Finding the "right" strings for your guitar
I am a relatively new guitarist . There are so many choices when it comes to strings. I have been told that it really depends on the instrument, personal preference and playability, all of which are highly variable. Despite whether that is absolutely true or not, I wondered if there might be some sets generally thought to be of high quality. I seek warm, rich-sounding trebles and focussed, less boomy bass strings (since my instrument is bass-heavy and I am still learning to temper my "p" finger to reduce the impact of bass lines). Currently, I have the "D'Addario Guitar Strings - Pro-Arte Classical Guitar Strings - EJ45 - Nylon Guitar Strings - Silver Plated Wound, Nylon Core - Normal Tension, 1-Pack" strings newly installed, but find the trebles thin-sounding.
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If possible, contact the luthier who built the guitar. She's the only person that knows for sure what strings were used to setup the guitar. The action, string height, etc.
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Hello David, I think the following video featuring the former owner of Strings By Mail is helpful in selecting strings.
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Stephen Holland thank you very much for sharing the video. Quite helpful
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This is a complex issue, and as noted by Adrian depends on many things. Action and break angle at the bridge particularly affect things. I think you should try D'Addario ProArte Carbon EJ45FF. These are louder and fuller than the standard EF45, especially in the G and B strings. I find that the upper E string is still a bit sharp with the EJ45FF and you might find the EJ45 better on this string. I am also experimenting with Dogal strings of various tensions on the upper E, and the low tension string seems to be warmer (it is also slightly thicker that the EJ45FF, which hurts the fingers a little less).
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Strings are a complicated business and it's all about personal preferences but I would try two opposites excellent sets depending on the tension you prefer... Augustine Regal (HT) / Imperial (NT) or Savarez Alliance Cantiga (HT/NT)... that would give you an idea were to narrow after.
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Hello David,
The EJ45 strings are generally a very good starting point for a beginning guitarist.
If the trebles are sounding thin, you might want to check your nails and your contact point on the strings. Your nail might be catching or you might be attacking the strings from a less than ideal angle.
I use the EJ45C strings on my spruce top guitar. They come with a nylon E and B string, and with both a carbon and nylon G string. And I really like the bass strings. I find I need to change these every 4-6 weeks, depending on how much I play.
I use gallistrings on my cedar top guitar. That is what the luthier recommended and I have been very pleased with them. I use this guitar for an ensemble where I need to play loud - but they are not great for a full dynamic range that I want when playing solo. And they last a very long time.
I spent years experimenting with strings, and have now settled on these. I like the way they sound and feel. Based on I experience I believe you will get a better sense of the performance of the strings from listening to recordings of your playing rather than judging them as you are playing.
Martha
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Thank you very much for all the helpful information and recommendations!
