Guitar Gear Forum

I recently moved from an apartment to house and now I can play my acoustic guitars to my heart's extent. It's been a while since I bought guitar strings, so I've forgotten what I like or used. My main acoustic is a Breedlove, but I also have a decent Epiphone 6 string and a 70's Alvarez 12 string. So, what's everyone using for acoustic strings?

I've sworn by Elixir strings since 2005-2006, but I have recently switched over to the D'Addario XS coated strings and like them. They have the same qualities I liked from Elixir strings (smooth, bright, slick, not prone to rust), but they seem to last longer and break less.

Martin 80/20 phosphour bronze. Recently tried a set of Monels on my J45 and really dig them. Very clear and uncluttered sound.

Elixir Nano's are the only strings that I have used for 20+ years exclusively on acoustic and electric. My hands eat normal strings to the point that after one week, or one show, I had to change them. With Elixir's I go months before changing them.

for every day use I've been using the d'addario coated phosphor bronze, I rarely play acoustic so these are great for staying lively and clean feeling for a LONG time.... as in months after I've put them on.... if I'm going to record or theres a gig where I really want my acoustic to sound it's best I use the Martin Marquis phosphor bronze, they sound really amazing BUT in a week they are dead

Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock n Blues, which are pretty light (10'52) and sound great for my needs.

For the last several years I've been enjoying the Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze strings


Though I rarely play acoustic these days

D'Addario EJ11 Light Acoustic Guitar Strings 80/20 Bronze 12-53.

Looks like I'm going to give D'addario XT 80/20 Bronze Extended Life 12-53 a try. I used 11-52 coated A'addarios at some point on my Breedlove, but not sure if that's what on it now. I just remember them being a little too loose for that guitar. We'll see how these go.

Elixir Nano’s across the board. I got a free set of the D’addario XS strings; not liking them. If they weren’t new and I wasn’t lazy, I’d switch back…

Just go with the Elixers. It’s not like anyone REALLY plays an acoustic for any significant stretch and those will last awhile.!!

For real tho, by far I set up Most of the acoustics at my job with Elixers and while I don’t always like coated strings, somehow those on an acoustic feel about as good as an acoustic can imo.

IndyWS6 wrote:Elixir Nano’s across the board. I got a free set of the D’addario XS strings; not liking them. If they weren’t new and I wasn’t lazy, I’d switch back…

I used the Poly so the XS seem similar enough and seem to last a little longer. If you were Nano based I can see the XS not jiving with you.

EndTime wrote:Just go with the Elixers. It’s not like anyone REALLY plays an acoustic for any significant stretch and those will last awhile.!!

For real tho, by far I set up Most of the acoustics at my job with Elixers and while I don’t always like coated strings, somehow those on an acoustic feel about as good as an acoustic can imo.

The last couple years, D'Addario EJ15 Bronze 10-47. Light so I can effectively play the same on an acoustic as an electric.

I've also used Martins, just regular cheapo bronze, and EB Earthwoods as well. I've never liked the tone of coated strings, and also don't play acoustic enough to justify trying out lots of different strings and shit.

Pretty much use John Pearse on all my acoustics. John Pearse® #150NS GUITAR 80/20 BRONZE NEW STANDARD TUNING...

Elixer Nanowebs for me. I play my acoustics far more than my electrics and they sound new for a long time. Not so with non-coated strings. I never tried the Polywebs, anyone know what differences they have?

It depends on the acoustic, for my Larrivée OMV-05 I really like the DR Sunbeams. For my Yamaha LL-16, the Sunbeams work, but I really like the Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze.

Cole

Guitarmageddon wrote:Elixer Nanowebs for me. I play my acoustics far more than my electrics and they sound new for a long time. Not so with non-coated strings. I never tried the Polywebs, anyone know what differences they have?

The difference in the Elixir string types is the coating and the resulting feel from that coating.
I find Poly to be slicker in feel, almost like they have been coated with fast fret, but they are also slightly less bright.

Nano strings feel less coated and have a brighter tone.

The other option they have in coatings is the Opti, which they only make for electric guitar. They feel like there is hardly any coating almost like a set of EB, but they certainly last longer.

As for other coated strings, I have tried the D'Addario XS strings and I feel like they sit somewhere between Poly and Nano coatings.