Strings

[woodelf]

I need to by some new acoustic strings for my guitar, but I haven't bought any since the days of Cathedral Strings and because it's only recently since I took up playing again, the need is there. I only play for my own pleasure and my guitar is nothing special. I know that strings these days are gauged, so could someone give me some good ideas as what to get, so I don't sound like an idiot when I go to buy them. Ta Muchly.

[Dr Wu]

The exact phrase you're looking for is:

"set of bronze tens please mate"

unless it's a female serving in which case adapt accordingly!

Basically that's 0.010 strings, most common gauge for acoustics

[woodelf]

Hi again Dr Wu - but what if she likes being called mate?...anyway back to the strings. Ta for that info, but any make of string or a name one would be helpful to ask for.

[Schutzengel]

Hello Woodelf. Glad to see you back again. Hope you are keeping well. Regards. Schutz.

[Dr Wu]

Most guitar shops sell Martins.

They will do the job just fine!

[woodelf]

Hi Schutz, I'm fine - and for anyone from body and soul, I'm still off the fags - got any guitar string info you wanna impart Schutz or is this just a nice visit?...smile.

[Schutzengel]

Hi Woodelf. Yes it's just a nice visit. It's great that you're still not smoking, how long is it now. Was it hard to give up. Was there anything you did, or used to help with the cravings. I really need to give it a go. Schutz.

[woodelf]

Thanks Dr Wu for the Martins info. Schutz, I gave up near the end of Feb and I've been using 24 hour patches Nicquitex or summat like that, but have now had to use the ciggie-type inhaler the Nicoreeter or even more summat like that, when the cravings get worse...I'm usually OK during the day, it's the hours between 7 and 11 that are the worse. I hope you succeed (and yet not, cos I could really do with a ciggie)...smile.

[terambulan]

There are 6 strings 1-E, 2-A, 3-D, 4-G, 5-B, 6-E.

I suggest you buy gut or nylon strings if you're a beginner as its easier on the skin of fingers.

[woodelf]

Hi Teram, it's OK, I know my way about the geetar, it's only that it's been so long since I bought new ones and they've changed since then and I use steel strings, but this time I'll have to keep playing as the Ouch! gets worse every time I stop and restart...smile.

[Mortartube]

I personally favour D'Addario strings. Didn't like Martins at all.

[terambulan]

Mine are Augustine - bought in Spain. Dont forget a clipping your nails on the left hand.....please no pony tails!

[woodelf]

What didn't you like about the Martins mortar - and yeah, teram I do clip my left fingernails...also my left pony tail too....smile.

[ludwig]

This is a really good site, and there's advice here on what to buy.

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/pages/what_to_b uy

[woodelf]

Thanks to all you guys for your help. Just got back from shopping and bought a set of D'Addario strings...bronze 12s Dr Wu...and the guy selling 'em was very knowledgeable and to those who advised me on another thread re capos, I had to get a Shubb C2 for nylon strings, as my fretboard is flat and a Shubb C1B had too much of a curve. Anyway, Thanks All.

[Mortartube]

The Martins seemed quite dead compared to the D'Addarios IMHO. Wasn't so keen on the sound.

You will also notice D'Addario put different coloured ferrules on the ends of the strings which helps when putting them on the guitar. Especially if you drop a few and they come out of their packets, like I did once. Lol

Happy strumming.

[woodelf]

Yeah Mortar, it's a good idea by D'Addarino to colour code their strings as my partner didn't know which was what and now they're on, it sounds like I've got a new guitar...almost...a really nice sound.

[Sachs]

Hi woodelf!
what music do you like? x

[woodelf]

Hi Sachs, you ready for this?...Tim Buckley, Bridget St John, Incredible String Band, Third Ear Band, Mississippi John Hurt, John Fahey, most Beatles, some Moody Blues, Delays, Nick Drake, early John Martyn, recent Martin Simpson, Lol Robinson, some Bob Dylan, some L Cohen...and others that I've heard but only like bits and pieces - but Tim Buckley is my bestest singer. Any there you like Sachs?

[Sachs]

O.k wood!
I confess I have'nt heard of a few of them! Like the Beatles, Moody Blues/ Dylan.

[Sachs]

How about Clapton woodelf?