As every guitarist knows, you should replace your strings regularly. However, you'll have to periodically pay to replace them.
Here, we'll look at the price of guitar strings and how to choose them.
Introduction to Guitar Strings
Guitar strings are the heart of the instrument. While every part of the guitar influences the sound, the strings also affect playability and performance, leaving you with plenty of things to consider when buying your first guitar.
Whether you're a beginner learning your first chords or a professional guitarist playing on stage, the type of strings you choose can make a big difference.
Strings will define the tone of your guitar but also affect how it feels under your fingers. Beginners may prefer softer and lighter strings while they build up callouses on their fingers. In contrast, jazz, blues, or metal guitarists may opt for the richer tones of heavier strings.
It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics of guitar strings, such as the materials used, gauges, and coatings.
Here, we'll look at how to navigate the world of guitar strings so you can find the best ones. Here's what you need to know whether you play a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar.
Factors to Consider When Buying Guitar Strings
There are several important factors to consider before buying guitar strings. There are practical considerations like which types of strings go with certain types of guitars and also personal preference. These factors will influence sound quality, playability, and the lifespan of your strings.
Investing in high-quality strings improves your guitar's sound, playability, and longevity. Premium brands like Elixir, D’Addario, and Ernie Ball offer better durability and tone, saving money in the long run by reducing the frequency of string changes.
Type of Guitar
You can't just buy any strings for any guitar. The type of guitar you already have will eliminate many options and the same is true for guitar accessories.
For example, classical guitars use nylon strings, while acoustic and electric guitars use steel or alloy strings.
Choosing the wrong strings will affect the sound of your guitar, as well as its structural integrity.
Material Composition
There are different types of guitar strings made of different materials. Here's a quick explainer of what each material offers:
- Nylon: Soft, warm tone, ideal for classical and flamenco guitars.
- Steel: Bright, loud sound, commonly used for folk and electric guitars.
- Phosphor Bronze: Rich, warm tone, often used for acoustic guitars.
- Nickel-Plated Steel: Balanced tone, preferred for electric guitars due to its durability.
String Gauge
The gauge of a string refers to how thick the strings are. Each individual string is a different thickness, but the strings tend to stick within a range. These ranges are as follows:
- Light Gauge: Easier to press, ideal for beginners and fingerstyle playing.
- Medium Gauge: Balanced between ease of play and full sound, suitable for most genres.
- Heavy Gauge: Thicker strings provide richer tones but require more finger strength.
Coated vs. Uncoated Strings
Your guitar strings can be coated or uncoated. Coated strings have a protective layer to prevent oxidisation.
Typically, uncoated strings are cheaper, but they'll wear out faster, especially in humid environments or with heavy use.
Tension (Classical Guitars)
Classical strings are available in different tensions. These tension levels offer differences in playability and sound:
- Low Tension: Softer, easier on the fingers, suitable for beginners.
- Medium Tension: Balanced tension for versatility.
- High Tension: Brighter tone but requires more finger pressure.
Budget and Quality
Finally, as with buying your first guitar, guitar strings come in various prices and quality. As always, budget options are better for beginners, but more expensive strings are better.
We always recommend investing in materials appropriate to your level. Expensive strings won't make your guitar playing sound excellent if you're still new to the instrument, whereas cheap strings may end up being a false economy for skilled guitarists or heavy use.
Types of Guitar Strings Explained
We've already explained the factors for guitar strings, but here are the different types and which of these qualities they have.
Before buying guitar strings, research the different types of guitar strings and which you'll need or likely prefer and learn how to change guitar strings.
Extended lifespan with protection against corrosion and sweat. Popular options include Elixir Nanoweb and D’Addario XT.
Cheaper but wear out faster, offering a natural feel for players who prefer it.
Classical Guitar Strings (Nylon)
Classical guitars use soft nylon strings that offer a warm, mellow tone. They are often used for classical, flamenco, and Latin music. As mentioned above, these strings come in different tensions.
Nylon strings often come with silver-wound bass strings for the lower notes. The treble strings are plain nylon.
Acoustic Guitar Strings (Steel & Phosphor Bronze)
Acoustic guitars mostly use steel strings. These offer a bright and projecting sound and are great for genres like folk, country and pop.
These strings are typically made from:
- 80/20 Bronze: A bright, clear tone with strong projection.
- Phosphor Bronze: Warmer and richer in tone with longer durability due to its corrosion resistance.
- Silk & Steel: Softer, more delicate sound ideal for fingerpicking.
Steel strings are usually available in different gauges, with lighter gauges being more playable and heavier gauges offering fuller sound.
Electric Guitar Strings (Nickel & Steel)
Electric guitar strings tend to offer a blend of durability and tonal balance. They're usually made from:
- Nickel-Plated Steel: A balanced tone with a slight warmth, great for most genres.
- Pure Nickel: Warmer, vintage tone commonly used for blues and jazz.
- Stainless Steel: Bright, cutting tone with enhanced durability for heavy playing styles.
