Hey fellow guitar enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you understand that the right set of strings can make or break your acoustic guitar’s tone and playability. We previously explored the best strings for electric guitars, and now it’s time to dive into the world of acoustic strings. Choosing the best strings for your acoustic guitar might seem overwhelming with so many options available, but don’t worry! With decades of experience as a recording engineer, producer, and guitar player, I’m here to share my insights and help you find the perfect strings to unlock your acoustic guitar’s full potential.
Which Strings are best should I buy For my acoustic guitar? 2018 2019 2020
Top Acoustic Guitar String Brands: Consistency and Reliability
Let’s kick things off by talking about brands. While numerous brands claim to offer the best acoustic guitar strings, only a few manufacturers actually produce them. Don’t be fooled by celebrity-endorsed packaging; those strings aren’t personally crafted by your guitar heroes! Instead of focusing solely on branding, prioritize quality and consistency. In my experience, a reliable acoustic guitar string brand delivers:
- Consistency: Each set performs predictably and up to standard.
- Dependable Ball Ends: Securely anchored ball ends prevent unraveling or breakage.
- Durability: Resistance to premature breakage under normal playing conditions.
- Longevity: Acceptable lifespan without excessive corrosion or tonal degradation.
Based on these crucial factors, three brands have consistently earned my trust over four decades of chasing great acoustic tone:
- D’Addario: Currently my top choice for both electric and acoustic guitars, D’Addario strings are known for their balanced tone, reliability, and wide variety.
- Cleartone: Cleartone strings stand out for their exceptional coating technology, providing extended life without compromising tone.
- Martin: While not my absolute number one, Martin strings are a dependable choice with a long history in the guitar world. It’s worth noting that Martin often sources their string manufacturing to other reputable companies.
Which Strings are best should I buy For my acoustic guitar? 2018 2019 2020
Understanding Acoustic Guitar String Gauge: Size Matters
Now, let’s tackle string gauge, or string size. It’s a common misconception that there’s a universal “best” gauge. The truth is, one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to acoustic guitar strings. Your ideal string gauge is deeply personal and depends on your playing style, guitar, and desired tone. However, some fundamental principles apply to string gauge selection:
- Heavier Gauge Strings and Larger Frets: Just like with electric guitars, heavier gauge strings generally pair well with larger frets. Think of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who used jumbo frets with heavy strings to achieve his powerful tone.
- Lighter Gauge Strings and Smaller Frets: Conversely, lighter gauge strings are more suited to guitars with smaller frets. Using very light strings on a guitar with large frets can actually make it harder to play in tune.
- Thicker Strings = Louder Sound: Heavier gauge strings produce a louder and fuller tone, but they require more finger strength and may necessitate higher action (string height).
- Thinner Strings = Easier Playability: Lighter gauge strings are easier on the fingers and hands, making them ideal for beginners or players who prioritize comfort and extended playing sessions. However, they generally produce a thinner and quieter sound.
General String Gauge Recommendations for Acoustic Guitar
Considering these factors, here are my general recommendations for acoustic string gauge:
- Medium to Medium-Light Gauge: If you seek the best balance of tone and playability for general use, medium to medium-light gauge strings are an excellent choice. They provide a rich sound without being overly taxing on your fingers.
- Light to Extra-Light Gauge: For extended playing sessions, especially in situations where the pure acoustic sound isn’t paramount (like amplified acoustic-electric gigs), light to extra-light gauge strings offer greater comfort and ease of playing.
- Avoid Heavy Gauge: Unless you are specifically tuning down significantly and understand the potential risks, avoid heavy gauge strings on most acoustic guitars. Heavy strings can exert excessive tension, potentially damaging the bridge and neck of your instrument. Many manufacturers, like Martin, explicitly warn against using heavy gauge strings on their standard acoustic guitars.
