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  • String selection recommendations

    Posted by TJ…Tom on August 22, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    My guitar came from the factory with the top three bass strings wrapped in metal and the others all nylon. Like the sound and feel as a beginner but want to change out strings. Is this the standard setup for acoustical guitars?

    Any recommendations about type of strings, weight/gauge good quality etc. would be appreciated. Thanks

    TJ…Tom replied 1 year, 7 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • petelanger

    Member
    August 22, 2024 at 5:31 pm

    Often the lowest 4 strings are wrapped and the the top 2 plain steel. But there are all kinds of setups. Also, if you buy a lower end guitar it might have very cheap strings that you can just throw away, I did this with my knock-off Strat. Didn’t waste time unwinding them, just took wire cutters and got rid of them quickly.

    If after a few weeks of first stretching, tuning and playing your guitar you find that it still goes out of tune quickly, then maybe your strings are no bueno.

    I can’t speak to the gauge of strings especially without any info on the make and model of guitar, but even if you supplied that somebody else may be a lot more qualified than I am. I bought my first guitar in January and my second 2 weeks ago! I have heard Ernie Ball Strings are often a popular choice.

    I would do an online search on your guitar and try to find a reputable guy on YouTube who can speak about how to set up your guitar.

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  petelanger.
    • This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  petelanger.
  • DiscostewLA

    Member
    August 22, 2024 at 5:36 pm

    If the guitar is a classical guitar you’ll want to stick with classical/nylon strings. If it’s a steel-string guitar, I tend to hear the most positive things about Elixir Nanoweb and D’Addario XS. I started using the Elixirs and then switched to the D’Addarios and love them. I change them every 2-4 months (and play ~20-30m most days).

    For beginngers, I’d suggest starting with ‘custom light’ or ‘extra lights’ which will be easier on the fingers and then maybe work your way up to the lights.

    https://www.daddario.com/products/guitar/acoustic-guitar/xs-phosphor-bronze/

  • TJ…Tom

    Member
    August 22, 2024 at 7:18 pm

    I appreciate the help, thanks a bunch!

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