need cheaper guitar strings!

Subject: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 04:25 PM

THe price of my favourte guitar strings ( Fender Duratone) has doubled.
Anyone know of a good cheap string?

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Captain Swing
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 05:31 PM

If you were a fiddle player I'd suggest you economise by cutting back on the double stops. Yes, I know that's not at all helpful, sorry!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 07:59 PM

I buy 3 packs of D'addario Phosphor Bronze at Amazon (or Strings and Beyond when they're on sale) but I see the price has jumped to 22 bucks so I might try 80/20 Bronze which are 7 bucks cheaper.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 09:16 PM

Why look for cheap?

You get what you pay for.

I understand replacing the set ... you want balace and not twisting the neck.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

a local premium IPA is selling for $1.00 USD per ONCE. $12.00 per bottle. Count the cost ... and return on investment.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 11:02 PM

Truth is - I have a lot of guitars. I play them all til they won't stay in tune. The I have to string a lot of guitars.

But I kike the diversity of playing lots of different guitars. Now I'm old, I've bought all the guitars I wanted when was young. I suppose its all a bit pointless and daft but the possession of all these nice guitars gives me a lot of pleasure.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Sep 23 - 03:41 AM

Unless you have to have the pristine sound of new strings, having a lot of guitars doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend more on strings. If you spend, say, 10 hours a week playing 1 guitar, you’ll end up with just as much wear as playing 10 guitars for an hour each.

Also, be careful of “cheap” strings - there are fakes out there. D’addario even has a web page where you can check the bar codes!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Sep 23 - 08:48 AM

Bulk strings are one way to go
Just Strings.
I tried it with another outfit long ago and found I didn't change strings often enough to make it practical. It does allow you to put together custom sets though.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 04:13 AM

Bulk buying is the obvious answer here, and probably via one of the High Street obliterating Internet traders. However, when you have a stockpile of things, don’t you find that you tend to use them sooner than you would have done? That was my experience with stuff like photographic film, cassette tapes, chocolate biscuits, etc, in years gone by.

Some might advocate boiling used strings to prolong their life, but where you have multiple instruments I tend to splash out on long life stings for the instruments I use most for performances, but practice at home on other instruments with strings long overdue for replacement. Someone will no doubt point out that even those costly long life strings though will deteriorate with age, even if not being played regularly.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 11:13 AM

Some online music stores (eg gear4music) have own brand strings that are cheapish. I don't know what the quality is like.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 01:04 PM

The cheapest I've found are Legacy, from Strings Direct, at £5.99 per st, acoustic and electric. Seem to be available in all the usual gauges. Not tried them, I'm a Newtone fan.
Richard

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Bugsy
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 03:59 AM

Hi Al,

I went onto ebay the other week and got 2 sets of Elixir nanoweb strings for $15.00 Aus (About 7Pounds 50p) with free delivery.

Check it out. There's several people offering them on there.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Dunkelbraun
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 05:57 AM

If you wish, I can check out for really a good store for you.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 07:20 AM

Bugsy, I dunno about how it is in Oz, but I’ve heard of people in the US and UK being ripped off by fakes on FleaBay - may be best to check the packaging and the strings themselves carefully. That price sounds unfeasibly low…

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Rev Bayes
Date: 22 Sep 23 - 03:34 PM

I too am a fan of the nanowebs. Not the cheapest but last much, much longer.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Sep 23 - 07:20 PM

Oh sorry! First world problem, I suppose.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Oct 23 - 03:56 PM

Martin Strings - Authentic Acoustic SP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Custom Light 12-54 - 25 Sets https://amzn.eu/d/fZnmGQj

25 sets for £130. Just over £5 a set. Big layout at first but could you get a few others interested?

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Oct 23 - 01:27 PM

Thanks Dave - that sounds like a good move.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Paul Burke
Date: 11 Oct 23 - 10:47 AM

I needed some new strings, so I cut a few lengths out of a barbed wire fence. But they were all sharp.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 09:16 PM

Why look for cheap?

You get what you pay for.

