Strings for acoustic

guitarcookie1 · September 2014

I need some new strings for my Washburn parlour guitar but don't know what gauge to get (no idea what's on there now), or what this 80/20, 80/15, phosphour bronze malarky is all about?

Thoughts please

crunchman · September 2014

Most acoustics tend to come with 12 gauge (0.012") as standard. Personally I prefer 11s though. They are a bit easier to play. 13s might give you a bit more volume but the extra tension will make them harder to play.

Different alloys will give a different sound. I like phosphor bronze on most of my guitars. In my experience Phosphor-bronze also tends to last longer than 80/20 bronze.

Coated ones should last a long time but they tend to be very zingy and toppy. They are a bit marmite. Some people love them and others hate them.

I'd recommend D'Addario Phosphor bronze in 11 or 12 gauge as a starting point (EJ26 or EJ16). If you don't like them then try something different next time.

ICBM · September 2014

I'd also go for 11s, particularly if you're mainly an electric player. The tension is only a little less than 12s - in fact, in many sets some of the wound string gauges are exactly the same - but they do play more easily. Many 11s sets are deliberately aimed at electric players by using a noticeably lighter G string as well. (Which I personally don't like, but then I like a wound G on many electric guitars as well.)

Smaller, lighter-built guitars don't need big heavy strings to sound good either, so don't torture yourself unnecessarily.

richardhomer · September 2014

As per @crunchman - coated strings divide opinion. I really cannot get on with them on electrics but really like Elixir Nanowebs on my acoustics.

They not only last spectacularly - they retain a 'usable' tone for a long time as well. I find most strings too bright, when first fitted, they then dull slightly and sound really good, then dull too much and become weak sounding, with poor intonation.

The Elixirs stay in the middle of that 'cycle' for a long time.

VimFuego · September 2014

richardhomer said:

As per @crunchman - coated strings divide opinion. I really cannot get on with them on electrics but really like Elixir Nanowebs on my acoustics.

They not only last spectacularly - they retain a 'usable' tone for a long time as well. I find most strings too bright, when first fitted, they then dull slightly and sound really good, then dull too much and become weak sounding, with poor intonation.

The Elixirs stay in the middle of that 'cycle' for a long time.

interesting. I also really hate the sound of new strings on an acoustic. I've never tried coated strings, may try some elixirs when I've got through my current stock.

crunchman · September 2014

VimFuego said:

richardhomer said:

As per @crunchman - coated strings divide opinion. I really cannot get on with them on electrics but really like Elixir Nanowebs on my acoustics.

They not only last spectacularly - they retain a 'usable' tone for a long time as well. I find most strings too bright, when first fitted, they then dull slightly and sound really good, then dull too much and become weak sounding, with poor intonation.

The Elixirs stay in the middle of that 'cycle' for a long time.

interesting. I also really hate the sound of new strings on an acoustic. I've never tried coated strings, may try some elixirs when I've got through my current stock.

If you try Elixirs there is a significant difference between the Nanowebs and the Polywebs. To me the Nanowebs feel a lot more like conventional strings.

thomasross20 · September 2014

I haven't tried many brands. Coated strings feel a bit weird.
I just get the D'addario's crunchman suggests in his first reply.

I have to say.... the acoustic is strung with 12s but I'd prefer 11s (I think!). BUT.... wouldn't that require a change to the action (groan)?

guitarcookie1 · September 2014

Thanks all, D'Addario 11's it is then (use their 10's on electrics).

VimFuego · September 2014

I recently changed from 12's to 11's, not noticed any issues with the action etc.

crunchman · September 2014

You can normally get away with changing from 12s to 11s. I've got 4 guitars that would have been strung with 12s new that I've strung with 11s and not adjusted.

The action may be a little lower because there is less tension. It's unlikely but If it is at the point of buzzing then you should be able to just loosen the truss rod a little bit to compensate.

VimFuego · September 2014

crunchman said:

VimFuego said:

richardhomer said:

As per @crunchman - coated strings divide opinion. I really cannot get on with them on electrics but really like Elixir Nanowebs on my acoustics.

They not only last spectacularly - they retain a 'usable' tone for a long time as well. I find most strings too bright, when first fitted, they then dull slightly and sound really good, then dull too much and become weak sounding, with poor intonation.

The Elixirs stay in the middle of that 'cycle' for a long time.

interesting. I also really hate the sound of new strings on an acoustic. I've never tried coated strings, may try some elixirs when I've got through my current stock.

If you try Elixirs there is a significant difference between the Nanowebs and the Polywebs. To me the Nanowebs feel a lot more like conventional strings.

noted, thx.

thomasross20 · September 2014

Hmm, bugger! I just went and bought two packets of gauge 12 strings.... maybe I should have bought a packet of 11s.
I actually have quite a few packets of unused strings lying around. Who would buy these!?

Ianpdq · September 2014

I use D'Addario 11's on my Acoustic but I would not buy them from ebay lots of fakes around

thomasross20 · September 2014

I recently ordered some off amazon - surprisingly cheap! Feel a bit bad, though - always used stringbusters previously.

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Strings for acoustic

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