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How to choose acoustic guitar strings | Types and recommended products

How to choose acoustic guitar strings | Types and recommended products

Acoustic guitar strings are a very important item and have a significant effect on playing comfort and sound. It is said that veteran guitarists always have their favorite strings. However, if you are new to guitar, there are so many things you may not know, and there are too many types and you may not know what to choose, or the criteria to choose the best strings for you. The best way to choose a string is to try different strings and find the one you like best, but here I would like to introduce the types of strings, the criteria for selecting, and our recommended products. Find your favorite strings and create your own sound!

String material

Bronze

The most common material for acoustic guitars. 80/20 bronze is sometimes used because 80% copper and 20% tin alloy is a mainstream alloy. They have a more glittering sound than a standard nickel-wound electric guitar strings. Compared to phosphor bronze strings, 80/20 bronze has a slightly calm tone.

DADDARIO
EJ11 80/20 Bronze Wound Light

You can enjoy the sound of the wood and the character of each guitar without making the strings sound too noticeable.

ERNIE BALL
Earthwood MEDIUM LIGHT

A series that can be said to be the origin of Ernie Ball. They feature a clear tone with a bright outline and a comfortable sustain.

ELIXIR
NANOWEB 80/20 Bronze Light #11052

Coated strings with a very long life. Another characteristic of coated strings is that finger noise is reduced compared to uncoated strings.

Phosphor bronze

A string made of a bronze alloy containing a small amount of phosphorus (phosphor bronze). It has excellent spring properties, high strength, and very flexible and malleable. It features a glittering sound that contains many high-frequency overtones. There is also the impression that the string itself will last a little longer than a bronze string. Recommended for those who want to strum with strokes, those who perform solo, and guitarists who want a bright sound.

DADDARIO
EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Wound Light

It is a string that many high-end guitar makers are known to have stretched at the factory. A classic phosphor bronze string with a sharp sound and durability.

MARTIN
MA540T LIFESPAN 2.0 92/8 PHOSPHOR BRONZE Light

Realizes long life without changing the tone of uncoated strings and reduces fingering noise. Next generation coated strings that provide excellent playability and feeling.

ELIXIR
NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze Light #16052

Classic long-lasting coated phosphor bronze strings. You can enjoy the glittering sound of Phosphor Bronze for a long time without deterioration.

Silk & Steel

A string made by wrapping a steel core wire with silk and winding the string from above. It is common to use the same silver plated copper as the classical guitar for the winding string. It features a warm and mellow tone with a very soft tension. Recommended for guitarists who like finger picking.

MARTIN
MA130 SILK & STEEL FOLK

Custom gauge specification designed exclusively for SILK & STEEL FOLK guitars. Provides excellent tuning stability and high playability.

DADDARIO
EJ40 Silk & Steel Folk

It features a glittering sound that makes you feel warm, with a soft tension that makes it easy to play.

La Bella
710L Silk & Steel - Light

A string with Italian silk hand-wound between the core wire and the wound string. The selected materials are sweet and produce an elegant sound.

About string gauge (thickness)

The thickness of a guitar string is called the gauge. Many string packs have gauges with numbers such as "012, 016…" and "013, 017…". Gauge combinations have names and there are various types, but generally 12-53 is called light gauge and 13-56 is called medium gauge. You might ask, "Which guitar fits which gauge?" The tendency is that the thinner the string, the lower the tension, the softer the tone of the sound, and the easier it is to hold down the strings, but the easier it is also easier to snap thin strings compared to thick strings. Conversely, the thicker the string, the stronger the tension and the sound becomes crisper, but a little effort is required to hold the string down. Try looking for a gauge that gives you the feel you want, based on the trend.

General gauge

Light gauge: .012、.016、.024.、.032、042、.053
Regular gauges: .013、.017、.026、.035、.045、.056

How to change strings

Even if you purchase a new string, if you do not master how to stretch the string, problems such as “unstable tuning'' and “inability to get the proper vibration of the string'' occur, and the original sound of the string cannot be drawn out. Each person is particular about how they string their guitar, but please refer to the following page for general stringing instructions.

Replacing strings-acoustic guitar

Also, when you re-install, you can work smoothly with a nipper and a string winder.

Wire cutters

PICKBOY
SC150

FERNANDES
N-1300

String winder

PLAYTECH
String Winder

PLANET WAVES
PRO WINDER/CUTTER

String maintenance

Electric guitar strings are consumable, but of course there’s nothing better than long-lasting strings. Although they are plated for rust prevention even if they’re not coated strings, there is a limit to preventing rust. Some products claim to "extend the life of the strings", but as a general rule, make it a habit to wipe the strings down with a cloth after playing.

MORRIS
CLEANING CLOTH

Super-standard guitar cleaning cloth. It can be used not only for strings but also for wiping the body and neck.

THE STRING CLEANER
The String Cleaner

A handy tool that can be used to clean the strings from above and below.

STRETCHA
The String Stretcha

Convenient goods that can easily and quickly perform the "stretching" work necessary to stabilize the tuning of a freshly strung string.

TONE
FINGER EASE

A standard lubricant that is applied to the strings to smooth out the touch. It also has the effect of preventing string oxidation.

GHS
FAST-FRET

A type of lubricant that is applied directly to the strings instead of being sprayed on. It is also important to use mineral oil that is gentle on the fingerboard (wood).