My Overall Rating:

Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

I had never try Dean Markley strings before and out of curiosity, I decided to give it a shot on these Cryogenic processed Blue Steel strings. Seriously, I didn’t put too much of expectation but to my surprise, these strings turned out to be pretty good!

At my first impression, DM Blue Steel Acoustic Strings produced bright and mellow sound. They are easy to install and the action is gentle on my fingertips. This is very useful if you are a guitar beginner with no callouses on your fingers. They are light and sound very nice with fingerpicking style. And these strings also hold a tune very well and stay in tune after playing. They did last quite a while if compare to my other D’Addario or GHS strings.

To me, Dean Markley Blue Steel produces rich and big sound at moderate levels. These strings are quite touch-sensitive and expressive. They are worth for a try if you looking for alternatives to your current acoustic strings. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Dean Markley
Model	Blue Steel Acoustic
Type	Acoustic Strings
Coated / Non-coated	Non-coated
Gauge	2034
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Other user’s comment:

Maverick B.

I bought these because I wanted some heavier strings on my guitar and I read that they ring out differently. Whoa, I was supprised on how clear and metalic these strings rang as I started tuning my “travel” guitar. It almost made it sound like a full sized guitar. Totally recommend these type strings for anyone looking to liven up their guitar sound. [Read full review..]

B. Astrup

I have always liked these strings, every time I try something else I wish I had gotten these. Sound is a subjective matter, I just happen to like the sound of these and their action. [Read full review]

A clip from YouTube on Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings.

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My Overall Rating:

Martin M130 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK

When learning to play the guitar there are very few teachers who are going to tell you the benefits of having the right strings to go with it, which is a pity as the Martin m130 may just make the difference that you – and your neighbors – have been waiting to hear.

Have you ever picked up your guitar and wondered why the sound coming out of it bared little to no resemblance to the Jimi Hendrix riff that you’re trying to play? Some people may say that it’s down to a lack of practice, a lack of skill, or even a lack of any sort of musical ability, but that’s not always the case; sometimes you just need the right equipment to get the right sounds coming out, and that’s where switching to silk and steel strings has helped many people out.

Refusing to believe that I wasn’t going to be the next Chuck Berry – and clearly giving my age away – I would practice for ages on my old four string guitar, but nothing really helped. It wasn’t until some years later that I discover that it should actually have six strings, and that the strings I did have weren’t all that good for a beginner – that and the previously mentioned lack of any musical talent. I started to look around for a full set of strings that would be easier to play, wouldn’t have a dull sound to them, wouldn’t sound as twangy, and would make me sound like a rock-star; well, the first three things would do, for a start.

I soon discovered that many people were recommending switching to the Martin guitar strings, and the Martin m130 silk and steel strings in particular. I thought ‘what the hell’, they were cheap enough, and the neighbors couldn’t be any more upset with me than they already were, so I decided to get a set.

Now, the Martin m130 silk and steel strings seem to work on most guitars, but it may still pay to check that they work with your guitar, and they wouldn’t instantly make you sound like the next Carlos Santana, but they were pretty much the only ‘drawbacks’ that I could see when I was doing my research in to them; but hey, you could say the same thing about any strings that you settle on getting, not just the Martin guitar strings.

As far as it making a difference to my actual playing, well, I always thought I was good, so you’d really have to ask the neighbors. The Martin m130 strings did seem to have a better feel to them, were easier to use with just my fingers, and produced the type of sound that I was aiming for, a more sort of melodic sound; having a full complement of strings also made a bit of a difference, but I was still just using the same three chords anyway.

So, will Martin m130 silk and steel strings make you in to the next Eric Clapton? Well, that all sort of depends on the commitment you put in to your practice, the talent that you have to start with, and getting the correct number of string for your guitar; but switching from what you already have, to the Martin guitar strings, and especially the Martin m130 silk and steel strings, is going to make a difference no matter what your current level and ability is – take it from me, the new Slash. Read more reviews.
 

Brand	Martin
Model	M130
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	Silk & Steel
Gauge	Light, .0115; .014; .023; .028; .038; .047
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

A clip from YouTube on Martin M130 Silk and Steel Strings.

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My Overall Rating:

Elixir Acoustic Guitar Strings are currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

Elixir acoustic guitar strings are the best-made strings I have ever played on. After burning through strings on my Taylor GA, I decided I had to try something new. Most acoustic guitar strings fall out of tune easily, sound tinny and artificial when you first put them on, and then just after they start feeling comfortable and sounding warm, they begin to rust, or the coating starts to fray around the soundhole.

I was beginning to get used to the idea of putting up with these facts for the rest of my guitar-playing life, and then I decided to give Elixir strings a try. These guitar strings sound wonderful from the get-go, so they’re especially great to have if you break a string halfway through a set, and they retain their vibrant sound for ages. I do think they sound best after a couple days of breaking them in though, like most strings.

