Updated String Testing Results and Keeping a Guitar Journal
Jun 29, 2021 9:14:33 GMT -7
spencer096 likes this
Post by Erik on Jun 29, 2021 9:14:33 GMT -7
Around five years ago I posted on the results of a two-year string brand test (see ztalk.proboards.com/thread/72916/year-string-test-results). At the time I felt that the regular D’Addario 10 gauge nickel wound strings were my favorite and the best all around string in my personal experience. I placed DR DDTs and Pure Blues in second place. Since 2016 I have continued to test strings, including some new contenders like Stringjoy (nothing special in my experience, not worth the cost) and DR's Veritas strings (excellent) as well as other DR strings like the High Beams and old favorites like D'Addario nickel wound and DR DDTs. Over the past few years it became clear that DR Strings are consistently the most impressive to me and that my favorite by far are the DDTs (10 gauge). DDTs are nickel wound, hexagonal core strings (unlike many DR Strings, which are round core). As I said before, I have toured the DR Strings factory and can attest to the quality in their materials (all US made wire), process, as well as the people behind the product (also notable is D'Addario, which has its own wire drawing mill in NY). DR DDTs are marketed for dropped tuning players but they are also perfectly fine for standard tuning (I only use them for standard tuning). DR DDTs consistently have the best tone, feel, and tuning stability of the strings I have tested. I always keep 3-5 packs of DR DDTs in my guitar maintenance tool box. DR Veritas would be my second choice, followed closely by D’Addario 10 gauge nickel wound. I highly recommend trying DR DDTs and DR Veritas strings, they cost a little more than D'Addario or Ernie Ball, but it is well worth it (and they are still much cheaper than new contenders like Stringjoy).
Also, nothing has benefitted my tone and performance more than keeping fresh strings on my guitar (I play 5-6 days a week for about 1-1.5 hours a day on average and try to change my strings every 4-5 weeks and clean them after each use). To keep on schedule, I keep a guitar journal to record when I change my strings, what brand I used, and any comments about the strings. In addition, I record guitar setups, guitar mods, tube changes/choices, and purchase information in this journal (as well as my feelings on each of these things). I find that keeping the journal has been very beneficial in evaluating gear and tracking gear performance over the years. I highly recommend keeping a journal.
Anyway, that is my updated two cents.
Best--Erik
Also, nothing has benefitted my tone and performance more than keeping fresh strings on my guitar (I play 5-6 days a week for about 1-1.5 hours a day on average and try to change my strings every 4-5 weeks and clean them after each use). To keep on schedule, I keep a guitar journal to record when I change my strings, what brand I used, and any comments about the strings. In addition, I record guitar setups, guitar mods, tube changes/choices, and purchase information in this journal (as well as my feelings on each of these things). I find that keeping the journal has been very beneficial in evaluating gear and tracking gear performance over the years. I highly recommend keeping a journal.
Anyway, that is my updated two cents.
Best--Erik