I understand replacing the set ... you want balace and not twisting the neck.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

a local premium IPA is selling for $1.00 USD per ONCE. $12.00 per bottle. Count the cost ... and return on investment.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Sep 23 - 03:41 AM

Unless you have to have the pristine sound of new strings, having a lot of guitars doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend more on strings. If you spend, say, 10 hours a week playing 1 guitar, you’ll end up with just as much wear as playing 10 guitars for an hour each.

Also, be careful of “cheap” strings - there are fakes out there. D’addario even has a web page where you can check the bar codes!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 04:13 AM

Bulk buying is the obvious answer here, and probably via one of the High Street obliterating Internet traders. However, when you have a stockpile of things, don’t you find that you tend to use them sooner than you would have done? That was my experience with stuff like photographic film, cassette tapes, chocolate biscuits, etc, in years gone by.

Some might advocate boiling used strings to prolong their life, but where you have multiple instruments I tend to splash out on long life stings for the instruments I use most for performances, but practice at home on other instruments with strings long overdue for replacement. Someone will no doubt point out that even those costly long life strings though will deteriorate with age, even if not being played regularly.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 11:13 AM

Some online music stores (eg gear4music) have own brand strings that are cheapish. I don't know what the quality is like.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 01:04 PM

The cheapest I've found are Legacy, from Strings Direct, at £5.99 per st, acoustic and electric. Seem to be available in all the usual gauges. Not tried them, I'm a Newtone fan.
Richard

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Dunkelbraun
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 05:57 AM

If you wish, I can check out for really a good store for you.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Rev Bayes
Date: 22 Sep 23 - 03:34 PM

I too am a fan of the nanowebs. Not the cheapest but last much, much longer.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Captain Swing
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 05:31 PM

If you were a fiddle player I'd suggest you economise by cutting back on the double stops. Yes, I know that's not at all helpful, sorry!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Bugsy
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 03:59 AM

Hi Al,

I went onto ebay the other week and got 2 sets of Elixir nanoweb strings for $15.00 Aus (About 7Pounds 50p) with free delivery.

Check it out. There's several people offering them on there.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 07:59 PM

I buy 3 packs of D'addario Phosphor Bronze at Amazon (or Strings and Beyond when they're on sale) but I see the price has jumped to 22 bucks so I might try 80/20 Bronze which are 7 bucks cheaper.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Sep 23 - 08:48 AM

Bulk strings are one way to go
Just Strings.
I tried it with another outfit long ago and found I didn't change strings often enough to make it practical. It does allow you to put together custom sets though.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Oct 23 - 03:56 PM

Martin Strings - Authentic Acoustic SP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Custom Light 12-54 - 25 Sets https://amzn.eu/d/fZnmGQj

25 sets for £130. Just over £5 a set. Big layout at first but could you get a few others interested?

Subject: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 04:25 PM

THe price of my favourte guitar strings ( Fender Duratone) has doubled.
Anyone know of a good cheap string?

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 23 - 11:02 PM

Truth is - I have a lot of guitars. I play them all til they won't stay in tune. The I have to string a lot of guitars.

But I kike the diversity of playing lots of different guitars. Now I'm old, I've bought all the guitars I wanted when was young. I suppose its all a bit pointless and daft but the possession of all these nice guitars gives me a lot of pleasure.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Sep 23 - 07:20 PM

Oh sorry! First world problem, I suppose.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Oct 23 - 01:27 PM

Thanks Dave - that sounds like a good move.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Paul Burke
Date: 11 Oct 23 - 10:47 AM

I needed some new strings, so I cut a few lengths out of a barbed wire fence. But they were all sharp.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 07:20 AM

Bugsy, I dunno about how it is in Oz, but I’ve heard of people in the US and UK being ripped off by fakes on FleaBay - may be best to check the packaging and the strings themselves carefully. That price sounds unfeasibly low…

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 15 Mar 25 - 05:38 AM

Big Al Whittle-

Eagle Music in Huddersfield make guitar strings sets that may be cheaper. I've never bought any so can't review 'em for you but it's an option for you if you're still looking.

