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Acoustic Guitar String Buying Guide

By Sweetwater
Acoustic Guitar String Buying Guide

The importance of acoustic guitar strings

Acoustic guitar strings are the heart of the instrument. You can’t play without them. They can also make a big difference in your sound. Bright or mellow, loud or soft, your strings help define the tone of your instrument. At the most basic level, a guitar string’s vibration is what produces the sound, so it would stand to reason that a string and all the things that go into its makeup have a significant bearing on the tone. There are so many choices of gauge, material, and brand that it can be confusing. What we hope to do here is to give you the tools to choose the best string for you.

String gauges

… a player who says, “I use 12s” means that the gauge of the first string is .012.

Ball Ends

An important element in both the tone and playability of your guitar, string gauge (how “heavy” or “light” your strings are) can make a real difference in your sound. Gauge refers to the thickness of the string. Usually players will refer to the size of the first string (the high E in standard tuning) when referencing their gauge preference. For example, a player who says, “I use 12s” means that the gauge of the first string is .012. An average light acoustic set runs between .012 and .053.

So how does gauge come into play when you’re choosing strings? Typically, the thicker the string, the more string tension; the more string tension, the harder it will be to fret. Some players have been known to use unusually large strings, but it’s not advisable to jump up to one of these gauges until you’ve played for a while and developed calluses. And it should be noted that switching gauges can cause your guitar’s neck to need adjustment due to more or less string tension.

String construction

There’s really not a whole lot to a guitar string, but all the individual components come together to create the lifeblood of your sound. Running through the middle of the string is a metal core wire. The core wire is affixed to a brass ferrule (commonly called the “ball end”), and the ball end is what typically holds the string on to the bridge. Around the metal core wire is another round wrap wire, which is the part that your fingers press against the fingerboard. All of these pieces combine to produce the type of sound that the different kinds of strings can make. More on that later.

Core

Core

The typical guitar string core is made from steel. The core is the center of the string. Windings go around the core to create larger, wound strings. The two basic cores are round and hex. Round cores offer a fatter, vintage-like tone that is balanced and more flexible. Hex cores, the most common type of core, “hold” on to the windings better giving you a brighter sound, more consistent performance, and stiffer tension.

Materials

On a typical acoustic guitar, the higher-pitched strings will be plain steel, like those found on an electric guitar.

Acoustic guitar strings come in two basic varieties: phosphor bronze or an 80/20 bronze. Phosphor bronze strings are bronze strings with phosphor added to the alloy. They produce a slightly warmer tone, and they tend to last longer. The 80/20 bronze strings are named as such due to the 80% copper and 20% zinc that make up the alloy. On a typical acoustic guitar, the higher-pitched strings will be plain steel, like those found on an electric guitar.

  • Phosphor Bronze – slightly warmer tone
  • 80/20 Bronze – brighter sound

Coating

Coating

Coated strings are also available, which simply means that a super-thin coat is applied to the string to help prevent corrosion from sweat and oils. Coated strings tend to last much longer than uncoated strings but are also more expensive.

  • Coated Strings – are resistant to corrosion and last longer

How often should I change my strings?

If a bright, glossy “zing” is what you’re after, then you’ll probably change strings more often.

This is a question with a different answer for almost every guitar player. Some players find that once or twice a month is often enough, while others may go a year or more without requiring a change of strings. It ultimately depends a lot on the individual’s preferences. If a bright, glossy “zing” is what you’re after, then you’ll probably change strings more often. Each guitar player produces salts, acids, oils, and a wide variety of other chemicals normally released in sweat, so if you’re frequently playing live onstage in hot clubs or halls, then you’ll probably have to change strings more often than someone who only plays in a studio environment. Veteran players typically carry several sets of new strings with them and always wipe down the fingerboard well with a dry cloth after every gig to help extend their string life.

What to look for

Determine if you need to change strings

Are your strings in need of changing? If they look dirty or rusty, change them. If they sound dull, it’s time to change them as well.

What kind of strings?

Try out 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze on your acoustic and notice the sonic differences. Also give coated strings a shot and see if you appreciate the feel and the extra longevity they provide. The best suggestion we can offer is to try different types of strings and see what you like the best.

bridge-strings

Gauge?

Lighter gauge strings are easier on your fingers, which is especially important for newer players. If you’re going to move up to heavier gauge strings, be prepared that you might need to adjust your action to compensate for string tension.

SHOP ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS

For more information about acoustic guitar strings, just give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 !

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