[toxicity]

Hey everyone!

In reference to my string bending thread and Kirk's threat to report me to the SPCG (Society for
Prevention of Cruelty to Guitars) I have decided to change the strings ASAP. As this is my first time replacing the strings on my Yamaha FGX-412SC I would like to ask you guys for your recommendations on which strings to buy. I don't mind paying a little more so money is not the primary objective.

Thanks for your help once again!

[Kirk Lorange]

I've always imagined all the different brands of strings out there being clipped off a huge common reel, myself.

I'd go for D'Addario, Ernie Ball, GHS ... if you're wondering what gauge, start of with Light. See how you go with them. Extra Light are easy on the fingers, but low in volume. Medium are a little tougher on the fingertips, but only until you build up calluses. Heavier strings have a lot more tone and volume, and if you don't mind the initial discomfort, it's a good idea to go heavier. Bending, of course, gets harder to do as you get heavier.

The shop should be able to give good advice.

[ballagie]

Hi, I like to use D'Addario lights on my EM325. They are a little tinny sounding at first (compared to mediums...) but after a little use they seem to come good. For some reason I enjoy playing alot more when my fingers don't hurt...I wonder why that is?
Casa

[Maurice]

HI

I always play on Elixer strings, they are coated so your fingers won't hurt that much ...lol

Now I want to try the Dean strings because I found out that Garth Brooks plays on them and I have the same guitar model (Takamine GB7) so the sound should be similar, now I just wished I could play like him ...LOL

Thanks for the tip on the gauge Kirk, I will try heavier ones now

Maurice

[coldethyl]

On my acoustic I've used D'Addario, Elixir, and currently I have Dean Markley's on and so far their not too bad.

On my Electric I have GHS on and will probably try some other brand when I change them which will have to be soon.

[Spyder F16]

Elixir strings, although an average of 4 to 5 dollars higher per pack than other strings, last longer tone wise than other strings due to the coating on the string. They're very good for those who have dirty hands, or sweaty ones.

[toxicity]

I'm glad to say that I have finally changed the strings and I must admit especially to Kirk that it does make a huge difference. Not only are they more pleasant on the hands buy they are full of tone and a pleasure to listen to. I went for the D'Addario's and thats for the standard gauge. I am writing from the top of my head but I believe the standard is 0.012 for the first string and 0.052 for the 6th string. People might say that they are harsh on the fingers until you build callouses but if I was too worried about discomfort I wouldn't of started playing the guitar in the first place.

The replacement of the strings took quite a while as this is the first time I replaced strings on any instrument but after a couple of hours I managed to complete it with satisfying results. I am a perfectionist at heart so I like everything to be perfect, but I guess all engineers are like that (especially computer educated people like myself. I'm sure Clancy can back me up on this one). The only thing I found is that the pins for the lowest 3 strings are slightly tilted downwards. I'm not too sure if thats a cause for an alarm but I thought I should mention it. Other than that everything is fine and I am happy that you guys influenced me on changing the strings. It seriously does make a huge deal.

Finally I would like to apologies if much of what I said doesn't make sense. I just came back from a wedding and I must admit I did go slightly overboard with "partying" but somehow wanted to tell you guys how helpful you have been in the past few weeks in improving my playing skills and I plan to stick around as long as you guys are prepared to keep this community alive.

Thanks again and see you guys in the forum!

Zoran