Elixir uses a nanoweb coating on some of their acoustic strings, a super thin coating which makes them feel and sound like uncoated strings. They also tend to last longer than polyweb coated strings. In my opinion, nanowebs feel better on the fingers, and make playing far smoother and easier. Elixir makes their nanoweb strings without sacrificing tone, and that’s something that is hard to find.

The tone of these Nanoweb strings is crisp and rich, and differs with the type of acoustic string. For instance, the nanowebs give a brighter sound, while the phosphor bronze strings have a deeper tone to them. I like to alter the strings based on the type of music I’m playing—bluegrass vs. blues or jazz, for instance. I’ll want the brighter sound for bluegrass, and deeper for jazz. All of Elixir’s strings have that same wonderful playability and rich tone though, so there’s a pack of strings to suit anyone!

One of my pet peeves is guitar strings that won’t hold a tune. Few things are as annoying as playing a gig, and gradually falling out of tune with the rest of the band. Luckily, these particular guitar strings hold their tune longer than most others I’ve played with. That, if for no other reason, makes Elixir strings worth buying.

Elixir has excellent customer service, too. If there’s ever a problem with a pack of strings, or even a single string within a pack, if you let them know, they’ll send you a whole new pack! The company knows they have high-quality strings, so they have no qualms about making sure their customers are satisfied.

Now that I’ve tried Elixir strings, I won’t be buying any other kind. They’re the best deal I could hope for, for the price. They are a little more expensive than some other brands, but the fact that they last more than twice as long, not to mention that they play and sound better, seals the deal for me. Elixir acoustic guitar strings are the way to go for anyone who wants to get the most out of their guitar. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Elixir
Model	11102
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	80/20 Bronze with Nanoweb coating
Gauge	Medium: .013, .017, .026, .035, .045, .056
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Steven M.
I have over 15 years playing experience and I would not have any other strings on my guitar. I have messed around with many different brands and even the $1/pack I found online (which I wanted to change half way through a set) but there is simply nothing else out there at this price which lasts as long, sounds as good and makes playing such a pleasure as these. [Read full review]

A clip from YouTube on Elixir 80/20 Nanoweb acoustic guitar strings.

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My Overall Rating:

D’Addario EJ17 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Playing acoustic guitar can be an awesome experience. Whether you are playing for fun or playing to expand your musical knowledge, you will always need to have the best guitar strings possible. Having weak and frail strings will mean that you will have to change them frequently. Picking quality strings will ensure that you can play day after day without worrying about changing strings monthly. High quality strings will mean that you will get the best possible sound for your guitar. The D’Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings is an example of high quality strings that provides the best sound and clarity possible.

The D’Addario EJ17 is a type of string that posses a heavier tension that provides users with better strumming capabilities and sound quality. Guitarists love the rich and full acoustic tone the D’Addario EJ17 delivered. You will be surprise to find these acoustic guitar strings sound as vibrant as some of the non-coated strings. They hold the tune well and last a reasonable amount of time.

The quality of the strings is unparallel to others and no other company can come close to their reputation. Made from high carbon steel, the D’Addario Strings will last for months without losing sound quality or tension.

Another great feature of D’Addario EJ17 is their new packaging style. Instead of being wrapped into paper sleeves individually, the strings are now bundled together into a single plastic bag. This is a great move from the string maker to contribute some effort to our environment.

Here are some of the pros and cons I found about D’Addario EJ17 strings.

Pros:

• The strings produce a nice warm sound
• The range of sound is excellent
• String durability and long lasting quality
• Price of the strings is very affordable
• Consistent sound quality

Cons:

• A finish on the string comes off after a while from playing

The D’Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings is a brand that is often looked upon as the best acoustic strings for musicians to buy. As you can see, the sound and build quality is something that most users will applaud. As always, sometimes there are issues with specific users, but the vast majority of users prefer this string. If you are looking for a new string to try or need just a quality replacement, you should take a look and try out any brand of D’Addario guitar strings. You will not be disappointed and you may become a D’Addario user for life. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	D'Addario
Model	EJ17
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	Phosphor Bronze
Gauge	Plain Steel .013, .017, Phosphor Bronze Wound .026, .035, .045, .056
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Sledman

Not much to say here. Strings are a very personal thing to a guitar player. You need to try different gauges and brands till you find the ones that work best for you and your style. These are the string of choice for my acoustic and have been for many many years. I replace my strings about once a month with casual play and proper maintenance so why run to the store or pay for shipping 10 times a year. The strings are great, priced great and was on sale which made it even better. There is less waste with the packaging which help the planet just a bit so that’s good too. [Read full review]

A clip from YouTube on D’Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

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My Overall Rating:

Martin MSP4150 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

Martin MSP4150 is a combination of high performance and great string quality. This Studio Performance Series is ideal for musicians with high expectation. It is made of high quality steel core and plain strings plated with an acoustic bronze finish.

Guitar strings are not just guitar strings – they are very personal because everyone has a different “ear”. Not everyone hears the same tones or quality in guitar strings. Martin guitar strings are one of the better quality stings. You don’t even have to own a martin guitar to use their strings. It depends on the sound you’re looking for in your guitar.