Cheers
Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 15 Mar 25 - 03:29 PM

I’m just about to put a set of the Eagle Music strings on one of my OMs. I’ve heard from a very reliable source that they are from an unspecified source in the USA. The used to be made by Newtone.

d’Addario had a problem with fakes, even from otherwise reliable retailers. There’s a page on their website where you can input the barcode number and check that they’re legit.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 15 Mar 25 - 04:25 PM

I usually buy strings from Strings Direct. Not saying they're more reliable but I've not had a bad set off 'em yet.

Ray- let us know what you think when you give the Eagle Music strings a try.

Cheers
Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 06:33 AM

Just put ‘em on, I’ll let you know when I’ve played them for a bit but bear in mind this particular OM is barely a month old!

I used to use Strings direct - when they operated from the owners garage - then they got bigger and more expensive. Nowadays, it’s usually a matter of shopping around, or waiting for offers and buying in bulk. It’s always worth checking out that great music shop in the sky - Amazon! I’m only using the Eagle set because they gave them to me but if they’re any good I might buy some - they’re cheaper than all the others.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 07:26 AM

Fred - Just a thought, and so’s not to confuse you, by OM I’m not talking about an “Orchestra Model” (000 guitar) but an “Octave Mandolin” (carved top, an octave lower, mandolin). I play both but, in recent years, things tuned in 5ths seem to have taken over (mandolin/mandola/OM).

On the Eagle packet, it suggests that the strings aren’t cut until installed and tuned to pitch, which suggests that they have round cores rather than hexagonal, so they’re not going to sound the same as d’Addarios anyway. (Probably more mellow from the outset)

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 07:42 AM

Ray- ah, cheers mate, I WAS thinking Orchestra Model!

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 08:26 AM

I used to find the best buys on D'Addario 3 packs on Amazon but since Besos became a Trump lapdog that's over. I also dumped my subscription to the Washington Post, which I grew up with. Sorry to include this in the music section but what these asshole billionaires are doing to the US infuriates me.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 08:29 AM

The things we feared would happen with the Citizens United ruling are coming to pass.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 08:45 AM

Gillymor- don't let it bug you mate. I can't stand the current UK Prime Minister but I was around before him and I'll still be here when he's gone!

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 08:56 AM

Thanks, Fred, but I'm not so certain our republic will survive this onslaught. I just wanted people to know about Bezos, they can decide for themselves wether or not they want to continue patronizing Amazon. Now back to strings, where can I find the most affordable D'Addarios?

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 09:10 AM

Gillymor- well 'cheap' D'Addarios may be out there but you'll be flirting with the shady characters of the 'fake" industry.

If there IS a cheap, reputable supplier, it's news to me.


Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 09:22 AM

I'll probably just pick em up at Guitar Center as all the "mom and pop" music stores around here are gone.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 09:37 AM

Gilly- bulk buying is an option, rightly suggested in this thread by others. You take an initial hit but you end up with more sets for your money. I buy Martin Lifespan in packs of 10 - which, with MY body chemistry, last me two weeks!

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 09:50 AM

Fred, do those strings come in sealed packaging? I don't change strings nearly as often as you and I'm wondering about the shelf life.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 10:51 AM

Yes, Gilly, sealed OUTER but inside you've got 10 sets worth of individual strings in paper envelopes. Not ideal but I sling the sealed outer and put them in a zipped bag once opened.

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 10:52 AM

Thanks, Fred.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 12:03 PM

Gilly, if you're thinking multi-packs but concerned about shelf life, D'Addario is a better choice. 1. They're çheaper (if uncoated) and 2. Inside the box each set will be in its own, sealed pack


Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 12:14 PM

Yeah, Fred, I usually get them in 3 packs. I bought strings in bulk once long ago and by the time I got about half way through some of the strings were tarnishing.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 02:30 PM

It depends where/how you store them. I keep ‘em dry and I’m still using strings I bought 10+ years ago

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 03:02 PM

Yep, I was living pretty rough way back when.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 16 Mar 25 - 03:11 PM

I keep strings in a small cupboard with all my other guitar-related stuff. It's dry and cool.

