (10-52) for a little over a year now, and I can go about a month between string changes (and I can't remember the last time I actually BROKE a string). I mean they do still get a dullness to them, But its MUCH more gradual, and Takes much longer (3-3.5 weeks if I use the guitar daily). And I NEVER wipe my strings down after playing. I also don't sweat much either though, so that might have something to do with it.

Anyways, I'de say try a larger gauge string than whatever you've tried already, and see if that makes any difference.
 
Re: String Theory

Yeah, I've played EB strings and they do go dead on me after a couple of days.

Try Gibson strings. The Les Paul strings to be exact. they last longer and sound better than all of the strings I've tried.
 
Re: String Theory

I can't believe you think the blue steels are dull. Of all the strings I've tried over the years, they're by far the biggest and brightest sounding, and they last longest as well. I found the EB's to be blah right from the start, and they don't last more than a week before getting even worse. D'Addarios are the same, but not quite as terrible. Very bland sounding at all times.
 
Re: String Theory

I like EBs a Daddarios about equally. I will usually break every string except the low E and G before they really have time to become lifeless (and I use 10.5 - 38 w/ a 52 Low E). I change the low e and g strings about once a month to 3 months depending on how much I use that particular guitar. I have to say I haven't liked the GHS strings I have used as much. They have seemed to lose their tone a little sooner than my EBs and Dadds.
 
Re: String Theory

What the heck is that rectangular thing on the right of the picture in your signature?

Why do people seem to take so much pride in being heavy handed, hitting the strings hard and using ridiculously heavy strings/picks? Sounds like an accelerated vicious cycle of having to change strings. Rhetorical question, maybe.
 
Re: String Theory

On my acoustic I just put DR's on them, and boy are they awesome sounding. They are easy to press down and sound awesome. Don't know how long they'll last though. On my electrics ernie ball strings will last me anywhere between 2 and 3 months.
 
Re: String Theory

mixedmedia said:
What the heck is that rectangular thing on the right of the picture in your signature?

Why do people seem to take so much pride in being heavy handed, hitting the strings hard and using ridiculously heavy strings/picks? Sounds like an accelerated vicious cycle of having to change strings. Rhetorical question, maybe.
Click to expand...

I don't take pride in it at all. It is a pain in the a$$ and and the pocket book. I only use .88 picks. I used to use 1.14, but changed to the lighter gauge to ease up. My problem is I always break the winds up at the bridge on the 38 and 28 strings while playing power chords, and the b and e strings during really big bends. As far as heavy strings go, they sound better.
 
Re: String Theory

kneadmomunny said:
I was playing some different strings lately, and I have been noticing that I really like the sound of EBall and GHS boomers, but they fade really fast.

is there something between the short lived EB and the everlasting blah DM?
Click to expand...

I play Ernie Ball Power Slinky's (11-48) and this heavier gauge does seem to last longer than lighter gauge EB's. I 've had the the same set of EB's on my axe for a month or a tad more, ONLY, because I wash my hands before play (sometimes between play), I wipe down my strings several times durings play sessions - includings wiping my hands, and conditioning my strings when I'm all finished playing. It all may seem anal, but if my strings can last a good while, why not let 'em! It's bad enough I gotta stretch 'em to hell and load 'em into a floating bridge - they had better last me. hehehe
 
Re: String Theory

Was asking the thread starter actually. Mini Bo Diddley guitar? Shoebox banjo? NES guitar?

Was off topic but it just seems like there's a 'meh can't be bothered playing a guitar in the store because they put 9's on them', 'No point in middle pickups or floating trems since I end up hitting it or putting it out of tune' kind of vibe sometimes.

Used to use 11's so I completely understand the bigger sound thing but sometimes it seems like people be trying to one up eachother on how difficult it is to play their guitars with their high action and telephone wire strings.

If the sound really matters it's probably best to play fresh strings instead of trying to find strings that last a long time. Used GHS and EB for the longest. Might have to check out D-Addarios since a few guitars I bought came with them and the sound is good.
 
Last edited:
Re: String Theory

Like some others said, elixirs are the best coated strings out there. I put elixirs on all my guitars and only change them every few months when I notice they are sounding dull and lacking sustain.

I must be some kinda freak b/c I have literally never broke a string from playing. I've only broken a few strings when I was first starting and didn't know how to properly string a guitar or use a digital tuner correctly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top