Acoustic and Electric String Tension Names Explained
An issue players face is how manufacturers across the globe name their gauges as tensions with such a wide range.
To simplify, tension names listed on our string filter are standardized to what most manufacturers use.
Acoustic strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 12-52 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
Electric strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 10-46 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
We believe that selecting the right diameters for your instruments and your playing style is VERY important. We hope that our precise categorization helps you filter your specific needs. If you are unsure what strings to purchase and would rather use a human player filter, don't hesitate to contact us.
Shop By Filter - How To
You can filter strings by either Full Sets or Single Strings. Classical strings offer additional filters for Bass Sets or Treble Sets.
Use the master filter in the header to shop all string products or the filter on any page to shop products from that page.
After you make your selection, the filter will display product results along with deeper filter options with a number count for each available.
After making selections, notice the black filter result tabs above the products. These show what criteria is being filtered, such as gauges or materials. You can X or delete these to remove a particular filter or remove all to reset.
Example: Let's say Mr. Smith would like to know all the possibilities for what he already plays, Acoustic Phosphor Bronze. He knows the first string is a .012 gauge and last string a .054. His budget is $9 max per set. While visiting the Acoustic Guitar Strings page or sitewide in our header:
- Select Product Type "Full Set" (page will refresh)
- Select Full Set # of Strings "6"
- Select Full Set Material "Phosphor Bronze"
- Select Full Set by 1st string gauge "0.012"
- Select Full Set by last string gauge "0.054"
- Input Max Price "9.00"
Once you click away out of price, you should see (at the time of writing this) 17 results across 8 manufacturers. Mr. Smith now has a nice collection of similar strings to compare and experiment with from different manufacturers. Follow this link to see the above result.
If you'd like help from our friendly human string filters, don't hesitate to contact us.
La Bella Elite Flamenco Guitar Strings
"Elite" is exactly the right name for these La Bella flamenco guitar strings, often called spanish guitar strings. Their brilliant tone alone more than justifies the name, especially since producing it requires very little left hand finger pressure.
The two sets in the Elite line are both medium tension and have the same silver-plated wound basses, but differ in their nylon trebles. The gauges are the same for the two sets, but the
820 set uses red nylon and the
820-B set uses black nylon.
The differences between the trebles are subtle, and as expected vary somewhat based on your guitar. In general, though, while both are bright, the black nylon tone is more percussive with less sustain and the red nylon tone is a bit sweeter.
With these sets, La Bella proves that "Elite" strings don't have to cost a lot.
For your convenience, we offer the 820 and 820-B as full sets, bass and treble half sets, and single strings.
Have a question about La Bella Elite flamenco guitar strings? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them
online. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST.
And remember: On weekdays, international orders received by 7 a.m. EST and U.S. orders received by 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
