• Ernie Ball
  • MusicMan
  • Sterling by MusicMan

Joe Demo

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Messages
64
Location
Bumpass, VA
Just wondering if there have ever been any thought of producing a 9.5 - 44 set of strings? I actually really like that gauge of string!!!

Has anyone else used a set of 9.5 - 44's?
 

candid_x

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 26, 2006
Messages
3,272
Just wondering if there have ever been any thought of producing a 9.5 - 44 set of strings? I actually really like that gauge of string!!!

Has anyone else used a set of 9.5 - 44's?

Yes, I've been using them for a couple of years, in addition to using EB Hybrids. Just depends which guitar. I wish EB did make them, in nickel and nickel plated.
 

TNT

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2005
Messages
3,576
Location
Oakland - Raider Nation!
Candid,

What brand do you use?

If they made a "substantial" difference, don't you think BP would be aware of this fact, since he is obviously the "leader" in string production and innovation!!

In addition, why aren't thousand of rock stars using them (or demanding them)? Because, they either use 9's OR 10's!!:)
 

TNT

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2005
Messages
3,576
Location
Oakland - Raider Nation!
Bruce,

I'm not knocking you for using them, not at all. I'll critisize myself before I ever do that to someone else!

I was just stating what I thought was a logical reason why they are not widely used or made.

I personally thought maybe a string manufacturer would use it as more of a gimmick, than anything else, however, I honestly believe that it would be a great size - so I do understand why you like them!!!:)
 

Joe Demo

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Messages
64
Location
Bumpass, VA
I use the 9.5 set on one of my guitars and I can tell a difference. I know it doesn't seem like it would be much difference, but I definitely can tell.

On the one guitar in question, the 9.5's were a perfect balance between standard 9 and 10 sets. I tried them all and liked the 9.5's the best. FOR ME ONLY, 9's were too skinny and 10's were a tad too stiff. Again this is from my on opinion about this one guitar.
 

Colin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2005
Messages
10,649
Location
Brisbane Queensland
I personally prefer the sound of 10's, but some guitars just suit 9's. Not sure about the 9.5 debate. Interesting debate though.
 

slukather

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 17, 2003
Messages
1,589
Location
Melbourne, Australia
I like my 9's, l ever really thought a 9.5 would be that much difference, but l've never used them, hell l didn't even know they existed, it would be great to try them all side by side to see the tonal/feel difference, a good debate non the less.

Scott.
 

candid_x

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 26, 2006
Messages
3,272
I honestly don't see this as a debate, only as preferences. Because I sometimes use 9.5's doesn't make me "against" anyone who doesn't use or make them. And if you don't use them or make them for whatever reason, great! Fact remains, they are on the market, and I don't think they'll disappear any time soon - thankfully.
 

Mayor Stoner

Member
Joined
May 23, 2007
Messages
19
"I'm curious. too. If I've missed BP's previous explanation, for some reason not to manufacture these, I'm sorry.
When I first saw the 9.5 packs a few years ago, I thought ALL the string companies would have them in no time. I have been very surprised, they didn't become popular. To those who haven't tried them, the .5 DOES make a difference.
Ever tried to explain the difference of one thousandth of an inch [9-10] to a non-guitar player ? ? Play 10's a few hours one night, and then the next night, play a set of 9's. Oh yeah, you'll know the difference. I think the 9.5 sets are a happy medium between. I'd love for Ball make to make a 9.5 set. If not sold in sets, offer the 9.5's and 11.5's etc. as singles, to make up your own gauge preference.
My 2 cents worth." M.S.
 

TheStiffness

Ernie Ball, Inc.
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
261
Location
Indio, CA
I've played 9.5's...

My fingers weren't sensitive enough to feel any noteworthy difference.
Play what you like. Don't play what you don't.
Just my 2 cents.... better make that 1.5 cents.
 

TheStiffness

Ernie Ball, Inc.
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
261
Location
Indio, CA
I'm sure BP would have a better answer, but I'm pretty sure (amongst other, more technical reasons) the reason behind us not manufacturing half gauges is because the demand isn't high enough.
 

Joe Demo

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Messages
64
Location
Bumpass, VA
I must really be in the minority with being a lefty and liking half gauge strings:D:D

I guess I like to make things difficult:)
 

Mayor Stoner

Member
Joined
May 23, 2007
Messages
19
Quote : " I'm sure BP would have a better answer, but I'm pretty sure (amongst other, more technical reasons) the reason behind us not manufacturing half gauges is because the demand isn't high enough. "

OK, I'll take that . . But, I wonder, if that's what Black Diamond and Gibson said back in the 60's, before 'Slinkys' came along ? . . hmmm

OK. I'll shut up, now. M.S.
 

Jack FFR1846

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
2,176
Location
Hopkinton, MA
If EB made 9.5's, I'd buy them tomorrow.

I actually came in here to ask about restringing an Axis SS that I just bought. I have a couple guitars that I've used super slinkys on (9's) and recently also bought a sub1 that came with 10's. I sort of like the 10's but am afraid that they're going to substantially change the feel of the SS....which I really like. I used 9.5's on my old Guild and really like them on it. Less tone change with a hard press on a fret, easy to bend and easier to control the tone in a bend. I guess I'll restring with the 9.5 and see how I like em. Probably go to 10's later.

jack
 
Top Bottom