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.
SIT Silencer Semi Flat Bass Strings
(sorted by Newest first)
We’ve all seen the action flicks where they’re using silencers to make sure the guns don’t make a sound. Now, don’t worry that just because these strings from
S.I.T. Stringsare called Silencers you won’t get heard. Because you assuredly will. What they will do is provide you the timbre and tone of round wound strings with less finger noise (the silencer part), and a silky feel that’s easy on your digits.
And on your frets as well. In its review of the strings, Bass Musician Magazine says they offer the growl of a round wound without any damage being done to the fretboard. In fact, the SIT Silencers Semi-Flat Compression Wound Strings were developed for Jack Bruce, who wanted to prevent any damage to the rosewood fretboards on his bass guitars. The company also recommends them for use with fretless basses, where the fretboard is even more exposed to potential damage.
S.I.T. says its exclusive process of Inverse String Winding compresses the outermost part of the nickel-plated cover wrap, all while leaving the internal structure of the string intact. Besides using them on fretless basses, the company recommends the strings for use when you want a slightly more mellow tone. They’re probably also good if you’re practicing while watching action movies.
Have a question about SIT Silencer Semi Flat Bass Strings? Just call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, & gear experts. They’re available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You also can
email us.
And remember: On weekdays, international orders received by 7 a.m. EST and U.S. orders received by 3 p.m. ship the same day!