Martin Guitars has been around since 1833 and are considered one of the finest in guitar making. They are also one of the oldest guitar makers in the world. They have been setting the standards for styles of guitars for many years and their guitar strings are some of the finest around. They have been hand made since the inception of Martin Guitars and even though technology has come to the life of guitar making they still produce the finest in strings.

The Martin MSP4150 SP strings can be used on any guitar but they are designed for the Martin Guitar so naturally they sound best on one. They have been used by some of the biggest in icons rock stars, country, folk and bluegrass stars. You can see Martin guitar strings in videos and on MTV and even on television shows. But they are a personal choice.

Unlike other medium gauge strings, Martin MSP4150 will not exerting too much tension on your guitar. These light-medium strings exert exactly the right amount of pull on your guitar and give you a beautiful and loud tone. These strings are very finger friendly and give you a good feel on your fingertips.

Whether you’re just starting out learning to play a guitar or are a veteran guitar player, you’ll find owning and using Martin strings gives you the sound you’re looking for on your guitar. If you’re looking for a bright, deep supporting tone plus longevity then Martin strings will bring out the best in your playing. You might even be surprised at how long they last no matter how many gigs, rehearsals and shows you do, they do resist breakage better than other guitar strings. If you’re looking to make your guitar shine with beauty then the golden bronze finish of the Martin SP strings will enhance the beauty of your guitar while providing superior tonal quality.

Martin has been making quality strings for a very long time. The MSP4150 is simply a great set of light-medium strings at a very affordable price. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Martin & Co.
Model	MSP4150
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	Phosphor Bronze
Gauge	Light-Medium, .0125 - .055
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

K. Perry
I have been playing with Martin acoustic steel strings on my Takamine acoustic for years. All Martin products in general have been good. (Playing guitar for 11 years.) [Read full review]

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My Overall Rating:

Martin MSP4200 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

If you already own an acoustic guitar or are looking to buy one the one of the important things you need to consider is what strings are you going to use. This can be a challenge for a novice as there is such a wide variety within the strings section of the market. Strings are sold based on strength, material they are made from and brand. Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze strings are ideal for guitarist who loves deep, rich basses and clear tone. These 92/8 phosphor bronze are wounded to precise specifications and designed for daily picking.

Martin MSP4200 acoustic guitar strings use a winding alloy that makes crisp and clear treble tones while offering the deepest and richest of bass tones. They are specifically made to endure all manner of everyday playing and provide good longevity with that in mind.

Being a Martin strings fan for years, I could tell that these Martin SP strings are produced to strict, exacting standards. They never intentionally send out below par strings for retailing. They are wound with expertise and finesse to ensure that they sound great, last long and are easy to use. What make Martin MSP4200 different from other strings is they are good quality strings at low price. These strings deliver beautiful tone and last long too. You don’t have to worry about easy breakage with Martin MSP4200.

Reviews of these Martin MSP4200 strings on the whole have been positive. A few niggles here and there are dwarfed in comparison to the raves about the ease of stringing a guitar with these and the different in sound they can give to a guitar in comparison to other brands. The price seems to be a shining glory as they out price many big guns in the string business, but offer the same quality and in some cases even better quality than their rivals.

Many reviewers have commented that now they have used Martin strings that they would never use another make of strings again. They are best matched with a smaller guitar as there is less string tension and therefore more comfortable to use than if you used them on a full-size guitar. Smaller guitars by nature are less powerful and often harder to project sound with, by using these Martin medium strings this will lend a helping hand to produce more vibrant, attention grabbing sounds.

Whether novice or seasoned pro, the reviews speak for themselves, the Martin MSP4200 strings are strings that offer more than their competitors for a fraction of the price. Simply put Martin MSP4200 on your guitar and tune it, you will be amaze by its fabulous tone. They will definitely blow you away. Read more reviews.
 

Brand	Martin
Model	MSP4200
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	92/8 Phosphor Bronze
Gauge	Medium
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Anton Lemeza
Put these on a Hohner Acoustic to replace some nylon strings it had. SUCH an improvement. Completely different sound. Crisp, clean, just amazing. Cant beat that price either. Snag a set of these! Not much else to say, Martin knows what they’re doing. [Read full review]

A clip from YouTube on Martin MSP4200.

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Wipe your guitar strings

This is very important for maintenance. Wipe down your guitar strings with a soft and dry cloth each time you finish your practicing. What you need to do is simply put the cloth in between the strings and the fingerboard. Run it all the way down the length of the neck of the guitar. Get rid of all the perspiration and rust.

Use string cleaner

There’s a great product called String Cleaner. Just glide it on with the applicator and wipe it off with the provided lint-free cloth. It will keep your guitar strings clean and allow you to play faster. It also reduces excessive finger noise. You can use it on strings, the fretboard, and back of the guitar neck.

Use quality strings

There are various types of guitar strings on the market. Each product is not created with equal quality. You may opt for a good-quality brand of strings such as D’Addario or Elixir. These strings are very consistent and last longer.

Whether you are a guitar beginner or professional guitarist, taking good care of your guitar strings is always essential.

 

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