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Do expensive strings sound better? (The Ultimate String Test!)

So, I decided to put together a list of guitar strings. I went ahead and bought every pack I could get my hands on, ranging from plain strings to round cores to coated strings – you name it. My aim with this list is to test these strings blindly in a head-to-head tournament. To make the comparison easier, I'm conducting these tests on two identical guitars that have been set up the same way and sound identical. Well, they did need some work initially, but now, all the differences you hear are purely from the strings themselves.

To reduce the initial brightness that many strings tend to have, I opened the packs two weeks before recording this list, letting them react with the air. I can't say for sure how much this affects the strings, but it certainly can't hurt. Judging by my research, it seems that most of you aren't using fresh strings either, so this should be interesting.

Creating a list like this can either be a bit awkward or a whole lot of fun, and I'm leaning towards the latter.

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Paul Davids
Paul Davids
26th October 2023 in music
Do expensive strings sound better? (The Ultimate String Test!)
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  • Elixir Nanoweb

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  • Ernie Ball Slinky

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  • DR Tite-Fit

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  • D'Addario EXL110 Nickel

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  • D'Addario XT

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  • Elixir Nanoweb

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  • DR Pure Blues

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  • Rotosound Roto Yellows

  • Harley Benton Valuestrings

  • PRS Classic Strings

  • GHS GBL Boomers

  • D' Addario NYXL

  • D'Addario XT

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