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Something I've been wondering quite long, but never had the time to really try it out myself: Let's say I buy two sets of strings, both with the same gauge, a cheap one and an expensive one. What are the differences I can expect looking at following:

  • Durability
  • Staying in tune
  • Sound
  • Loudness
  • Anything else?

And, as a more general question: How and why (for example because they produce different overtones or whatever) can another type of string affect the sound, if they have the same gauge?

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Gauge is essentially diameter. Different metals, different windings, different production methods all contribute to the final elasticity as a function of wavelength. (which is what affects the overtone series' amplitudes) –  Carl Witthoft Dec 17 '13 at 13:11
I've started a discussion about this question on meta. –  luser droog Dec 18 '13 at 7:46

1 Answer 1

This reminds me of a very interesting article in Ultimate Guitar a while ago. I'll sum u the details of what it entailed: The cost and brand of string does affect the tone/durability/volume etc. of your playing but guitar string production has came a long way over the years and we're pretty much out of ideas. There is difference in the quality of strings but - as long as you don't go for very poor quality strings - there is little difference really. Ever noticed how difference guitarists go for different strings? It's all about choice really. Your best bet is just trying out different brands/makes and finding which one best suits your ears and - of course - your wallet.

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Thanks for your answer :-) Do you have a link to that article somewhere? –  Michael Kunst Dec 19 '13 at 8:14
It's a print article and a fairly old one. I'll try and dig it up for you. –  Tim Hargreaves Dec 19 '13 at 12:35
That would be really nice, thanks very much. –  Michael Kunst Dec 19 '13 at 21:26

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