You may have already carefully procured a great guitar, set-up with a great amp, have numerous leads, pedals, plectrums and a tablature book. But you may not have experimented with or considered the importance and value of the strings that sit between you and your guitar.
Guitar strings are made from various materials, each pertaining to a characteristic for playability, tone, volume and life. They come in a huge array of variations; from string thickness (or gauge) to material composites. With unique specifications beget unique characteristics.
Researching and choosing strings may play a great part in your guitar adventures. I don’t think there is more of a talking point with guitarists than the type of string they or others are using.
Ultimately, choosing strings comes down to experience, expectation and experimentation.
String Gauge
The string thickness is among the most important factors to take into account. These are the numbers that you see on the front packet. The larger the number, the thicker the string will be. These thicker strings are used for the lower notes as they are employed to produce more tone and bass frequencies, while the thinner strings respond better to higher frequencies.
Companies then designate and refer to these string sizes as “8s” or “12” based on the diameter of the string.
The higher the number, the thicker the string; with the lowest number usually an indicator of the entire pack of strings; example, “7s”- Very narrow gauge set of strings. While most packs generally adhere to this guideline, hybrid or signature sets do arise.
Materials
The common material for strings is Nickel, as it provides a significant tensile strength, resists to corrosion and is characteristically bright and sharp in sound. Its profile is suited for a classic tone with blues style of music.
Strings are found in variations; nickel-plated, nickel-wound and pure nickel. The characteristic of this construction provides a warm tone from the wound strings and responsive tone from pure nickel.
Nylon strings are usually predominantly used for classical guitars. Commonly described by many as 3 steel-3 nylon.
Classical guitars are built with very light bracing in their construction. This is primarily because of the lack of tension put on the guitar contrary to using steel strings. This is the primary justification for prohibiting placing steel strings on a classical guitar.
Classical guitars are known for their deep expressive rich tones, this is something that steel strings cannot provide. Coincidentally placing nylon strings on an acoustic guitar is perfectly acceptable to use, although the effect does not provide the similar result as if one placed nylons on a classical guitar.
Like some of life’s many philosophies there exists a 80/20 rule, what we have in acoustic strings is an 80/20 alloy mix in their strings. 80 percent is Copper and 20 percent Zinc.
Another popular acoustic string one can find is Phosphor Bronze. Constructed of a mix of copper, tin and a trace of phosphorus for its anti-corrosion properties.
Construction
The construction of strings are equally as important as what materials they’re made from. As well as gauge, coating and materials we also have to take into account the string core.
String core is essentially the shape of a guitar string , which are categorised into two keys types; there are round-core and hex-core.
Round-core strings produce mellower tones which are great for folk, blues and acoustic rock. Meanwhile, hex-cores are typically more forte and brighter which is perfect for modern rock and jazz tones.
Another facet is the winding style. These come in round-wound, flat-wound and half-wound.
Round-wound strings are usually pretty standard and the common winding type. The core of the string is rounded with the wire wrapped around it. These produce a bright and open sound and tone.
Flat-wound strings are noted for their flat surface around the core. This construction produces a warm and rich sound as well as being the perfect type of string for slide guitar players, jazz and for those who wish to eradicate annoying string whistling when moving your fingers over the strings.
Half-wound strings are between the two other constructions. Half-wound strings usually create a hybrid of tonal qualities and are a great style of string for experimentation and for expanding creativity.
Guitar strings can be a very personal and subjective choice. In some cases it could improve or diminish your sound or style of playing. With the amount of options and choices currently out there, it is usually the best way to try and play with as many different types of strings as possible.
No doubt there will be a string that through discovery and trial will instantly become your signature string.
Since 1964, Nickel Rockers™ have provided discriminating guitarists with the PURE NICKEL sound of original rock n' roll and the warm tones of blues and jazz. The unique GHS rollerwinding process slightly flattens the strings for a smooth, comfortable feel with a "touch" of extra tension.
Phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings. These best selling acoustic guitar string are known for their superb tone, clarity, and sustain.
Wound with a 92/8 bronze alloy made especially for Rotosound's exacting specifications in the UK.
Loved for their balanced tone with a warm bass and clear top end, Jumbo King acoustic strings remain popular with guitarists the world over.
Dave started his musical life as a double bass player after listening to the unfinished symphony by Schubert. He turned to bass guitar and then moved to guitar so that he could write songs. After becoming addicted to listening to music, Dave then became absorbed in learning and writing. He got a keyboard and a drumkit and experimented obsessively. Dave has played in a lot of bands and groups playing all kinds of genres, from jazz to heavy rock to Gilbert and Sullivan. Dave is also an equally devoted photographer and short filmmaker.
