How to Buy Acoustic Guitar Strings

Guitar strings don't last forever. An old set can make even a quality guitar sound lackluster, and whether you're looking to replace old strings that sound a little dead or you're looking to experiment with a different type of string on your guitar, there are a few points to consider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine the type of acoustic guitar you're buying strings for. If the guitar is a dreadnought or folk-style guitar, then you'll be buying steel and bronze-wound strings. If the guitar is a classical, or flamenco-style model, then you'll be limited to nylon strings.

2. Consider the style of playing you'll be doing on the guitar. If you're mainly a strummer, and you want a nice full-bodied sound, then you can go for a medium or even heavy-gauge string. If you're looking to play more intricate parts, then a lighter gauge might be more appropriate for a nimble-fingered approach. Heavy strings are tougher on the fingers and more difficult to bend, but have more volume and a fuller tone than light strings. In contrast, the lighter the string, the easier it is on the fingers and wrist. The trade-off, of course, is a quieter and less rich sound.

3. Examine and evaluate your guitar's action. If the action is to your liking right now, it might be advisable to restring the guitar with the same gauge string that you're currently using. Changing to a different gauge can alter the intonation and playability of the instrument. If, for example, your strings are light gauge and you go to a heavy gauge string, the sound may become fuller, but the heavier string will impart more tension on the neck and raise the action, making it more difficult to play. On the other hand, an uncomfortably high playing action may be improved if you're currently using medium or heavy-gauge strings and change to a light-gauge string.

4. Ask yourself how often you'll be playing your guitar. If you're playing a steel-string guitar and expect to play on a regular basis, you'll probably be changing strings quite often, so choosing a regular bronze string might be the way to go. These strings are very bright sounding but tend to dull rather quickly. Phosphor bronze strings, on the other hand, don't have quite as much of a brightness or zing to their sound, but they tend to retain their sound quality longer than bronze strings. If there's a chance that the guitar might sit unused for periods of time, then this might be the way to go.

5. Experiment. Fortunately, strings are not very expensive, so you can try out one style, and if they're not to your liking you can replace them soon after.

Tips & Warnings

• If your fingers are a little tender and you have trouble with steel strings on your guitar, you may wish to consider a silk and steel string set. Although they don't offer the same volume as a regular bronze wound set, the bottom four strings are made from a copper wire wound around a silk and steel core that's very easy on the fingers, as well as offering a more delicate and sweet tone. Regardless of the type of strings you use on your guitar, cleaning them with a dry cloth after every use will help extend their life.
• If you have an older guitar and wish to put heavier-gauge strings on it, first make sure that the guitar is structurally sound. Heavy strings can impart significant strain on a guitar neck and can damage the instrument. If you're unsure, take the guitar in to a luthier for an evaluation; it could save you money in the long run.

Resources

• Guitar string reviews
• How to change acoustic guitar strings