DIY: How to Choose Acoustic Guitar Strings

[@maxhighstein]

Wow. Thank you for changing the strings on your guitar *so many times,* and making such a tight comparison video!

[@theoeclipse4930]

At double speed the difference is more noticable. Silver-plated Silk copper windigs, Steel Core - 2:19, 3:12, 4:16, 5:30, 6:07 Phosphor Bronze Wrap Wire, High Carbon Steel Core - 2:29, 3:25, 4:26, 5:09, 5:37, 6:16 Nikel-Plated Phosphor Bronze Wrap Wire, NY Steel Core - 2:40, 3:37, 4:35, 5:13, 5:44, 6:26 80/20 Bronze Wrap Wire and Fusion Twist, NY Steel Core - 2:50. 3:49, 4:45, 5:18, 5:51, 6:35 XS Coating, Phosphor Bronze Wrap & Fusion Twist, NY Steel Core - 3:00, 4:02, 4:54, 5:22, 5:58, 6:44

[@PemaWangchuk12]

I used to play the phosphor bronze light gauge. The XS here convinced me to switch but I didn't feel I was getting the same brilliance. Then it struck me that in the focus on the strings I had forgotten about the Taylor. It's a rough awakening sometimes being poor.

[@0megalul309]

yamaha LS' are affordable and good sounding.

[@FOURTEEFIVE]

K

[@chrishammonds72]

I switched from elixirs to the D’addario XS about 6 months ago and prefer them now to any others I’ve tried. More warmer earthier tone and they don’t flake off like elixirs. So far I’ve had a set on for 5 months and they still sound great

[@AlonsoAL5]

Do you change all your strings when one breaks?

[@phrogtesem9410]

@@AlonsoAL5 I am in a similar predicament but if your strings are relatively new, you could buy just a single string as a replacement. If your strings are 4 months old but you play a lot, then you can consider changing all of them. I think the former option is more practical.

[@nedim_guitar]

D'Addario XS sound the best to me. I think... Silk & Steel aren't bad either. I just like the articulation of strings that don't sound very warm and mellow. Also, fun to hear Porcupine Tree in an example!

[@xser4321]

Ayoooo In Flames Come Clarity was a super nice surprise!

[@Memoxor]

hahaha i was looking for this comment! :D yeah a what a surprised

[@OscarBenben]

Nickel bronze !!!

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

That was fantastic! With the exception of the last set, I liked attributes of each. I must say however, that they were all more squeaky than I would want.

[@aegnir]

Just saving for clearer comparison 02:19 02:29 02:39 02:50 03:00 3:13 3:25 3:37 3:49 4:02 4:17 4:26 4:35 4:44 4:54 5:05 5:09 5:13 5:18 5:22 5:30 5:37 5:44 5:51 5:58 6:07 6:16 6:25 6:35 6:44

[@scaleonkhan183]

THANK YOU

[@bianxah3077]

I love the Porcupine Tree you slipped in there!! Great album by a great band!

[@RebornLeveller]

Interesting. I must admit I had always thought the thicker gage strings generally created a louder, richer tone, but this video does appear to prove otherwise. To me the silk & steel 11/47 sounded better and louder than the Flat-tops Phosphor Bronze 12/53 - and better than all the others too. I think I started out with D'Addario 12/53, but then switched to D'Addario 10/47, which were great for me. Although I have a bad habit of pressing down too hard (possibly due to originally learning on a cheap classical with really high action), so last week I bought some Super light 9/45, which I'm not getting on well with at all, they sound way too metallic for my liking, with very little bass in the thicker strings. And I seem to be too heavy handed for them - out of habit still pressing down too hard, thus bending the thinner strings horribly out of tune. I may now give the 11/47 a try as they sounded the best to me in your video. As an aside, may I ask what you were playing at 6:07 ? It's beautiful and sounds familiar but I can't quite place it.

