Favorite Electric Strings?

[Herr Squid]

Strings? In my book they come in two categories: bad and "fine." Like the OP I started on Blue Steels and passively switched mostly to Slinkys when the Blue Steels were getting harder to find in the shop. I've used NYXLs, Stringjoy, Mangan, PRS, Fender Bullets (on F guitars, duh) and probably others. Unlike the early days when I changed strings at least once a month, I have enough guitars in rotation that I routinely (accidentally) leave strings on any given guitar for 5 or 7 years. And I don't notice a lot of difference between them as long as they tune, intonate, don't smell bad, and feel OK under the fingers. As long as they do that, they're just... fine.

 

[Gtrbldr]

Back when the first Elixir strings came out I thought they were pretty bad and never tried a set again. However, I tried a recent set, and they sound pretty good.

I still like the SonoTone pure nickel strings best, but for coated strings, I think the Elixirs aren't bad at all. I'd give a slight edge to the coated D'Addarios. But it's all what a player wants to hear, there's obviously no 'best' when it comes to this stuff.

We have a similar experience regarding Elixirs. Got a set for free in 2002 I think, my local guitarstore asked me to check it out. Was still playing my Ibanez JPM and was used to play EBs. Put em on and took them off an hour later. Thin, unsubstantial, meh sound. Tried them again in 2012 I think and they are lightyears ahead of ehat they were. Nowadays I use optiweb 10s. For their bright tone and durability.

 

[daa2202]

The correct answer is GHS Boomers.

For me.

 

[László]

We have a similar experience regarding Elixirs. Got a set for free in 2002 I think, my local guitarstore asked me to check it out. Was still playing my Ibanez JPM and was used to play EBs. Put em on and took them off an hour later. Thin, unsubstantial, meh sound. Tried them again in 2012 I think and they are lightyears ahead of ehat they were. Nowadays I use optiweb 10s. For their bright tone and durability.

They're definitely competitive with other strings now.

I'm not sure I'd use them on a regular basis, but for the right player, they'd be very good.

 

[68reissue]

I favor PRS Classics. Very fairly priced, and a well balanced string (maybe tending toward a brighter tone, which I like). They last a long time for me. For me, there’s no reason to buy anything pricier.