Popular electric guitar string sets include Ernie Ball Slinky, D’Addario EXL, and Elixir Nanoweb.
Bass Guitar Strings
Don't think we'd forgotten about bass players. Bass guitar strings are naturally thicker, creating lower frequencies.
There are two main types of bass guitar strings:
- Roundwound: Bright and versatile for modern styles.
- Flatwound: Mellow, vintage sound, preferred for jazz and classic rock.
Price Guide for Guitar Strings
Now that you know what to look for in strings and the different types of guitar strings out there. Here's what you can expect to pay for them.
- Wipe strings with a dry cloth after every session to prevent sweat and dirt buildup.
- Store your guitar in a dry, cool environment to avoid rust.
- Use string cleaners for deeper maintenance to extend the lifespan of your strings.
Classical Guitar Strings
Classical guitar strings are generally made of nylon and are available in varying tensions.
- Budget Strings (€5-10): Basic nylon strings suitable for beginners. (e.g., D'Addario EJ27N, Augustine Classic Red)
- Mid-Range (€10-20): Enhanced quality for intermediate players with better tone and durability. (e.g., Savarez 520R, La Bella 2001 Medium)
- Premium (€20-40): High-end strings with precise manufacturing for professional performance. (e.g., Hannabach 815HT, Savarez Cantiga Premium)
Acoustic Guitar Strings
Acoustic strings are commonly made from steel, phosphor bronze, or coated materials for longevity.
- Budget Strings (€7-12): Ideal for beginners and light playing. (e.g., Martin MA170, Fender 80/20 Bronze)
- Mid-Range (€12-25): Balanced tone and durability. (e.g., D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ16, Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze)
- Premium (€25-40): Coated strings for longer life and professional sound quality. (e.g., Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb, Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock & Blues)
Electric Guitar Strings
Electric strings are often made from nickel-plated steel, pure nickel, or stainless steel, with options varying by gauge and durability.
- Budget Strings (€6-15): Basic sets for beginners and practice. (e.g., Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, Fender Super 250)
- Mid-Range (€15-30): Balanced tone and playability for regular use. (e.g., D'Addario EXL110, Elixir Nanoweb Nickel)
- Premium (€30-40): Long-lasting strings with advanced coatings and superior sound. (e.g., Elixir Optiweb, Ernie Ball Paradigm)
Bass Guitar Strings
Due to the materials and construction involved, bass strings are thicker and often more expensive.
- Budget Strings (€10-20): Ideal for beginners and short-term use. (e.g., D'Addario EXL170, Fender 7250M)
- Mid-Range (€20-35): Durable and suitable for intermediate players. (e.g., Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass, Rotosound RS66LD)
- Premium (€35-50): High-end strings with premium coatings for professionals. (e.g., Elixir Nanoweb Bass, DR Strings Black Beauties)
| Guitar Type | Category | Price Range (€) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Guitar | Budget | 5 - 10 | D'Addario EJ27N (€7.05) |
| Classical Guitar | Mid-Range | 10 - 20 | Savarez 520R (€11.30) |
| Classical Guitar | Premium | 20 - 40 | Hannabach 815HT (€26.99) |
| Acoustic Guitar | Budget | 7 - 12 | D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze (€7.05) |
| Acoustic Guitar | Mid-Range | 12 - 25 | Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze (€14.80) |
| Acoustic Guitar | Premium | 25 - 40 | Elixir Phosphor Bronze (€48.00) |
| Electric Guitar | Budget | 6 - 15 | Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (€12.00) |
| Electric Guitar | Mid-Range | 15 - 30 | Elixir Nanoweb Nickel (€20.00) |
| Electric Guitar | Premium | 30 - 40 | Elixir Optiweb Nickel (€24.00) |
| Bass Guitar | Budget | 10 - 20 | D'Addario EXL160 (€20.00) |
| Bass Guitar | Mid-Range | 20 - 35 | Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass (€17.90) |
| Bass Guitar | Premium | 35 - 50 | Elixir Nanoweb Bass (€49.00) |
Where to Buy Guitar Strings
There are plenty of places in Ireland where guitar strings are sold, and most offer fairly competitive prices. Here are just a few options to get you started.
Online Retailers
Buying strings online is quite easy since a pack isn't much bigger than a letter and can be delivered across the country, just like guitar straps.
There are a few reputable online retailers in Ireland, so you tend to get a broader selection of strings.
- Strings.ie – One of Ireland’s largest specialist string retailers with a wide selection of classical, acoustic, electric, and bass guitar strings. They offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Savins Music Centre (savins.ie) – Based in Limerick, Savins provides a solid range of strings for all guitar types and fast shipping across Ireland.
- BestMusic.ie – Stocking popular brands like D'Addario, Elixir, and Ernie Ball, focusing on quality and customer service.
Local Music Stores
Though they don't offer the convenience of online stores, most guitarists and musicians love their local music stores as they're a great place to pick up all kinds of musical instruments and guitar accessories. There, you can get professional advice and even try out instruments with the strings you want.
We can't speak to your local music shop, but you'll understand if you have one or two of them in your town.
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