What are your favorite string brand and why?

[Hellion]

It depends on the instrument. On all of the electric 6 strings, it's Ernie Ball. On the 12 strings and acoustic steel, it's D'Addario. On the classicals, it's Augustine. On basses, it's GHS. On the mandolin, it's Earthwood.

[Bass_Medic_05]

D'Addario, I like the warm tones from the flat wounds, although I do like Rotosound which was not listed.

[ghostmaker]

No preference. I tried every brand in the poll except Dunlop, and none of them hooked me. I don't like Dean Markley though, each set I tried went dull real quick.

[papersoul]

I used GHS Boomers for years, mostly 9-42s. I tried the Dunlops a couple of years ago, and found that for the money they had awesome tone and longevity. They stretched really nice and quick too. I recently tried the Ernie Ball Cobalts when I reviewed them, and fell in love with them. I've had them on over a month and they still sound awesome. The feel of the string is amazing too. If I can get them easily enough from my local store, and they don't cost too much more I think I'll be switching to them.

Aren't the Cobalts for metal? Really bright? Ernie Ball Slinkys rock, but I am interested in these Cobalts.

[RayBarbeeMusic]

D'Addario.

They have much less tendency to break when stretching or loosening/tightening than any other string brand, and they sound as good/better than anything else.

They also have cool sets for heavy string users like the 11-52, 11-56, 12-54, 12-60 sets, all of which have appropriately gauged plain G strings for standard pitch tuning, unlike the Ernie Ball heavy sets where the G is way too heavy for the set unless you down tune the whole guitar.

[King IzzO)))]

D'Addario.

They have much less tendency to break when stretching or loosening/tightening than any other string brand, and they sound as good/better than anything else.

They also have cool sets for heavy string users like the 11-52, 11-56, 12-54, 12-60 sets, all of which have appropriately gauged plain G strings for standard pitch tuning, unlike the Ernie Ball heavy sets where the G is way too heavy for the set unless you down tune the whole guitar.

That 3rd string really is stupid, isn't it?

[papersoul]

Tried some Cobalts tonight. Don't like em at all! Tried some Dunlops too, nope...too stiff. I Am back to good ole EB Slinkys and D'Addario.
Ernie Balls seem a bit brighter than D'Addarios which are darker.

[King IzzO)))]

Ernie Balls seem a bit brighter than D'Addarios which are darker.

Huh? Are we talking slinkys to XL's? No way are slinkys brighter.

[papersoul]

Slinky vs XL, Ernie's seem brighter. I am grabbing more D'Adarrios today and will report back tonight after I get home from the gym.

[Kam]

Huh? Are we talking slinkys to XL's? No way are slinkys brighter.

Agreed, though I think you and I are usually pretty much on the same page when it comes to Slinkys.

[papersoul]

Just picked up another two sets of D'Addario XL 11-49. They definitely seem darker or warmer than the Slinkys. The Slinkys sounds and feel great, very balanced, but brighter to me and my tech. The D'Addarios work better on my PRS because the ball end of the Ernie Ball's have too much wrap so they don't break easily over my trem or when top wrapping on my Gibson Stoptails, so I may start using D'Addario more often although I just bought 12 Ernie Ball .50s to round out my Slinky 11-48 sets.

I also like that D'Addario uses 11-49, perfect balance it seems.

[ExplorersRock]

I'm a DR guy. I think they have a great full sound that brings out the best in a guitar. After that, I'd go Kurt Mangan, then Ernie Ball. I'd D'Addario if I had to, but the last few times I tried them I thought they sounded thin and dry. Very crackly.

[papersoul]

So far D'Addario and Erni Ball still sound best, nice a full, balanced, warm, good clarity. Tried DRs again, and once again had toruble intonating and one string was bad. I am done with DR for good!

[ExplorersRock]

So far D'Addario and Erni Ball still sound best, nice a full, balanced, warm, good clarity. Tried DRs again, and once again had toruble intonating and one string was bad. I am done with DR for good!

D'Addario's have been remarkably consistent from my experience. But i've not had intonation Problems with DRs. Ernie Balls have given me heartburn with intonation, string breakage, and consistency but I do like the tone. DRs have had an occasional bad string though. When it comes to tone, DRs are unbeatable to my ears. D'Addarios just don't do it for me. To each their own. Play what sounds best to your ears & you can't go wrong.

[esandes]

d'addario 10s. i tried them all and i just like these best for some reason.

[verbotenco]

I choose Darco, bright and durable, doesn't corrode.

[kramer.geetar]

I'm using Dunlop 9-46 and like them a lot. I switched back to EB and cut them out right away and went back to the Dunlops. Much better and warmer sound for my setup so I'm gonna stick to them

[Jackson Distortion]

Currently D'Addario XL's 10-46. Besides their availability and consistency - their tone suits my music and guitar. They have a biting midrange and have crisp-sounding unwound strings - which cut through nicely. They make my guitar sound and play better as well.

[Gearjoneser]

D'Addario 11-49 on almost everything for a couple decades. I like 10's on my 335 and teles though. 12's on acoustic and resonator.

I've got a lot of guitars to string up though. I can't be bothered with anything that cost more than $5.50 per pack. High dollar strings.....no way. Coated.....nope.
I consider myself lucky to have non acidic skin. Even my sweat doesn't corrode strings. I don't know if it's my diet or just luck. They seem to last, so it's a non-issue.

[Archer_of_Fish]

I've been using Dunlop Rev Willy's Mexican Lottery strings lately....10-46.

I really like them.