So many string choices!

[Zoodlemaker]

Does anyone have a thought on how to choose a new set of strings?! The last time I bought new strings, I walked into my local music store a got a set of whatever they had, choosing between maybe 2 brands! There is so much choice now. I want medium tension I think.....and from there, what else should I consider? My guitar is nothing famous, a 45 or 50 year old Val Dez, imported from Finland.

[petermc61]

This is a very open question. I have tried way, way too many types of strings and would be happy to make a recommendation.

In my view the best way to do this is to tell us what strings you have installed and what you'd like to change about the sound. If you don't know what is installed then buy the most well known string made, D'Addario DJ45 and fit those and play for a couple of weeks and then give us your feedback on those strings. With that, I'd happily make some recommendations.

Regards
Peter

[Zoodlemaker]

An awesome suggestion, thanks! I'm getting a bit of buzz and wondering if I should raise the saddle but maybe I should just try fresh strings. Not sure what's on there now, likely the brand you've recommended or ghs. I also have no idea what tension my current strings are. They're not very expensive so there's not much to lose by trying your suggestion as a starting point. Much thanks!

[Zoodlemaker]

I'm not seeing those specific strings on sbm

[petermc61]

I'm not seeing those specific strings on sbm

D'addario, Pro-Arte, normal tension - they are the EJ45. Guaranteed they are there. If you are buying from SBM then get another common well priced set - Augustine Imoerial Black. They will be a nice alternative to the EJ45 and if you give us feedback on both if them then surely I can make some more precise suggestions.

[Zoodlemaker]

Consider it done, much thanks!

[Keith]

and do not forget La Bella 2001 Medium Tension strings....

[souldier]

Some popular standards to try are D'addario EJ45, La Bella 2001 (I prefer medium hard tension), Augustine (perhaps try red or blue imperial), Savarez New Cristal. These options I think will give you a good sense of the spectrum of strings. You may want to give Carbon trebles a try such as Oasis GPX... carbon trebles are known for being more responsive, sustaining, and with higher volume, but may not have as much complexity than nylon. Leave strings on for at least 2 weeks to hear their true sound potential.

Another absolute essential is knowing how to shape and polish your nails along with proper right hand technique as it makes a world of a difference.

[Zoodlemaker]

Another absolute essential is knowing how to shape and polish your nails along with proper right hand technique as it makes a world of a difference.

Thanks so much for this comment, it made me realize that part of the buzz is coming from my right hand. Just paying closer attention and sharpening up my act has helped eliminate quite a bit of it already