What is your go to string? brand/gauge/coating etc.

[YamahaGuy]

I don't do bends and don't play much lead. Mostly rhythm. D'Addario EJ21 has been my go to electric string for years. Or SIT1252 Powerwound.

[TiffanyGuitar]

Ernie Ball Slinkys or D'addario 10s for most of my electrics. I have some Ernie Ball Slinky 11s that I use on single coils sometimes - for single coils they give the sound a little more girth (at least I think they do)

[Aspiring]

Ive settled on d'addario nyxl for most and thomastik jazz bebop flatwounds on my i30 hollowbody

[Pdfiddler]

EB Super Slinky pure nickel (9-42)

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Pdfiddler

EB Super Slinky pure nickel (9-42)

Why do you use pure nickel? Is it for longevity or tonal considerations?

[GoPappy]

For a guy (me) who is just learning electric guitar and, thus, full step string bending, should I be using 9's (at least while I'm in the beginning stage of learning)? I'm using a Telecaster (25.5" scale), so I'm thinking 9's would be a little easier for a novice. Right now, it's strung with 10's.

FYI, I usually use lights (12-53 or 12-54) or custom lights (11-52) on my acoustics. But I also have a dread that I use Martin Silk & Steels (11.5 - 47) on and they sound great on that guitar.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by GoPappy

For a guy (me) who is just learning electric guitar and, thus, full step string bending, should I be using 9's (at least while I'm in the beginning stage of learning)? I'm using a Telecaster (25.5" scale), so I'm thinking 9's would be a little easier for a novice. Right now, it's strung with 10's.

FYI, I usually use lights (12-53 or 12-54) or custom lights (11-52) on my acoustics. But I also have dread that I use Martin Silk & Steels (11.5 - 47) on and they sound great on that guitar.

9s are easier to bend, it just depends on how your fingers react to 9s vs 10s and how much bending you do. Many people have no problem bending 10s (or higher) on a 25.5" electric, others do.

I say try it with the 10s you currently have on it, and then try 9s on your next string change. You'll notice a difference for sure. At that point you'll need to decide what you want to do. Also listen to see if you hear a tonal change. No shame playing with 9s.

[stephenT]

D'Addario XL110, I buy the shop box which is a 25 pack. I like .010s on a conversion scale tele (24.75). Easy to bend, especially on a maple neck w/ highly buffed frets and fingerboard.

[ifret]

Elixir Nanoweb, HD Lights

[The Old Gaffer]

GHS Big Core Nickel Rockers 9.5 - 48.

[jp2558]

D’Addario 9-42 on my Fenders.
D’Addario 10-46 on my Gibsons.
Martin Authentic Acoustic 11’s on my GPC-35E and Takamine.
Martin Authentic Acoustic 12’s on my M-36.

[Pdfiddler]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Why do you use pure nickel? Is it for longevity or tonal considerations?

Love the tone
I use Gibson vintage nickels too.
Martin 13-56 Monel for acoustic

[s2y]

Elixer Nanoweb 10s on just about everything.

[A Wolf]

Varies per guitar, but my fall back is John Pearse Jazz lights #2600. These are nickel wound, (on hex cores—I’d be happier if they were round core) 11 to 50, with a wound 3rd. I love everything about these, and they are not premium.

For those who’ve asked, most strings labeled “nickel wound” are steel strings with nickel plating. Most “pure nickel” strings have nickel wraps (but of course still have steel cores). The Pearse are pure nickel wraps, even though the labeling might be confusing. Nickel strings have a more mellow sound than nickel plated steel, a bit less volume, and to my ears, an overall smoothness and tonal “purity” (I hated to use that word, but it’s the best I can come up with).

These are uncoated strings, which is a benefit in my opinion.

[Gordon Currie]

For years it was D'Addario 10s.

Now it is Elixir Nanoweb 12052 10s on 5 guitars.

For me, the gauge is more important than the manufacturer.