The Electra Forums

I am also new, but have a Sunburst Mod. #X330, that I have had for over 30 yrs. Used to play in bands, but to many years ago. Question is, what Brand and type of strings do you guys use for playing Rock & Roll....Thanks...rread

Hello and welcome. Long time for me too. I like Ernie Ball super slinkys and extra slinkys. (blue or pink package) I've used them since the late 70s and have not had any problems to speak of. They will bend and work well up high on the finger board. If you jam hard dont get to light on the gage. I remember finishing sets with 5 strings a lot. (We used a lot of power cords back in them days.)

_________________
SlmGuy

Currently I use D-Addario XL's .010 - .046 on my Electra MPC's; the MPC's came with .010 - .046 strings on them; never felt the need to try a different gauge either lighter or heavier; I was a huge fan of this same gauge in Nashville Straights back in the late 70's and early 80's but I don't think that they are available or even made any more; these strings came sealed in plastic in a long cardboard sleeve tube and were not wound up in the package, as most strings are; IMO they sounded better and actually lasted a little longer.

Also use EB Super Slinkys .009 - .042 on my 24 fret guitars: 1997 PRS 10 Top and 1978 Ibanez Musician MC300.

RCSBlues

_________________
RCSBlues

I am an Ernie Ball fan as well, but I use Regular Slinkys. I go for a higher gauge because we tune down a full step to get that nice thick and fuzzy feeling. (not that nu metal junk)

_________________
"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. " ~ David St. Hubbins
http://www.myspace.com/hailsuperchief

-QFT

/agree

Light strings or not, luckily I haven't had to deal with Breaking Strings Syndrome (BSS) for years. I do worry about it though and usually have an extra set or two with me at all times in each of the guitar cases for the gig.

I must admit that I was really worried about using anything lighter than 010 - .046 until I saw that my PRS came with .009 - .042 gauge; changed the Ibanez MC300 to this gauge because it also had 24 frets, and power chords or not, have never had any breaking issues.

I remember my brother breaking a G string right at the end of the first song (Melissa) of a 5 song set on live TV once; the rest of the band had to come up with what was the longest minute of ad lib time (really sweating, and "We're having technical difficulties", etc.) while he put on a new one, but he accomplished the change in record time, immediately got his 335 tuned up with his Conn Stroboscope, and we kept on playing; later we laughed about it when we watched the video tape.


RCSBlues

_________________
RCSBlues

I havent broken any in years. Maybe I've learned a little finess in my old age. I remember the nashville straights RCS talked about. I also used GS Boomers. I could never tell the difference in those and Slinkys. I did see some Boomers at walmart last year.

_________________
SlmGuy

I like DR Pure Blues. .009 - .046
Stainless, so they dont corrode and go dead so quick. I play a variety of guitars and get sick of changing strings every time my guitar selection changes.
They have great tone and I havent broken any yet.
I like the heavier low strings for a little added crunch and lighter high strings for easier bends.
I used to use Diadario XL 120, Because they sounded good and were priced good. I just switched over to the DRs about a year ago.

Paul