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.
Optima Special Silver NO6 Nylon HT Classical Guitar Strings
“Are you optima about the way that things are going?” When guitarist Terry Kath asked that question in “Dialogue” on Chicago V, he was playing
Optima strings, hence the lyrics.
Wait, what? No? Apparently that’s wrong. He was actually asking “Are you optimistic?” Which really makes more sense. And truthfully, we don’t know if he was playing Optima strings at the time. But we can hope. Hey, if they’re good enough for the likes of Brian May and John Entwistle, they’re plenty good enough for Kath – and for you as well.
With over 100 years experience, the German company is known for the quality of its strings and its dedication to the craft. It continues to stay abreast of technological advancements while it still makes its strings by hand. So in that case, yes, we are optimistic about the way that strings are going. Things! The way things are going.
Have a question about Optima Special Silver NO6 Nylon HT Classical Guitar Strings? Just call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, & gear experts. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST. You also can
email us.
And remember: All U.S. orders and International orders via USPS, Fed Ex and UPS received weekdays before 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
International Priority Airmail orders received by 8:00 am EST Tuesday-Friday ship that same day.