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Tony Rees
Date: 17 Mar 25 - 02:18 PM

Maybe worth a read:
Acoustic Guitar: How Guitar Strings Age—and How to Know When to Change Them

I can in fact recommend this quoted action (done on the 4 wound / lower strings, after loosening each one then re-tighten to pitch):
"In a more low-tech approach, one player I know used to aggressively pull and snap each string against the fretboard a few times in a row to dislodge some of the built-up gunk. Though I was initially skeptical, I admit that I heard an improvement in the liveliness of his wound strings after this treatment."

I get maybe 4-5 refreshes of the tone via this method over a similar number of months before replacing a set of strings, with considerable savings on the wallet (doing that for 5 instruments...) - also have done it in guitar stores (with their permission) to see what something sounds like with fresher strings!!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 17 Mar 25 - 04:12 PM

Tony,

Cheers mate.

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 17 Mar 25 - 04:49 PM

Read the article, Tony.

If it works, then it's up to the player if they want to go there. But my D-18 is my pride and joy and that sounds like guitar flagellation :)

Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: gillymor
Date: 17 Mar 25 - 09:38 PM

I've done the string snapping and it does work. I think I learned about it in a Chet Atkins interview.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Tony Rees
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 03:34 AM

I have 2 Martins - not cheap ones - plus a couple of boutique luthier specials, as well as the odd cheaper production guitar. I can assure you that none of them are adversely affected by the string snapping method. And if a string breaks on tuning back up to pitch, it was probably due to break anyway and you know that they are then due for a change anyway. Just my 2 cents worth of course...

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 04:45 AM

Hi Tony, Just about to head up the M6 so no time to read the article. Hope you managed to avoid the floods?

People have been messing around with strings for decades. Back in the day, we used to take them off and boil them and I once tried an ultra-sonic cleaner. I remember long after-show conversations with a barman at our club whose day job was lecturing in metallurgy at UMIST. Ultimately, I actually like new strings!
Ray

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Fred
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 06:02 AM

Tony,

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting it harms the guitar (my "flagellation" comment was tongue-in-cheek. It's just something I wouldn't be comfortable doing :)

Cheers
Fred

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 09:36 AM

Tony- I think I meant high winds! Something else wrong - sunshine in the Lakes!

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: GUEST,Some bloke
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 01:00 PM

Generally I buy the types I like on Amazon when they are on offer, which I check if I’m on the app for anything else. It does mean I stockpile a bit but hey ho. I also buy a set in any music shop I happen to be in, to support them, regardless of price.

I do keep trying cheaper strings to find ones that I get on with but to be honest, I always drift back to Elixir and D’Addario XS, the latter being the only ones I find similar to my usage to the Elixir.   Their longer life before sounding dead balances the higher purchase price.

The issue with both types, being fully coated is that they look furry where I pluck or strum after a while but this in itself doesn’t alter the tone.   I change them when the sound starts getting a little flat.

Cost? Generally around £16 for either in 12-53 but a box of three sets of Elixir are often £32 if you keep checking. I also buy D’Addario baritone guitar, bouzouki, cittern and mandolin but not coated. They all get used less and last longer so I just pay the going rate as and when.

Subject: RE: need cheaper guitar strings!
From: Tony Rees
Date: 18 Mar 25 - 02:42 PM

As per guest.Ray above, I too once used to boil my strings as a poor student, back in the 1970s, as did others of my acquaintance. However since being told about it (with a very convincing demo!) by "someone" (name not now remembered) maybe 20 years ago, the string-snapping or slapping method has completely superseded it in my own environment. If I lived closer to Fred I would give him a private demo as well (however since I live in Australia and he probably does not, that might not happen). Here's an idea: try it on someone else's guitar first, if they are agreeable to having their sound "refreshed", and see how it goes. It is my belief that it will definitely produce a better sounding guitar in an instant, plus save you/them money as well (not purchasing new strings so often) which is the basis of this thread I believe!