Hi, new member here - and a string question.

[Mars Rover]

Hi all. I just bought a used EBMM JP6 that looks like it was never played, never saw daylight-but could use new strings. I'm probably just an inflexible creature of habit but whatever strings I try, I always go back to D'Adderio XL's. Since she's an Ernie Ball guitar, I'd like to try EB strings again. What EB set set would be the closest to the XL110 set (for example) so I don't automatically reject them?

I have a Bongo Bass too-so I had to get a JP6!

Thanks

 

[DrKev]

Welcome to the forum!

IIRC, XL110s would be 10-46 so the Ernie Ball equivalent would be Regular Slinky (also 10-46).

 

[Warg Master]

Why don't you give Cobalt a try?

 

[Mars Rover]

Thanks for the advice. Regular Slinky- I can remember that. It's just that with Power Slinky, Super Slinky, Hybrid Slinky and other choices, I wasn't sure if they were all the same formulation or what the real differences were, which is why I asked what was closest EB's to the XL's. I wasn't that concerned about matching exact gauges - string for string. When I do compare apples to apples, I just know what I like for feel, sound, bending, etc. For example GHS, in general, just feel stiffer to me-and don't sound as good.

Since the JP is new to me, without dwelling on it, I think I'm comparing a lot of things to my other guitars. So the best idea may be to string it up with the XL's, then try the Regular Slinkys, then try the Cobalts.

Thanks again!

 

[DrKev]

Strings, like picks or pickups, are a personal voyage. Fortunately for us guitar players, strings are relatively cheap so it's not a huge sacrifice to check a few different sets out. Your plan sounds pretty logical. The only thing that's important is that you find what works best for your ears and fingers.

My personal impression was that if we compare like gauges, D'Addario feel slightly stiffer. Fender strings were stiffer again. There are tonal differences too but I'm really not the guy to comment on them in any meaningful way (it's been 10+ years since I last used either brand and much longer since I used anything else).

Personally, no matter what I tried over the first ten years playing, I always ended up going back to EB Slinkys. They are all I've played for the last ten years, although I tried the EB coated Slinkys recently and I'm almost converted. I think when I finally get my hands on the Cobalts a big decision will have to be made!

Let us know how you get on!