Question Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks?

[VintageJazzman]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this EB forum and the strings but, I'm an old dawg when it comes to playing the guitar. I've pretty much much been more of a rythym man my entire life and not what you would call a leadman or even a picker? I've played just about every type of music (except RAP) over the years and I have taken a newfound interest in the guitar again but, as a picker this time rather than just strumming the axe.

My new interests are smooth jazz & some easy blues on the guitar and I would like to know which Ernie Ball strings I should consider for each guitar? I have a friend who swears by EB strings and claims that's all he's ever used for the past 30 years?

The two axes I own are a vintage 88' Alvarez Yairi Acoustic/Electric and a new Ibanez Artcore AK95 Ibanez.com | Hollow Body Guitars | AK95 . I'm thinking the Ibanez for the leads and the Alvarez for the rythym section? What EB strings would you recommend for each guitar?

Thanks in advance,
Bo

 

[DrKev]

Hi Bo, and welcome!

For acoustic strings, you have two basic flavours - 80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze. The 80/20s are yellow gold in colour and have a bright, focused midrange sound. The Phosphors have a darker almost coppery colour and the tone is crisp on the top end with lots of full deep bottom end. Which is right for you and your guitar is up to you. Which ever you go for, both types are available in regular or coated sets. Coated cost more but last longer. Personally, I love phosphor bronze on most guitars, preferably in 11 - 52. But that's just me.

For your Ibanez I'd suggest the Pure Nickel Rock'n'roll set for a tone that's slightly warmer than the standard nickel wound strings.

String are a personal voyage, and there is a lot to choose from. Fortunately for guitar players our strings don't cost much so trying things out is less of investment than it is for bassists!