Acoustic Guitar String Materials: Bronze, Phosphor Bronze, and Coated Options
Material composition significantly impacts the tone and lifespan of acoustic guitar strings. The standard construction for non-classical acoustic guitar strings involves plain steel for the unwound strings (typically the high E, B, and G strings) and a bronze or phosphor bronze wrap wire around a steel core for the wound strings (usually the low E, A, and D strings).
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80/20 Bronze Strings: Often referred to as simply “bronze” strings or 80/20 bronze (referring to the 80% copper and 20% zinc alloy), these strings deliver a bright, brilliant, and vibrant tone. They are fantastic for recording sessions where you want maximum clarity and sparkle. However, pure bronze strings tarnish relatively quickly, losing their initial brilliance after a short period.
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Phosphor Bronze Strings: Phosphor bronze strings incorporate a small amount of phosphorus into the bronze alloy. This addition slows down the tarnishing process, extending the string’s lifespan compared to 80/20 bronze. Phosphor bronze strings offer a warmer, slightly less bright tone than 80/20 bronze. While they don’t initially possess the same high-end shimmer as fresh bronze strings, they maintain their tone for longer, making them a good compromise for players who want longevity without the hassle of frequent string changes.
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Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings: Coated strings represent a significant advancement in acoustic string technology. Early coated strings suffered from poor feel and flaking issues. However, modern polymer coatings have dramatically improved the performance of coated strings. For acoustic guitars, where string tone is crucial, coated strings present a compelling option. You essentially have two choices: change uncoated strings very frequently to maintain optimal tone, or use coated strings for extended life. I personally prefer coated strings on my acoustic guitars because they offer a practical balance between tone and longevity, especially for players with multiple instruments or demanding playing schedules. While the coating may slightly reduce the initial brightness compared to uncoated strings, the extended lifespan and consistent tone make them a worthwhile investment. I typically opt for coated 80/20 bronze strings to retain as much brightness as possible while benefiting from the coating’s protective qualities.
Material Summary: Choosing the Right Acoustic String Material
- 80/20 Bronze: Brightest tone, ideal for recording, shortest lifespan. Change frequently for best results.
- Phosphor Bronze: Warmer tone, longer lifespan than 80/20 bronze, a good balance for many players.
- Coated Strings: Prolonged string life, consistent tone, slightly less initial brightness, excellent for longevity and convenience.
Exploring “Esoteric” Acoustic Guitar String Options
Beyond the standard string types, a few “alternative” or “esoteric” acoustic string options are worth considering, although some may be more marketing hype than genuine innovation.
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Flexible Core (Silk and Steel) Strings: Strings like Martin’s Silk and Steel strings (Flex Core SP) feature a softer core construction. These strings offer a uniquely comfortable and “luxurious” feel, making them incredibly easy on the fingers. While they might not be ideal for all playing situations, they are fantastic for extended solo acoustic performances or players seeking maximum comfort.
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Cryogenic Treated Strings: Cryogenic treatment involves super-cooling strings in liquid nitrogen. While some claim this improves tone and longevity, my experience with cryogenic-treated acoustic strings has been unfavorable. I’ve found them to sound harsh and brittle.
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Balanced Tension Sets: These string sets feature slightly adjusted gauges across the set to create a more even tension feel across all strings. If you prefer a more balanced feel under your fingers, balanced tension sets are worth exploring, but the tonal difference is often minimal.
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Unusually Hard Metals (Stainless Steel, Titanium, Chrome): Acoustic strings made from exceptionally hard metals like stainless steel, titanium, or chrome generally produce a harsh and unappealing tone in my experience. Furthermore, excessively hard string materials can accelerate fret wear. I advise against using these types of strings on acoustic guitars.
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“Boutique” Strings from Micro-Manufacturers: While I appreciate boutique products in many areas, guitar strings are one exception. Consistency is paramount for guitar strings. Large-scale manufacturers with precision CNC machinery can achieve far greater consistency in string winding and quality control than smaller boutique operations. For acoustic strings, reliability and consistent performance outweigh the allure of boutique branding.
There you have it – my four decades of acoustic string experience condensed into this guide! Feel free to disagree or share your own string preferences in the comments below.
