Guitar strings

[Johnny Doe]

Hello,

Was just wondering if any of you guitarists out there could help me with a problem. I need to restring my acoustic and was wondering if i could use the same type of strings that i have on my electric. They are Ernie Ball 'Super Slinky' nickel wound strings. I started using them on my electric by accident but have grown used to this type of string and feel very comfortable with them, would these work on an acoustic guitar? I've never had to restring an acoustic before!

Thanks.

[spoonmuppet]

I do exactly that. I even use Ernie Ball 'Super Slinky' strings. The strings will affect the sound of the acoustic, but not necessarily in a bad way.

[Johnny Doe]

Thats exactly what i wanted to hear, I'm expecting a slight drop off in bass volume on the low strings. I was mainly worried about tension causing the neck to warp. cheers for the help spoonmuppet.

[saxy_jag]

What type of acoustic do you have? If it's a folk/rock etc acoustic that's had steel strings from new, then fine. But if what you've got came supplied with nylon strings, then get the neck checked out before you try.

If a guitar's built to have steel strings, then the neck will have a metal strengthening rod through it to help it take the strain. Most classical style guitars aren't - putting on steel strings and bringing them up to tension carries a strong risk of twisting, warping or evening splitting the neck.

[j2buttonsw]

Electric guitar strings do not (generally) have a wound G which affects the tone (IMO). Try the custom lights acoustic guitar strings with a light top 3 (11 top E) but heavy lower 3 (52 bottom E). Agree with above, don't put steel strings on a classical/nylon string guitar.

[Johnny Doe]

Thanks guys, the acoustic is an epiphone (do'nt know what model) which i bought from a friend. It has got metal strings on it already so i know it can handle metal strings. I was just wondering if they are metal strings specially designed for acoustics or if any nickel strings will do. Just checked and it seems to have a wound G-string so i guess that will be one difference in putting on regular nickel strings.