[@tylerdunson202]

I got a “Rain” by Hollywood Undead vibe

[@JessifurC]

A lot of similarities to "I will follow you into the dark"

[@Doowopsid]

Love these string comparison videos. Your was very well done. Thanks

[@RobertGraefeMusic]

Loved that you played a Porcupine Tree tune. Put a smile on my face, thanks for that! :)

[@paulb9156]

Very helpful video.

[@axiomaddict]

Big help. I’m going to return to Silk and Steels. I’ve been using phosphor bronze my last three sets. They don’t last much longer than the S&S’s so may as well play what I like. Again, thanks.

[@jamiem1]

The last set sounded best to my ears with my preferences

[@DarylRamage]

This is a great string comparison video. That was just what I was looking for. Thank you very much.

[@themeadowlarkminutewithpau8184]

IN FLAMES 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Come Clarity around 3:00 Nice surprise!

[@Draxnar_of_Mischief]

Is the song you start playing at 3:13 the intro to in Flames - come clarity ? It was driving me crazy I was sure I knew it but was having a hell of a time thinking of where I knew it from for 10 minutes then a few stray braincells sparked and Come Clarity popped into my head

[@thedrearybrain]

D'addario XS Strings are the greatest.

[@C00Ltuber]

Come Clarity at 3:12 Wow, I didn't think anyone else remembered that song

[@sakidickerson]

In flames right

[@Draxnar_of_Mischief]

Yea what an amazing album cover to cover. Back in 06 - 07 me and my friends would listen to the whole cd every time we got into my car it played like 1 masterpiece of a song, each track seamlessly going into the next. Hell it was so good I went to my local record shop and bought it instead of getting it on The Pirate Bay for free haha

[@philbertius]

Hey I have the same guitar, perfect test video for me! Playin her since 2010, she's a beaut!

[@noasolart]

Thank you for restringing so many times, also ty!!! for the different song genres

[@Brykk]

Great comparison video. Thank you.

[@notbraindead7298]

Excellent educational video!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I've never found strings that I prefer over Daddario XS

[@pikelalengmawialimboo1061]

Nice.... appreciate the hard work behind this...👍

[@fredmanteghian5913]

I play with my fingers, no pick. I love playing my Taylor 526e into an acoustic amp. But I can always hear the skin of my picking hand on the strings. The louder the amp, the more I hear it. I’m not taking about sliding sound of your fretting hand. That’s on me. I can control that. It’s the noise of my skin on the strings when I pick. What string could you recommend? I was thinking flat wounds, but what do you think? And what formula?

[@carmineanastasio]

Good morning. I recommend not playing through the amp especially if you are at home. However, in a band context, you probably will not hear the noise if playing through an amp. When playing through an amp, it may be because the strings are new, or bright. If you want to try new strings, D’Addario Nickel Bronze, or Martin Retro are known for not being bright.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@carmineanastasio or maybe Flatwound Strings

[@yoshiisland4467]

Try to cut 2Khz with an equalizer pedal

[@Windiguana]

Sink and steel are so good for finger style

[@kristenkillen]

I've only used cheap earnie ball medium bronze strings on my epiphone jumbo since I got it but, I'm looking to find a good (perhaps different gauge) of string to compliment my slightly smokier/raspy voice. I have a very low voice for a woman (think Tracy Chapman) and I'm sick of being embarrassed by it. I'd like to start playing more to my strengths than trying to hide behind the loud chords on a jumbo guitar. Hearing the different string pitches helps me narrow down my choices a little but, it's just a guessing game for me. Any suggestions for new strings would be greatly appreciated.

[@booyahsbbq]

My brain going “In Flames?!”

[@clevensanders9286]

Like the fast sharp pick sounds.

[@Jp421JP]

Is there some technique you use to minimize the pick attack sound in your recording? Sounds great.

[@christianjmyhre]

Would you ever use medium gauge on a 414ce? What type of users would be drawn to medium gauge on a 414ce?

[@jeffrey12362]

Anyone know the song he plays at 5:30 ?

