Do Expensive Strings Sound Better Than Cheaper Ones?
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 6. 09. 2024
- Head over to the Andertons website to find the products in the video! | tinyurl.com/27...
Electric Guitar Department | tinyurl.com/2a...
Acoustic Guitar Department | tinyurl.com/23...
Bass Department | tinyurl.com/24...
Guitar Pedal Department | tinyurl.com/28...
Amp Department | tinyurl.com/28...
The links below may be outdated, use the links above to start browsing the website.
đ This month you can win this guitar - Alvarez AF30 Artist Series OM/Folk Acoustic Guitar - tinyurl.com/y2r... All you have to do is share your purchase on social media using the hashtag #andertonsmademedoit for your chance to win!
Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic guitar strings - tinyurl.com/y24...
Ernie Ball Medium-Light 80/20 Bronze Paradigm 12-54 - tinyurl.com/yyl...
Ernie Ball EB PHOS BRONZE EVERLAST CTD ML 12-54 - tinyurl.com/y3x...
Check out our full range of Ernie Ball gear here! - tinyurl.com/y3w...
Check out our full range of Alvarez Guitars here! - tinyurl.com/y4u...
Interested in other Andertons CZcams channels? Click on one of these links to find out moreâŠ
Andertons Guitar & Bass CZcams Channel: goo.gl/kRJCpb
Andertons Drummers CZcams Channel: goo.gl/9yKSS9
Andertons Keyboard CZcams Channel: goo.gl/ns172M
Andertons Shopping Web Site: goo.gl/TPsG2Q
Buy a T Shirt: goo.gl/TrTe78
Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: goo.gl/aAzyQM
#ErnieBall #AndertonsTV #AndertonsMadeMeDoIt
I've used Earthwood for years as they work really well with electro-acoustic guitars. That "duller" sound compensates for the high end sound coming through the pickups.
recently switched over from martin SP's to elixirs, the life you get out of elixirs is great more than likely stick with them
what about the elixir optiwebs instead of nanowebs? supposed to be an even thinner coating, i.e. still increased longetivity (although slightly less perhaps?) but with a feel and tone closer to a regular (premium) string? not every place carries them. i go with either the nanowebs or optiwebs or the coated DR strings, NYXL's i think they're called. all are fine, without A/Bing them I couldn't pick a favorite. tried paradigms once and they were good but without the additional life it's not worth the money to me, I don't break strings anyway. but going from uncoated strings to coated strings you can definitely hear a difference, there's less top end sizzle, the high high treble stuff. it's both good and bad... the coated strings sound smoother and more forgiving, but sometimes esp. with clean tones you want that extra brightness and snappiness. oh yeah - that's why i asked about optiwebs!
Artcore103 optiweb according to elixirs website are only for electric guitars.
Pete makes me cringe in ways I never thought possible
D'Addario phosphor bronze.
Great comparison! And I really appreciated Pete showing how he restrings. I picked up a couple of tips that I have not seen before even in 10+ years of playing. Currently use Elixirs. Good strings can make a more affordable guitar sound like an expensive guitar.
You got that right! Replace the steel strings only and the elixir set goes on and on! Never trust a Taylor guitar....they put elixirs on all their stuff from the factory. Elixirs make a turd sound golden.
When is Pete going to do a personal guitar shootout? Wanna know how that PRS stacks up against the iconic "Purple Tele" and his other axe's!!!
I had never really given much thought to acoustic guitar strings until recently. I used to base my decision on price and in-store availability. I usually went for Elixir string but never really cared about gauge nor coating. But I finally decided to get serious about it and got the Elixir Light/Medium Phosphor Bronze and I love it!
I liked the earthwoods best. More even in the eq range and warmer. The others sounded really close to each other.
the price range in nz for PARADIGM guitar strings are $30.99 Eath Wood $11.00/$27.99 Ever Last is $20.99
I really love my Martin Titanium Cores... they aren't cheap, but they last ages and have a great sound.
Ernie Ball Aluminum bronze or
D'addario nickel bronze are my strings of choice. A little more costly but they last a long time and sound superb.
