Strings!

[sven]

I use D addarios 10s.  I use em cause they come in 10 packs for 40 bux.  I'd like to try other strings out of curiosity, but don't really wanna spend the extra cash. 

Don't the "pure" nickel strings still have steel unwound strings?

[creekster52]

I use Elixir strings. A little pricey, but they last a long time. I started using them when I lived in Florida. I was near the water on Tampa Bay, and other strings just didn't last due to the humid environment. I know some players don't like Elixirs and claim they are not as responsive as other strings, but that has not been a problem for me.

[DetroitBlues]

I also have some Alice light gauge too.  I haven't the need to try them yet.  Anyone heard of them, let alone tried them?

[Dan]

I just watched a very enlightening demonstration of 11s vs 8s. I won't ever be buying heavy strings unless the guitar requires them.

[DetroitBlues]

You must have watched Rob Chapman do his little review of the two.  As he mentioned, the tone only makes a difference when you're playing clean.  (Which he didn't do)

[creekster52]

You can't beat Elixir's for comfort...feel "played-in" right out of the box and last such a long time.

[DetroitBlues]

I know that BB King and some other artists use custom gauges.  I wish someone made a set where as the unwound strings are from 11's and the wound strings are from 10's.  I like the beefer tone of the 11's on the E, B, & G, but not on the low strings.

[Scratch N Sniff]

I've used DR strings for years, lately Pure Blues 10-46. I always top wrap on hardtails, so I am interested to see the difference in tone and feel with trying 11's, gonna have a try in the new year.

[DetroitBlues]

Since the scale is shorter on a Les Paul, 11's feel more like 10's on a strat.

[Scratch N Sniff]

Since the scale is shorter on a Les Paul, 11's feel more like 10's on a strat.

Only Strat type guitar I've played was a Jackson with a Floyd Rose, I think 11's would have bust the thing, never again ! My Eggle has a great locking trem by Wilkinson, pull it up trem, let it fall back into place locked out. Total tuning stability. But I digress, er, I forgot what I'm on about ! 

[DetroitBlues]

guitars with the floyd rose are hardly ever used for bending because it wacks out the tuning of the other strings (until the string is unbent).  Many guitars of that type are tuned down and need heavier gauge strings.