[@pjdilans1]

Wow thanks. I'm a total beginner and I was told silk steel would be more comfortable to play.... I had worried there would be some sort of tone trade off... but judging by this video they sound really bright and lively. Thanks for the video its huge help.

[@premierguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@stephanbrilmayer5427]

Great comparison and very interesting results. Thank you very much!

[@Thirddoortohell]

5:30 Song❤?

[@fatpoorvagrant3662]

I am torn between #3 and #4. The second set came in third for the tone I like.

[@555MrCrick3t666]

The In Flames riff caught me off guard

[@Stoagman1]

Thank you for this video. Much appreciated.

[@KingsleyDias]

Thankyou for making these video

[@premierguitar]

Glad you like them!

[@lmarquezgiron]

It’s hard for guitarists change their strings. I’m a faithful elixir string user but those addarios sound great

[@smacnamee595]

Well done good video lad

[@Ian-tk3rq]

Great video, beautiful played. And helpful. Thank you 👍

[@monssigvardsson]

Come Clarity!

[@capedukewuhaha]

Nice Come Clarity version! Haven't heard that tune in years

[@themeadowlarkminutewithpau8184]

🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪😻😻😻

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

You could also use Flatwound Strings so that the frets won't get scratched.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

or ask for a stainless steel refret whenever the guitar needs a refret :)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@Mr.Goldbar Flatwounds would really sound interesting on Acoustic Guitars

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 yeah, but maybe more in a Jazz context. For my style I need the high frequencies of rounds

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@Mr.Goldbar True but Magma makes special Phosphor Bronze Recording Flatwound Strings that sound like their round wound counterparts.

[@sivashankarantyakula7518]

Great work

[@premierguitar]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kerby2333]

Thank you for making this video, helped me choose with ease 🙂

[@johnathongraham7222]

0:20 who’s here?

[@Jimmy07413]

Was not expecting you to play fear of a blank planet haha awesome and great video.

[@Flongsky]

I like it

[@swaminathanmanikandan691]

Bronze or stainless, which one is best???

[@TQAET]

i just grabbed a guitar that was next to a dumpster with very little damage, just the e string and a tuning peg for the g string missing. im not even interested in guitars, but im willing to learn it.

[@dhirenjazz8100]

Nice info, can you please let me know which one strings should I buy for acoustic guitar for better resonant sound quality????????

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

D'addarios xt for me

[@michaelgao8621]

I have a Taylor Custom 224ce-K-DLX and I use Martin Treated 2.0 MA540T, and D’Addario XS to play Jazz Blues. But I don’t use Elixirs

[@sarfthesurfer]

Which type and string gauge will give me the best mid range?

[@Threedaysextension]

D'addario XS or the flat top for me

[@richardrichmore8251]

Those last 3...wow...especially the last

[@buskman3286]

FWIW, I discovered MANY years ago that my acoustic guitars sounded their best when NOT using the same brand of strings all the time. I could clearly hear an improvement in the sound if, for example, after using one brand of 12/53 PBs for a a while, I switched to a different brand of 12/53 PBs. After using that brand for several string changes, then switch back. Several string changes later, make the switch again. I have to admit that I thought the sound improvement might have been all in my head UNTIL a couple of years ago I ran across a video wherein Tommy Emmanuel said the same thing! So either it really does make a difference OR it's all in his head too. :)

[@brucearmstrong6838]

80/20 Bronze.

[@harisveeroli]

EJ 40🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TraVenKrofT]

Opeth riff?

[@chraffis]

The d'addarios sounded best.🙄

[@dollsteak020]

i used to use d'addarios for a gooooddd amount of time but then i broke a string and my roommate had an extra set of Elixirs & lord they changed my life & changed the game lmaoo. elixirs compared to d'addario's now, to me at least, sound soooo much more open & wide if ykwim? d'addarios sound a bit dull to me now i guess.