I broke Aluminium Bronze but not D'Addario
Ive been using GHS White Bronze lately. Underrated string IMO.
I liked the everlasts the best (like everyone else), but in my book the Earthwoods sounded less dull than the paradigms.
I've never used Ernie Ball. I use Elixers and get disappointed with every other string i try. Great video!
Agree, tried tons of other strings and Elixir is the best for me. And it's not only about long life and sound, they are just well made, haven't had any bad intonation, sudden break or poor QC issues like with D'Addario or Ernie Ball.
I tried Elixirs nanowebs on a whim a few years ago and never looked back. 10-52s on electric, 12-53 on acoustic, and 45-105/130 on bass!
Literally the only time I don't use them is with weird gauges (e.g. sometimes I use 11-64 on a baritone, or a .145 on a bass, etc.) and then, it's Newtone all the way!
what about the elixir optiwebs instead of nanowebs? supposed to be an even thinner coating, i.e. still increased longetivity (although slightly less perhaps?) but with a feel and tone closer to a regular (premium) string? not every place carries them. i go with either the nanowebs or optiwebs or the coated DR strings, NYXL's i think they're called. all are fine, without A/Bing them I couldn't pick a favorite. tried paradigms once and they were good but without the additional life it's not worth the money to me, I don't break strings anyway. but going from uncoated strings to coated strings you can definitely hear a difference, there's less top end sizzle, the high high treble stuff. it's both good and bad... the coated strings sound smoother and more forgiving, but sometimes esp. with clean tones you want that extra brightness and snappiness. oh yeah - that's why i asked about optiwebs!
Ernie Ball strings are all pervasive, you will find them in just about every guitar shop in the UK. But they are made in the USA and we have an alternative made right here in the UK. Like everybody else I used to buy Ernie Ball strings if I wanted a no frills string - no coatings or exotic alloys etc. - but after a series of failures, where under tension the ball ends on the plain strings unwound and fell off I changed to UK made Rotosound. The Rotosound plain strings have a tighter, more secure, twist on the ball end attachment.
Terry Relph-Knight I love the sound of rotosounds but they donât last very long in my experience.
What do you think?
@@deanwalker3710 - Interesting comment Dean. I havent found Rotosound longevity to be a problem at all. I have visited the Rotosound factory, so I know they use the highest quality materials and they design and build their own computer controlled winding machines. My impression is they are a better quality basic string than the Ernie Balls.
Terry Relph-Knight I always use rotosound electric strings, as I think they sound and feel the best by far.
Rotosound Acoustic strings sound great but I think they dull quickly! I am a heavy handed player though so maybe thatâs why! Not sure!
Newtone heritage, fabulous
The answer is definitely Yes! Recently upgraded standard strings (D'Addario, 12's) on an affordable parlour guitar I bought for Road Trips etc. Upgraded to D'Addario EXP 10's so they felt more like the strings on my electric guitars. Instant change in sound and feel. Much easier on the fingers and a delight to play. Much fuller sound. The standard strings were binding in the nut, so tuning was jerky. Using lighter gauge strings solved that and tuners work better now, didn't have to file the nut. So, I'm convinced there is a correlation between string price and quality, probably true for all brands. Even the most expensive strings are a small price to pay for pure sound. BTW, appreciated the stringing tips.
Cheap strings sound better but they do not last long
@@amanthatthinks Roger that
We want Pete play his PRS!
Little bit of Flower Power by Greta Van Fleet for the intro. Love it.
Edit: shit, wait copyright. Uhh. Lower Power by Ed Leppelin.
Nah mate it's a song by John Mayer. It's In Repair (Acoustic Version)
The Everlast and Paradigm are pretty close but I think I prefer the Paradigm by a small margin. The Earthwoods are just a bit dull for me. Might have to check out the Alvarez too next time I'm in store as I'm never going to be a premium acoustic person and these sound great.
