KVR Audio

tonalaxis · Post by **tonalaxis** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:02 pm

Right, I have a semi-acoustic thats been gathering dust for 4 years and it need re-stringing, any recommendations on strings? I'm a novice when it comes to playing the guitar so any help is appreciated

Thanks

Meffy · Post by **Meffy** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:43 pm

I'm not an authority, but I'm betting Those Who Know will want to know what kind music you plan to make with the it. Diff'rent strinks for diff'rent thinks.

tonalaxis · Post by **tonalaxis** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:49 pm

Thrash Metal!!!

tomg · Post by **tomg** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:10 pm

tonalaxis wrote:Thrash Metal!!!

Almost everyone uses Ernie Ball at some point. For your first set in years, they will do fine.

If you drop tune get a set that starts out with a .10 or .11. If not .09 is my fave .08 is just too fragile for my fingers.

tonalaxis · Post by **tonalaxis** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:15 pm

Thankyou tomg but I was joking when I said Thrash Metal

I guess I will try all styles once I get the hang of it again my 14year old nephew puts me to shame(I wish I'd learnt when I was younger) So you'd recommend anything in a medium sort of range then?

Ian B · Post by **Ian B** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:23 pm

I used to use 8's, then moved to 9's, but I've recently switched to 11's. As you say you're a 'novice' lighter gauges are easier on the finger tips, but are more likely to break, 10's or 11's will take more abuse while still being easy enough to bend notes with.

As tomg say's, you wont go wrong with Ernie Balls, or maybe Rotosound. My own preference is for GHS Boomers 11's, tho' I'm presently using Dean Markley Signature series 11's and I'm pretty pleased with them, they've held their tone well so far.

I've just noticed you're UK based, you might want to check out www.cheapstrings.co.uk and http://www.newstrings.co.uk/ the latter are dirt cheap and their Sonic Power strings aren't bad at all. You can get a 10 pack for something like £28 which should last you a fair while.

NUMBER · Post by **NUMBER** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:53 am

I'd go with a heavier gauge set
don't be easy on your fingertips make em burn bleed and rebuild.
Besides lights are by and large less predictable, pitch wise, when fretted than a heavier gauge is.

I like Gretsch jazz strings with a wound G.
These sound great on hollow body guitars and last forever though a bit more expensive than some of the other recommendations.

Funkybot's Evil Twin · Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:59 am

I didn't even know they made .08's. I'd go for .09's to start out with. They're just light enough not to require too much finger strength and totally kill your fingertips. I'd also consider one of those finger strengthening devices as well. It'll probably take a while to get your hand strength to where it needs to be, and that should speed up the process.

Sascha Franck · Post by **Sascha Franck** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:11 am

Well, most likely your semi-acoustic will be a short scale one (almost all of them are), so .09s might feel a bit wobbly (to me they certainly do). And you may as well run into intonation problems quicker than with a slightly thicker set.
In case the action is fine, you shouldn't notice much of a difference in playability.

Personally I'm using .11s on mine (11-49, D'Addarios, plain G string) and I can still bend tones fine. Intonation is great that way and the thing sounds absolutely marvelleous for anything non hi-gain.

One thing you should keep in mind: You may need to re-adjust the trussrod, depending on what strings were on the last times. If you put thicker strings on, you will have to tighten it and vice versa. If you are careful enough, you should be able to do the job yourself. To check whether the adjustment is right, finger low E at the first and, say, 15th fret. Now, in the area between the 7th and 9th fret, the strings shouldn't touch the frets, there should be a tiny distance of something like 0.25 - 0.5 mm.
To tighten the truss rod, turn it clockwise. Always only proceed in small steps such as a quarter turn and give it a few hours to "wear in" before you continue.

XDVarenkor · Post by **XDVarenkor** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:14 am

Guage is up to your playing style/strength etc. but I'd suggest at least give Elixir strings a look - they're coated with a thin layer of plastic(?) that makes them much longer-lasting and easier on the fingers, abrasion-wise. Not cheap, but great sound.

Sascha Franck · Post by **Sascha Franck** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:22 am

Personally, I hate Elixirs, and a lot of other folks I know do as well. They're just feeling like plastic. But well, some people like them.
Besides, I usually break them before they start to rust.

NUMBER · Post by **NUMBER** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:24 am

To anyone who likes elixirs, I suggest trying the polymer coated DR strings.
All the benifits of the elixir strings with a much brighter more lively sound.
Again though, not cheap

dry bones · Post by **dry bones** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:06 pm

Rotosound yellow 10s are good reliable strings.

Guitar Strings