Which Elixir Strings are Right for Me?
There are so many options today in the world of strings. The possibilities are nearly endless. I get asked all the time what strings should I use, which ones have the best sound, action, tone, and which ones do you use? Truthfully the real answer is there is no one set of strings that can do everything. I myself will change the strings depending on what I am wanting to achieve. Some people may not even like the strings I use and I may not like theirs. It is all what you prefer. Out of all the Elixir strings I do have a personal favorite. I use NanoWeb Phosphor Bronze 13|53 HD Light.
HD Light
I think these overall are the best in the world of Elixir guitar strings. Keep in mind I play fingerstyle guitar. I want strings that project sound, have great tone, not easy to bend the pitch by pressing to hard or too light on the strings, durability, comfort, action, and response. I think the HD light do amazing at this. However, the action can be a little harder to play.
Custom Light
If you are someone that doesn’t play with a lot of drive and want lighter action strings I would recommend Elixir Custom Light 11|52. In my opinion they have the best tone any elixir string has to offer. However, you can never get a lot of umph out of them. So if you play with subtlety you will be fine. If you do not play with a lot of finesse you will not want the HD Light or the Custom Light. Most guitarists are what I call weed whackers. They hit the strings like they whack weeds.
Medium Gauge
If you do not play with finesse I would recommend getting medium gauge Elixir strings or even a good middle ground are the Elixir PolyWeb light/medium 12|56. The heavier gauge will help you to have better tone when you play. If you don’t have finesse you will sound soooo much better with a heavy gauge even though the action is harder to play. In my mind Elixir is harder on the action in general, But it is worth getting use to. You will not regret it. Keep in mind the lighter the gauge of the the strings the action is easier to play and they produce a brighter sound. The heavier the gauge the auction is a little harder play and they produce a more darker sound.
Understanding String Gauge
When you play with a light gauge it is easier to bend the pitch of the string and I am not talking like an electric guitar player bends the pitch on purpose. You can literally bend the pitch by pressing too hard or too light on the strings while you play. Push down too hard on the strings and you will play sharp. Push down too lightly on the strings and you will play flat. That is one reason many people say guitar is the hardest instrument to learn. Just because you get the sound out of the note does not mean you are playing it right. So Joseph Allen says Elixir HD light! Get yours today!
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