the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

C

chassless

New member
i've been with the Ernie Ball not even slinky and heavy bottom/light top sets lately, they sound awesome during the first couple of weeks but later on it feels like something's covering my entire guitar, reducing its resonance.
perhaps it just needs to get set up, but while we're at it, i'd like to know which brand or set of strings (preferably in the 52-10 type of gauge) sounds the most open and resonant.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

Coated strings tend to keep the new sound for longer. I can't play a set of uncoated strings for more than a couple hours before they start to sound dead. Try a set of Elixirs or D'addario EXP strings to see if they work better for you.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

Coated strings tend to keep the new sound for longer. I can't play a set of uncoated strings for more than a couple hours before they start to sound dead. Try a set of Elixirs or D'addario EXP strings to see if they work better for you.
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alright, i'll keep that in mind. thanks for the advice !

Have you considered stainless steel?
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what should i expect from stainless steel ? how many different types of metal are used for guitar strings anyways ?
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

Dean Markley Blue Steel
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

GHS boomers are the brightest I've heard

Coated strings by DR and Elixir sound new the longest, but they sound muffled and horrible to begin with. If you like them, at least they last. Switching back to Ernie Ball was like taking a comforter off of a covered speaker cab.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

chassless said:
i've been with the Ernie Ball not even slinky and heavy bottom/light top sets lately, they sound awesome during the first couple of weeks but later on it feels like something's covering my entire guitar, reducing its resonance.
perhaps it just needs to get set up, but while we're at it, i'd like to know which brand or set of strings (preferably in the 52-10 type of gauge) sounds the most open and resonant.
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I have a tip for preserving that "awesome" sound new strings have, no matter what brand or gauge your using. I've been using this trick for thirty years. I use a rag and WD-40 to clean the strings each time, after use!
I just spray a tiny bit of WD on the rag, carefully wrap that portion of the rag tightly around one string at a time, and wipe away all sweat, salts and dirt left by your hands.

This not only cleans the strings, but also helps keep them from oxidizing (providing a protective coating) while stored in the case.

I have found that this method preserves the brillance of the strings for a much longer period (double the normal period).

One added bonus is that the WD-40 also works like "Finger Ease", when you pull the guitar out of the case the strings are not only clean and bright, but slick and easy to play.

Thats my "Tip for the Day"


AlleeCat
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

EB's sound dead to me right out of the box. I use XL's, but I use funky gauges, so I'm kinda stuck too.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

the conclusion from this thread : i'll go with D'addarios, and wipe them with a cloth, or some WD40, after every play.

thanks to you everyone !
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

Ernie ball slinkys are the brightest I have ever played and I like em bright.!
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

It kinda depends on the weather conditions where you live. Since I've moved to Oregon, where the moisture in the air is insane, a new set of strings on an uncased guitar sitting on a stand in my house will start to corrode in two weeks. Granted I don't wipe them off every time after I play, but still! I'm thinking I have to change to coated just because of where I live.

Sorry this post really didin't have anything to do with the OP
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

donahue1 said:
It kinda depends on the weather conditions where you live. Since I've moved to Oregon, where the moisture in the air is insane, a new set of strings on an uncased guitar sitting on a stand in my house will start to corrode in two weeks. Granted I don't wipe them off every time after I play, but still!
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It sucks, but I agree.. I have to change 'em after 2-3 weeks of moderate/heavy playing, even if I wipe 'em down after each use, because I live in Western Washington.. I will try the WD40 trick.. I like the fumes anyway..
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

I use D'Addarios when i want a bright string. EB's when i want a warmer sounding string. Elixers sound dead to me straight out of the pack.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

I can't use regular coated strings (read: Elixir) at all. Particularly on acoustic guitar because while they hold their sound for a great deal longer, they sound three days old the moment you put them on! I'm a big fan of Cleartones. They have that brand new uncoated sound but have a very light coating to make them last longer. For electric strings, I just make sure that I keep a can of FingerEase in my guitar case and clean them after I'm done playing everytime.
 
Re: the brightest, most open, metallic sounding strings ?

It kinda depends on the weather conditions where you live. Since I've moved to Oregon, where the moisture in the air is insane, a new set of strings on an uncased guitar sitting on a stand in my house will start to corrode in two weeks. Granted I don't wipe them off every time after I play, but still! I'm thinking I have to change to coated just because of where I live.

Sorry this post really didin't have anything to do with the OP
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no, you're right. where i live it's pretty humid and annoying (not just for the guitar strings. hahaa ...) and i guess i should be keeping my guitar in its case once i get a new set of strings installed ...

and for everyone, thanks all for the input and the tips, i'm going for d'addarios now, the times it got mentioned got me convinced.
 
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