GHS R+EJL Eric Johnson Signature Guitar Strings Custom Light 10-50

After some back and forth for the right gauged set thats both flexible enough for “modern” playing but still has enough tension to kind of drive the hollow body some, I stumbled upon this set. The combination of slightly larger G A and E strings coupled with the higher tension of the roller wound strings makes for a great feeling great sounding Gretsch set. The set is absolutely perfect for what I was looking for

As a previous review suggested, the older packaging left much to be desired. However, the set I just received from Strings By Mail features each string sealed in its own sleeve, and for that I must thank the guitar gods. A seal on the front of the package advertises the new "Nitro-Pack / Anti-Corrosion Guarantee". It seems GHS has addressed what was a concern for many customers. That said, I don't understand why they haven’t updated product photos or promoted the fact that this excellent set is no longer affected by rust.

You know how pure nickel strings are supposed to produce a mellower tone with less harmonics and a more pronounced fundamental than their nickel coated sisters?
Have you also heard that these GHS Rollerwounds would have a different feel on the fingers, and how they would be a touch softer due to the round core?

Well, after finally pulling the trigger on a R+EJL set, I surprisingly found none of the above to be true. The tone and feel is directly comparable to any nickel coated set I've ever played. No muddy stuff, no absence of bite, no "vintage-correct" tones. On top of that, the set feels only barely less stiff than the D'Addario EXL116 (11-52) I use on my main guitar.

Is it good? Yes.
Do I recommend? Sure.
Is it a weird, bottom-heavy set that won't be to most players' liking? Yes, but who cares?

On a side note, it is obvious that EJ thought this through. The set is a marvel to play if you like your strings to go thicker as you move from 1st to 6th. Moreover, the coexistance of a 18 G string with a 26 D string practically eliminates the common issue of boomy G strings.

The set I got is apparently had the package GHS is moving away from, with no protection of any sort. The strings therefore had several rusty spots. It appears that the sets currently available (like the one pictured here) do come in a simple plastic sleeve that should help if you stock strings for longer periods of time but cannot be considered serious packaging in this day and age. That is why I'm giving them 4 stars.

Great set of strings. Eric Johnson has worked out the best solution to the tonal break between the wound strings and the plain wire strings that occurs between the D and G strings. It makes for more consistent tone as your run a scale across that transition. It is a brilliant solution to a problem that plagues every guitarist. Most people blame the instrument or themselves for it, but it is actually the science behind the strings. My sincere admiration to Mr. Johnson for applying a solution to guitars that until now I had only seen addressed in the piano industry.