General Music Chat

Ernie Balls are awesome strings. I switched to Dean Markleys because Eanie Balls are indeed hard to find.

ZXYZ - tell me how do you deal with lightest strings. When I used 8/38 it seem to sharp a bit when I hold the notes because the string caves in between the frets.

This actually a question to everybody. What tension you guys use and why?

We will have to agree to disagree! It's all personal taste in the end, but I've not played a Charvel or Jackson that I really liked (that much).
I did play a friend's san dimas a few years ago, just handed it back like 'meh'...

I know...

Even he was like "WHA?!?!".. I was like "it's okay.. but certainly no kramer stagemaster or anything..." lol

lol
Maybe you were just hypnotized at some point by a former Kramer share holder, or sumpin.

AlexanderN, I use 10/46, or 10/48. Sometimes 9/46. Nothing lighter than 9.
As for why... the heavier the guage, the better the tone. At least to my ears.
But I cant go too heavy cuz I'm a wimp.
I like 11/52, but it makes lead work too hard.

Ernie Balls are awesome strings. I switched to Dean Markleys because Eanie Balls are indeed hard to find.

ZXYZ - tell me how do you deal with lightest strings. When I used 8/38 it seem to sharp a bit when I hold the notes because the string caves in between the frets.

This actually a question to everybody. What tension you guys use and why?

I'm a Slinky 9's fan.

Ernie Balls are awesome strings. I switched to Dean Markleys because Eanie Balls are indeed hard to find.

ZXYZ - tell me how do you deal with lightest strings. When I used 8/38 it seem to sharp a bit when I hold the notes because the string caves in between the frets.

This actually a question to everybody. What tension you guys use and why?

I user GHS Boomers, 9/42 (? think, I just ask for standards). You are right about 8's... only beginners should use them to build their strength at first, then move off them as quickly as possible.. especially the slinkys, simply because anything more than the slightest bit of pressure will bend the note and make you sound bad.

I personally would use 10's, but I have CTS, so I have to take it easy

I like the GHS strings just because of their vibrancy, and the tension on them seems slightly different than other brands, once I got used to them (took a couple of weeks), they felt perfect.

The last time I was in the music shop over in Longview Tx. they had enough Ernie Ball strings of all variety to last till Aarmageddon.
I currenty use D'Addario Nickle Wound XL'S (.010-.046)

I had been told that there are only two maybe three actual manufacturers of strings, and many "Name Brand" distributors.
Who knows?

D'Addario EXL 110 (10-46) Standard/ Drop D (on 24 3/4" scale)
D'Addario EXL 116 (11-52) Drop C (on 25.5" scale)

I really don't think setting up a guitar is THAT hard that you can't do it yourself with a little research and/or instruction.

Eventually, you can do it without measurement devices. Remember, it's really a FEEL thing anyway.

The only part I don't mess with is setting nut depth...but once it's done right...you don't need to mess with it again...till you need a new nut.

Patience, and SMALL adjustments are key.

ZXYZ - tell me how do you deal with lightest strings. When I used 8/38 it seem to sharp a bit when I hold the notes because the string caves in between the frets.

Yeh it can be a problem. I had to 're-train' myself years ago to play lightly (even on heavy metal-lol) and not push down too hard on the strings or it will de-tune. I still do it everyonce in a while . Its a practice, practice thing and took some time for me. Yeh 8/38 Extra Slinkys are what I use. I really liked the Ernie Ball Stainless Steel strings (good sound I thought) but I cant find them anymore. Maybe they're in Texas--Hey Sans!!