Im usually a hard attacker and or hard Strummer ..those Paradigms got loudness to them love the mid range as well very smooth for a loud string set
Local Music store has a clearance bin of strings. I was able to get D'Addario EXP11 (2 sets) & EXP16 (1 set), all 3 sets for $ 10/set. I bought a pre-owned 2016 Squier Affinity Strat and inside the gig bag was a set of Elixir Nanoweb 12-53's for an acoustic. The original owner never used acoustic strings on the Squier Affinity, so these were a bonus set of strings I would never use. So I found a pre-owned Applause AE128-4 that comes with EXP11's as Ovation standard strings from the factory. I think the Music store put a set of 80/20 EJ11's on the guitar to sell it as tuned up. At any rate that free set of strings cost me $ 355, because I bought the guitar that didn't have a case, so I had to get an Ovation case and the strings. I'm pleased with the entire package of acoustic guitar, case & strings. I don't know which I ill prefer, I doubt it makes that much difference in all fairness to Elixir vs D'Addario. I saw a CZcams review that had the signal data and there really wasn't much difference in the sound signature waves. The audio wasn't that discerning either from my computer playback.
Should have base lined volume with the original strings before testing the new strings. Even though it's the same model guitar there could be variance in the instruments themselves. Also, I wonder how this test goes using the piezo pickup?
Elixer nanoweb.......sound good last for ages.
Yep - once you go Elixirs you never go back, they just last forever
Yup. Ive used them for about as long as they've been out and I've yet to find anything that gets close to them.
what about the elixir optiwebs instead of nanowebs? supposed to be an even thinner coating, i.e. still increased longetivity (although slightly less perhaps?) but with a feel and tone closer to a regular (premium) string? not every place carries them. i go with either the nanowebs or optiwebs or the coated DR strings, NYXL's i think they're called. all are fine, without A/Bing them I couldn't pick a favorite. tried paradigms once and they were good but without the additional life it's not worth the money to me, I don't break strings anyway. but going from uncoated strings to coated strings you can definitely hear a difference, there's less top end sizzle, the high high treble stuff. it's both good and bad... the coated strings sound smoother and more forgiving, but sometimes esp. with clean tones you want that extra brightness and snappiness. oh yeah - that's why i asked about optiwebs!
Artcore103 Never tried optiwebs, Iâve always been happy with the nanowebs. Iâve tried so many different strings over the years and I just love how long nanowebs last and to my ears sound as good as the old dâdario 12-53 phosphor bronze I used before I switched.
@@Artcore103 The optiwebs I have tried had nowhere near the longevity of the nanowebs and had a tendency to snap, but maybe I just got a bad batch of them.
Since they first came out, I've used Elixirs on my acoustics and electrics. I've experimented with other brands over the years but (for me) Elixir nails it for the tone, longevity and feel...
Elixir on acoustic, DR Pure Blues for electric.
Yes. Always. Without exceptions.
Have used Ernie's on my electrics for decades, but Martin SP are my acoustic string of choice.
I bought a bulk lot of 25 sets in a sleeve of Martin 80/20 as they work out so cheap per set. They sound great as well.
i've tried some variations of strings like earthwood 80/20 & phosphor bronze, d'addario nickel bronze & 80/20, magma flat phosphor bronze, and they're all .12 gauge. and from what i've tried above, my no #1 fav is the earthwood 80/20, #2 is earthwood phosphor bronze and #3 is the d'addario nickel bronze.
and after watching this video, i think i have to try the everlast 80/20. for me they sounds better than my #1 fav earthwood 80/20. in this video the everlast 80/20 sounds the most pleasing to my ear.
nice work andertons đŻ
Thanks Pete for the restringing tips, thatâs what I do on my acoustic/electric and electric guitars.. I think I also do the same for my bass too..
Nice playing as always..
Nickel and monel strings are great and roundcore. They last longer, round core last longer because dirt doesn't get trapped in them as easily, nickel and monel because they are more corrosion resistant
Elixir light 80/20 12-53 Polywebs for me on my yamaha fg800 with seymour duncan woody soundhole pu playing through a loudbox mini is sweet. I tune down a full step across the board and my 12's feel like 10's and I still have fullness for flat picking, enough brightness for finger picking and they last forever 3 months 4 hrs a day.
