Post by slartibartfarst42 on Sept 28, 2014 18:39:33 GMT
I always like to have a reference point for strings so I can hear some views when I'm considering some new brands. None of the strings I've tried so far have been pure nickel. Here's what I've tried and some thoughts on each:
D'Addario
Excellent value, consistent quality and good tone. They lasted a reasonable time too so I have nothing against them yet I find I always end up looking elsewhere. I don't really know why.
Dean Markley Blue Steels
Felt really good and a fantastic tone but far more prone to breaking than other strings I've used so I wouldn't buy them again.
DR Hi-Beams
Very bright tone but in the right guitar they worked well. They also lasted well and kept their tune well so it's certainly a string I'd recommend.
DR Tite Fits
I really loved these strings and used them for years. They feel good, the tone is fantastic, they last a good time and they're reasonably priced. The only reason I stopped using them was because I kept getting the odd string in a pack that had a slight flaw in it that damaged the tuning stability and intonation of the guitar.
Elixir
While I think there are strings out there with ultimately better tone, the tone of Elixir's is still excellent and that tone lasts forever. The claim on the packaging is accurate, they do last 3 or 4 times longer than normal strings. I would never say know to Elixir strings.
Ernie Ball Slinky
Good price and good tone but I found that the tone went off quite quickly. They're good value but I found there were simply better options out there for the money.
Ernie Ball Cobalt
Probably the worst strings I've ever used! Don't get me wrong, the tone was fantastic and they really are louder but after that, it's all downhill. I bought 4 packs of these and put them on two guitars. I played one of the guitars, cleaned the strings thoroughly, came back to it a week later and the strings were completely corroded. Thinking it was a dud set I changed them but the same thing happened to all my guitars, whether they were regularly played or not. I always clean my strings carefully after playing and always wash my hands before playing but these just rust so fast it's unbelievable.
Fender
A bit like D'Addario in that they were well priced, consistent and good tone but nothing that really grabbed me.
GHS Boomers
I loved the tone of these things but although they last a reasonable time, that initially awesome tone dies quite quickly and I felt I was left with an average string. It was only the one set though so perhaps it was a dud set as plenty people seem to like them.
Rotosound
These just snapped too easily and they never seemed anything special to begin with.
Skull
Great tone and lasted a long time. They didn't last as long as Elixir's but certainly longer than most strings. The trouble is that they're rather hard to get hold of in this country.
That's all I've tried so far but the search goes on. I've just ordered some Gibson 'Brite Wires' and Gibson 'Humbucker' sets so I'll let you know what I think of them once I've tried them. As usual, I'd be very interested to hear other people's opinions of the strings they've tried.
D'Addario
Excellent value, consistent quality and good tone. They lasted a reasonable time too so I have nothing against them yet I find I always end up looking elsewhere. I don't really know why.
Dean Markley Blue Steels
Felt really good and a fantastic tone but far more prone to breaking than other strings I've used so I wouldn't buy them again.
DR Hi-Beams
Very bright tone but in the right guitar they worked well. They also lasted well and kept their tune well so it's certainly a string I'd recommend.
DR Tite Fits
I really loved these strings and used them for years. They feel good, the tone is fantastic, they last a good time and they're reasonably priced. The only reason I stopped using them was because I kept getting the odd string in a pack that had a slight flaw in it that damaged the tuning stability and intonation of the guitar.
Elixir
While I think there are strings out there with ultimately better tone, the tone of Elixir's is still excellent and that tone lasts forever. The claim on the packaging is accurate, they do last 3 or 4 times longer than normal strings. I would never say know to Elixir strings.
Ernie Ball Slinky
Good price and good tone but I found that the tone went off quite quickly. They're good value but I found there were simply better options out there for the money.
Ernie Ball Cobalt
Probably the worst strings I've ever used! Don't get me wrong, the tone was fantastic and they really are louder but after that, it's all downhill. I bought 4 packs of these and put them on two guitars. I played one of the guitars, cleaned the strings thoroughly, came back to it a week later and the strings were completely corroded. Thinking it was a dud set I changed them but the same thing happened to all my guitars, whether they were regularly played or not. I always clean my strings carefully after playing and always wash my hands before playing but these just rust so fast it's unbelievable.
Fender
A bit like D'Addario in that they were well priced, consistent and good tone but nothing that really grabbed me.
GHS Boomers
I loved the tone of these things but although they last a reasonable time, that initially awesome tone dies quite quickly and I felt I was left with an average string. It was only the one set though so perhaps it was a dud set as plenty people seem to like them.
Rotosound
These just snapped too easily and they never seemed anything special to begin with.
Skull
Great tone and lasted a long time. They didn't last as long as Elixir's but certainly longer than most strings. The trouble is that they're rather hard to get hold of in this country.
That's all I've tried so far but the search goes on. I've just ordered some Gibson 'Brite Wires' and Gibson 'Humbucker' sets so I'll let you know what I think of them once I've tried them. As usual, I'd be very interested to hear other people's opinions of the strings they've tried.
