https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:02:03 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156210 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 18:35:54 +0000
I started with 9's but they have begun to feel to "light" and I think I need to move up to 10's. Too bad because I have almost a full box of D'addario's 9's. I'll see if I can trade them in at a local store.

There have been more threads about strings here than you can shake an Estaban at. Most of them are fine, and they become a mixture of personal preference and easy of availability. (I can't see paying shipping when there is a local store not far away so I tend to play what the locals stock. which are usually the standard brands.)

As for changing them, with practice will come speed and good technique. Numerous sites have articles and videos on how to change them, each has a slightly different method. Check out the string mfgs websites for info on this.

Here's one

http://www.daddario.com/DADTipDetail.aspx?ParID=241

there is even a link to a video.

Changing gauges might require a tweaking of the set up. So don't be surprised if you hear some buzzing on the heavier strings after the move up in gauge. It's all in the fun of it all.

Michael]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance mikey https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156210 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156200 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 18:07:05 +0000 when I detect a dull sound off they come.
I don't have the experience of brand new strings yet to be able to detect the difference in sound between worn-out and new. Can't wait to try out the new strings and see the difference, because I know these factory strings must be way past dead.

Margaret]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance margaret https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156200 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156197 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 17:58:58 +0000 I change my strings at least once a month. I play about five to ten hours a week.
strings wear out pretty fast.
I like the Ernie Ball 10-46. they are nickel wound. I believe they have a soft feel and good tonal quality.
heavier strings do heft the tone.

if you play often get used to changingstrings. I dont ever wait for them to snap.
when I detect a dull sound off they come.
all at once too. then I clean the guitar really well.

sounds like you have some good callouses forming. you should then like the 10s.
best wishes.]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance dogbite https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156197 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156180 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 17:24:34 +0000
I had no idea what to buy. Our guitar teacher will put them on for us, but doesn't have time yet to do it. I showed him the packet of Super Bullets and he said they were ok, but didn't seem thrilled with them.
So maybe I'll check out some Ernie Ball's.

I have been feeling like maybe the factory strings are a little wimpy--maybe my fingers have just gotten enough stronger that I notice the light gauge.

So heavier strings give a meatier sound, perhaps? Some of these things might seem obvious, but it's all news to a newbie! :)

Margaret]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance margaret https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156180 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156177 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 17:18:09 +0000 I always change them out to 10s right off.

the reason I heard that guitar makers use 9s is for the buyer in the store. when they grab the guitar and play it the strings are bendy and friendly to a new player's fingers. it's a buy me factor.

some great players use 9s. I find them too thin. my heavy callouses cant feel them,. I ike the tone possibliites from heavier strings.

I play Fender guitars. I dont like the bullet ends. my Ernie Ball Super Slinkey's work fine with my tremelo.they are less expensive too.]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance dogbite https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156177 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156176 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 17:17:38 +0000 I always change them out to 10s right off.

the reason I heard that guitar makers use 9s is for the buyer in the store. when they grab the guitar and play it the strings are bendy and friendly to a new player's fingers. it's a buy me factor.

some great layers use 9s. I find them too thin. my heavy callouses cant feel them,. I ike the tone possibliites from heavier strings.

I play Fender guitars. I dont like the bullet ends. my Ernie Ball Super Slinkey's work fine with my tremelo.they are less expensive too.]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance dogbite https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156176 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156106 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 06:12:12 +0000
Margaret]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance margaret https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156106 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156102 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 06:07:39 +0000 You can take the guitar to a shop and ask them what size the strings are or measure the high E string with a micrometer.
Based on what I've heard (I'm not an electric player) 9s are a good size for beginners.]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance Tim_Madsen https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-156102 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-15133 Thu, 02 Feb 2006 05:52:41 +0000
Bought a packet of new strings to replace them, and got Fender Nickelplated Steel Super Bullets (.009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042). Would these be called 9's?

I would rather exchange them than suffer or make-do with strings that may be too light. My son and I are both still beginners.

Should I have gotten heavier gauge strings than this? Thanks for any advice!

Margaret]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance margaret https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/string-gauge-questions/#post-15133