D'addario NB. Nickel-coated bronze. Game changer over ALL other acoustic strings. Holds tuning far better too.
honestly!!!! such a good balanced tone, brings out the guitar and not the string
You are correct I use d addario NB on both my Martin hd28v and D15 nothing else can compare!
I only ever use eathwoods, rock and blues set, couldnt tell you the gauge
I donât play Ernie Ball strings much, but Iâve been using coated acoustic strings exclusively for over a decade; in fact, Iâve even changed to coated electric strings. This video demonstrates some reasons why.
Interesting. I'll have to try upgrading my next acoustic restring to find out for myself. Personally I thought the Paradigms sounded best, but the Earthwoods were clearly dullest.
Martin sp 80/20 bronze 12 gauge on my J200. Last for 6 weeks sounding great, and possibly another month sounding good. I tend to change the strings roughly every 8 weeks, but I only have the one guitar.
For acoustic definitely, fresh pair of elixir 13s is the perfect tone. But for electric I think it doesn't. Just make sure you like the feel
Would be much more scientific trying different strings on the same guitar.
The best method I found to compare strings on bass was to use 2x2 strings from 2 different sets (brand new of course) - this way the differences in feel and tone are immediately apparent.
I use the Top Martin strings on my Martin HD-28
I've never tried Ernie Balls on Acoustic haha. Only Electric, but they sound pristine on an acoustic I will definitely say! Hope they feel good to play on as well! Awesome video!
Can someone educate me on the riff/ jam chords they were playing with for the intro, sounds really fun. I use Elixer, sound is bright and the longevity is a plus!
Ernie Ball makes great stuff. Yes. This is a commercial for Ernie Ball. Earthwoods sounded really great.
Iâd recommend sticking with Earthwoods and restringing a little more often but, if people are willing to spend more, try a smaller company such as Stringjoy. Or maybe someone can name some more companies?
I'm hearing more warm bottom ringing in the Earthwood strings. Specially useful if the player rakes the strings like a rookie and produces fret noices (not you guys LOL). Volume is not always better than tone.
I like DR Rare. I've got a Yamaha FG 180 red label, and it sounds absolutely perfect with them.
I use martin SP strings on a relatively cheap accoustic. I always go for coated as they feel nicer, and they definitely last longer. I've found they get a second wind of full tone where uncoated strings start to go flat.
Is the horses head supposed to look like a strat headstock
Is the Strat headstock supposed to look like a horse's head?...
@@michaelangeloh.5383 oooooh a conspiracy!
Which came first the strat or the horse?
@@outsidestuff5283 - Is the horse's Strat supposed to look like a stock?
Enjoyed the sound of the everlast but more of d'addario bloke myself. Would be awesome to see an episode on slide guitars E.g all the cone types, Hawaiian and even just a plain old acoustic.
When it comes to sounding good, its all about the guitarist. Period.
A good guitarist can make even a scrapyard guitar, sound good đ„đžđ„
And I can make a good guitar sound scrapy
I can hear the difference back to back, but I'm not going to remember what a set of two month old strings sounded like on day one for comparison with a new set. Coated or non coated is really the only thing I'll consider when getting new strings.
The first set of strings I ever bought were cheap d'addarios. They rusted out and I bought a set of Elixirs and I've been using them ever since. Expensive strings are worth the investment.
MikeNRoll808 i just bought some crappy strings off amazon for my alvarez for my first time changing them. I learned my lesson lol
That little string trick might come in handy... Plus Elixer 12-54's are where it's at, at least with my Epi.
Personally, if I only care about tone and have no issues changing strings on a monthly basis - D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings are probably the best sounding and feeling to me.
What I actually use, since I'm a lazy bum - Paradigms or Elixirs, so I only need to change the strings twice a year (and do all the normal cleaning and fretboard work at the same time)
Stringing a guitar - especially a 12-string - such a joy! :-)
And then fretting it for bar chords, such fun
Which strings are loudest of this Ernie Ball?
