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.
Acoustic Guitar Strings
No matter what kind of acoustic guitar you own, from the most humble beginner's instrument to professional models costing thousands of dollars, your sound will be strongly influenced by your strings.
That sound varies extensively among acoustic guitar strings, depending on which materials and manufacturing techniques are used. The sound you want will vary somewhat based on whether you play folk, bluegrass, country, acoustic rock, or another musical genre.
Want a warm, mellow tone with less volume? Look for strings made from softer metals like gold. If the strings are wound, look for a core made with significant amounts of a soft, pliant material like silk. An example of a warmer sounding acoustic set is the
GHS Silk and Steel strings.
Want a bright sound with more volume? Check out strings made with harder metals like stainless steel — especially if they have a solid metal core. An example of a bright acoustic set is the
John Pearse 80/20 Bronze.
Special manufacturing processes also can enhance acoustic guitar strings. For example, the
Elixir 11052 Nanoweb Coated 80/20 Bronze strings feature a very thin coating technology for extended longevity.
So what are the best acoustic guitar strings? Whichever ones you like best. That's something you learn by trying different strings. If you'd like some guidance, we're happy to recommend the
GHS S315 and the
John Pearse 160SL, both of which are very popular with Strings By Mail customers.
To learn more, visit our
acoustic guitar string basics page.
Have a question about acoustic 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: U.S. orders received weekdays before 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
