Interesting point, Richard. Worth saying then that it depends what sound you're looking for. :-) For me, being able to hear distinct notes is what I look for in a guitar sound.

Escapee, Newtones are a reasonable price compared to other strings in the UK. But in the UK, even online you're looking at £6 for a set of strings, and the same set in a shop can easily be £12, for strings that might cost $4 from Elderly Instruments. So on that pricing scale Newtones are OK for Brits, but they suck price-wise in the States.

Just one of the many ways Brits get screwed over by American firms - £500 for a $600 guitar, £50 for a $20 pair of jeans, £400 for a $500 PC, etc, etc.. That's why Brits go on holiday to the States with the clothes they're stood up in and come back with bulging suitcases - even with the air fare it works out cheaper. :-/

Graham.