Love the choice of using Alvarez, bought one because of your videos and couldn't be happier. But, I think you just proved that strings matter. Each set had it's own sound that will lend itself to people wanting that sound. I liked the Everlast as well. Not too dull like the Eart and not too bright like the Paradigm. If I take a stab at speaking Cockney I'd say they're porridge mate. Porridge=Goldilocks? If any Cockney could comment if that works...
I went to coated because they do last a very long time but the sound suffered with the one's I got (not Earnie Ball). It sounds like Earnie Ball's does the same thing. I've since gone back to just getting 3 packs of non coated.
I couldn't agree more Mac. I picked up An Alvarez AP66sb, after I saw Chris Buck playing it. I Tried a couple sets of cheap strings on it, and then I put some Paradigms on. It immediately became my favorite guitar after that. They have been on there for 3 months now, and they still sound fantastic. I highly recommend them, if that's the Alvarez you purchased. I also have an AF-30 ordered, and I plan to put Paradigms on it, as well.
My impression on strings is that initially the cheap strings can sound pretty good, but they tend to die off pretty quick compaired to more premium strings. The comparison of Encore branded strings to Ernie Ball Slinky is one that points this out for me.
I'd go with the Everlasts
Before even watching this video I have to say that the best acoustic strings I ever used BY FAR were made by Takamine. They were discontinued about 10 years ago, and I have been on a constant search to find a set that can just come CLOSE to how those felt and sounded - and I haven't;
And I have tried literally 20 different kinds since....
Press F to pay respects.
I had to go with cheaper strings (in price) because of my budget, especially because I broke a lot (even the premium reinforced strings that companies like Ernie Ball and D'addario keep on pushing like they won't break), and I ended up at DR and Dunlop strings. Not exactly the most generic brands, are they... If anything, they're some of the best sounding and lasting strings, and they've proven they don't need high pricing.
looks like guitar price went down ÂŁ80 - would have been interested to compare to the strings it comes with (dâadarrio exp16)
Iâve listened to a bunch of these string comparison videos. Ernie Ball Earthwoods really seem to win out a lot.
Youâll find they emphasize the bottom better than PBâs
Using your capo is a great helper, like having a third hand to hold your strings on the fretboard while you restring...
i remember the first time i put a set of Earthwood 80/20s on my guitar and all i could think when i hit that first G chord was "damn, THAT'S what an acoustic guitar is supposed to sound like!".
Johnny Resin ha ha, I had the exact same experience some years back. I had tried soooo many string to find the right one for the specific guitar. Nothing pleased me, and then I tried Earthwood :-)
Paradigm is the ones I would go with. They are brighter than the rest which also makes them appear a bit louder because they are more clearer.
I would stop playing or listening to guitar if Paradigm was the strings, so bad
Acoustic paradiso should be a podcast!
Can we have more videos like this please? Strings are such a subjective thing and I'm sure people, like myself, would find this useful.
I use Earthwood for that reasons (but blues kind). But the longevity for me is not there. After a month on guitar (of which 6-8 days of playing, maybe 20 hours in total) they start to smell. Everlast were great in that manner but I changed them only for the reason they were bright all the time (had them for 2 months).
Only strings to ever buy are âSanta Cruzâ acoustic guitar strings. You will never ever buy anything else. They really make a huge difference. First strum and you will be blown away. I have being a string hunter for 15 years.
Great video guys and I know this is obviously a bit of a promo for Ernie Ball but I prefer Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb. Also some FastFret and a simple little string cleaner tool by Tone Gear. Keeps your strings sounding newer for a lot longer :)
What song are they playing at 13:00
For me the Paradigm were sweetest
Been using Paradigm for both Electric and Acoustic for few years now. And they totally outlast any other previous strings I've used. First time I put on these strings on my guitar, I can hear they are more powerful and clearer in tone. But what stands our the most is the durability, they would last at least 6 months on a guitar without losing too much of the tone. other string brands, approximately a week to a month, would loose tone already and would corrode or worse... break. Ernie Ball strings live up to their name, and the long list of artists on the packaging is another testament to it. The best string for the price in my experience :)
I had some Gibson strings on my accoustic going to change them now.Not to sure what to get.
