Guitar Strings & More

Guitar Strings

Music Mart has a massive selection of guitar strings along with other Instrument strings. Let us know if you need help restringing your instrument. We have a full service guitar repair service.

Types of Guitar Strings

Strings come in various types, each designed for different kinds of guitars—acoustic, electric, and classical/nylon. The type of string you choose greatly impacts the tone, feel, and durability of your guitar’s sound. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the right strings to match your playing style.

1. Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic strings are usually made from bronze or phosphor bronze, and they produce the sound through the guitar’s hollow body. The most common materials used for acoustic guitar strings are:

  • 80/20 Bronze: Made of 80% copper and 20% zinc, these strings have a bright, crisp tone. They’re commonly used for strumming and provide a shimmering high end, though they tend to lose their brightness faster than other materials.

  • Phosphor Bronze: These strings have a warmer, more balanced tone compared to 80/20 bronze, with more emphasis on midrange frequencies. Phosphor bronze strings are also more resistant to corrosion, making them a longer-lasting option.

D’Addario, Elixir, and Martin are popular brands for acoustic strings:

  • D’Addario Phosphor Bronze: Known for their rich, warm tone and long-lasting performance.
  • Elixir Nanoweb Coated: Famous for their coated strings, Elixir’s acoustic strings are ideal for players who want longevity and a bright, consistent tone.
  • Martin Lifespan: Martin’s acoustic strings are known for producing a full, warm tone and are designed for durability.

2. Electric Guitar

Electric strings are usually made from materials like nickel-plated steel or pure nickel, which interact with the guitar’s pickups to produce sound.

  • Nickel-Plated Steel: These strings offer a bright, balanced tone with good output and are popular across many genres, from rock to blues. Nickel-plated steel strings are known for being versatile, combining brightness with a smooth feel.

  • Pure Nickel: These strings have a warmer, vintage tone and are commonly used by players who want a mellower sound, especially in blues and jazz.

Popular brands for electric strings include D’Addario, Ernie Ball, and Elixir:

  • Ernie Ball Slinky: These strings are famous for their bright tone and ease of playability, favored by rock and metal players.
  • D’Addario XL Nickel: One of the most popular electric string sets, known for their consistency and long-lasting tone.
  • Elixir Optiweb: Elixir’s coated electric strings last longer and provide a smooth playing experience with a bright tone that maintains its clarity over time.

3. Nylon/ Classical Guitar

Nylon strings are used on classical and flamenco guitars. Unlike steel strings, they offer a softer, mellower tone, perfect for fingerpicking and classical playing styles. They are often made from nylon or a mix of nylon and silver-plated copper for the bass strings (lower three strings).

  • Clear Nylon: Produces a bright, crisp tone. These are the most commonly used treble strings (the upper three strings).
  • Rectified Nylon: These strings are ground to create a more consistent surface, offering a more mellow tone and increased control.

Popular brands for nylon strings include D’Addario and Savarez:

  • D’Addario Pro-Arte: These are high-quality classical guitar strings, known for their smooth, balanced tone and reliability.
  • Savarez: Known for their precision and warmth, Savarez strings are favored by classical guitarists for their expressive qualities.

Popular String Brands

Several major brands dominate the guitar string market, each offering unique advantages for different players.

  • D’Addario: Known for their wide range of string options across electric, acoustic, and classical guitars, D’Addario strings are celebrated for their consistency and rich tone. Their Phosphor Bronze and Nickel Wound strings are industry standards.

  • Ernie Ball: Renowned for their Slinky series of electric guitar strings, Ernie Ball is popular with rock and metal players for their bright tone and flexibility.

  • Elixir: Pioneers of coated strings, Elixir strings are known for their long-lasting performance. Their Nanoweb and Optiweb coatings offer protection from dirt and grime, ensuring the strings retain their tone for a longer period.

  • Martin: Specializing in acoustic strings, Martin strings are favored for their warm, rich tone, particularly in their Lifespan and SP Phosphor Bronze series.


Conclusion

Choosing the right strings can have a major impact on your sound and playing experience. Whether you prefer the bright, long-lasting tone of Elixir strings, the warm, balanced sound of D’Addario Phosphor Bronze, or the rock-ready punch of Ernie Ball Slinkys, each type of string brings something unique to the table. Understanding the differences in gauge, material, and construction will help you find the perfect match for your guitar and playing style.