[@BHHartman]

They always do. Edit: oh, I get it lol

[@DrPhilGoode]

No way man. The d’addarios sounded better.

[@jamiem1]

@chraffis Correction: The last D'Addarios sounded best

[@sixfoursoul2538]

this video should be renamed how to choose the best, the best D addario strings

[@jimmyperinientertainment2832]

I have a new tach parlor GY93e it sounds tinny can I make it warmer and get a better tone acoustically ? I hate the sound now .

[@aidanwhaley5678]

3:50 what is that rift dude oml

[@mackimack2299]

In flames- Come Clarity

[@itsjavaman]

Well, you said nothing about tension on the neck or the bridge!

[@sangitajain5423]

Tell me the conclusion

[@coyotethekindred83]

What about acoustic-electric guitars?

[@s.m.1249]

???? What was that? I thought you are comparing Light Medium Heavy Strings…. What did the tiny picture represent?

[@jj-hb8cy]

Can you send me those tabs!

[@AvroBellow]

I just buy the cheapest set of twelves that I can find and use them. I have never been unhappy with any strings that I have purchased. Sure, there are some differences in tone but I think that the gauge has a much bigger impact on the sound than the brand of strings. It's not rocket science, it's a goddamn guitar string! 😁

[@DaveKarloff]

Anyone recommend 0010's - 0050's ?

[@sarpozturk6511]

FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

[@wenruigao3862]

Daddario Xt and Xs both $15 strings, but Xt hears more muted than Xs

[@raphaelbellido8849]

Oh my GOD!! You are one of the.!!!!😊

[@kgpaint]

Nice playing but the microphone stand is in the way of seeing your chords.

[@RobVanDam1591]

Ok. Do this again but with other string brands so it's not bias.

[@silkroad1201]

How to choose guitar strings for your acoustic: Step 1: grab the Elixirs and purchase them at checkout Step 2: (there is no step 2)

[@pampoovey6722]

If you're just playing at home or with friends then you always want the extra lights. They will never tell you this because they sound sexy like this guy. And he's playing on a really good guitar that you can't afford. AVOID

[@jwandhistools]

Phosphor bronze every time.

[@jacoberler5622]

I want strings that won’t get old fast

[@WorshipGuitarist4life17]

Chapter 7 i feel like has the loudest/worst squeak

[@WorshipGuitarist4life17]

Or nickel bronze

[@roscoewiese2289]

WHO IS HERE???

[@GuitarSpotGr]

🥳

[@guitarists_no_69]

Finnally i can play wonderwall but little better 💀

[@keithbertschin1213]

Jeez man, slow down, give the viewer a chance

[@TheGoonson]

It's just not the same. With electric it's just different. With electric, I strap up and after about three B's I'm already standing up and walking around and cranking up the distortion . With acoustic, it's a lazy man's guitar after having too many beers. He's found the couch and behind the arm rest he spots it and now it's time to show off. Never even stand up , just sit on the edge of the seat. When I play acoustic, can't help but think to myself " I'm not going anywhere" . " Pretty soon I'll be that drunk guy at the BBQ". Rather just get the electric.

[@Nickreds20]

Good comparison! But I'd advice to you that you dropped all the Wikipedia reading, lol. I can tell you're reading everything you're saying and it gets kind of robotic and unnatural.

[@DavisStanley]

You can 1000% tell he’s reading a script and it feels very unprofessional

[@xdx2653]

τι χορδες να βαλω στην ακουστικη μου??παρολο που εχω κατεβασει τις χορδες αρκετα χαμηλα με την βεργα εξακολουθει να μου κοβουν τα δαχτυλα οι χορδες...υπαρχει κατι να κανω.??0.11 extra light βαζω παντα

[@xdx2653]

in flames :)

[@GuitaristThomas07]

Does anyone know what he played at 6:06 is called. I forgot the name...

[@Aa_KiRa]

Took forever to find but did it for you:3 "tash sultana notion acoustic"