All strings sound better after they've settled in a while and been played. Like most of us, they need to get dirty to work best. Different guitars, even of the same model, and different players all sound different.
More expensive strings may or may not sound better, but we think they do to justify the expense.
For me, Martin Authentic 12s (blue circle) which are bright are the best on a mahogany side and back acoustic, and Martin Retro/Monels which are not as bright but with more punch and mids are best for an acoustic with rosewood sides and back.
Iâm gonna go with the paradigms
I don't think this was a fair comparison. Should have been done on the same guitar. Every acoustic has it's own distinctive voice. Try putting the same brand of strings on 3 same model guitars and see if there is a difference.
My sweat turns non coated strings to a dark mess in a few days, so Elixir are a no brainer for me.
I liked the paradigms they sounded best to me.
Liked the Everlasts. Paradigms sounded a bit harsh to my ears
I mean, 92 dB is one louder, isn't it? If your strings only went up to 91, and you needed that extra bit, what are you going to do? You're stuck. But the Everlasts go up to 92.
Earth woods I used great string
Paradigm almost made that AF30 sound like a dreadnought (O_O)! Definitely keeping those strings in mind should I start eyeing a grand concert-sized guitar...
what strings should i use?
What's with the background music as Pete's trying to talk? Way too loud.
Needs more compression. That peak of the snare is the worst part of it.
Can i use these on an acoustic that has nylon strings on them???
No.These strings have too much tension and will break the neck of a Nylon guitar because they don't have a truss rod in them like steel string guitars have.
Is that a Hofner archtop behind Pete? I love to hear it, as well as the sunburst hanging back there, if you are doing more acoustic vids. :)
EDIT: with whichever strings you like.
Thought the Paradigm had the most bass and low mids.
Quid is worth how much $US ??
Wow I can't believe the difference. I use the Earthwoods, but not after tomorrow.
I only use elixir on my acoustics. They just feel so good and last so long
Me too! I use them on my electric and acoustic guitars as they're just so good!
They're best i think
I like the electric optiwebs but on acoustic, the nanowebs are too greasy for me. I wish they made acoustic optiwebs. Until then, I might check out these.
@@brianrichardson5310 completly agree! Exact same feeling
Only clicked on this video to comment "Yes, without a doubt."
I'll be on my way now.
Yes it is
I find Earthwood string a bit bassy .Prefer a brass string now .
D'dadarrrio EXP really last ages
These guitars probably vary between each other. It's difficult to be scientific about it. I suppose you could try all three sets of strings on all three guitars but that would be a bit excessive.
D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze... 12 or 13 gauge can make a shit guitar sound like butter. IMO the greatest acoustic strings of all time. If anybody disagrees, please give your string of choice
Aluminum bronze would win if you had a chance to compare ;)
Although the same model, each guitar can sound different as well.
ALL non-nylon strings are made of steel. They're ALL plated, after being drawn. Nickel, pure nickel, cobalt etc, refers to the composition of the plating, NOT the string material itself - you couldn't make a guitar string from pure nickel, let alone package, string a guitar with it, or tune it up.
Steel itself is an alloy of materials, so it comes in different specs.
Your established name, "freeworld" made strings wil use materials that fall within specs, so they'll be consistent.
Couple of years back, I was given a set of Chinese made, properly "cheap" strings - I doubt Andertons would even stock 'em. They were 'sticky' straight out the packet, which I recognised as being inadequate rinsing from the plating process - 20 years in the plating industry...
I don't think any of the established brands make bad sounding strings, but the truly "cheap" strings... I'd be surprised if two sets sound the same from the same maker.
Huge difference between the cheap strings and the two expensive strings. I thought the Paradigm sounded best.
Need to use the exact same guitar and restring it 3 times.