I play a lot of acoustic so I am somewhat heavy-fingered, but I do like bending notes to some degree on the 1st ,2nd, and 3rd strings. While researching, I noticed that D’Addario strings of one form or another were among the most often recommended. Lighter strings (common size .009-.042) are far more flexible. Typically, the E A D G strings are wound and the B E strings are unwound. It is a brand beloved by professional musicians who play music for the sake of music, and hobby musicians are catching on as well. The string contains gauges like .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042. Check out the lighter “Super Slinky,” “Extra Slinky” or “Primo Slinky” lines- country players say these are great on a Telecaster for a “Bakersfield Sound” twang. CYBER WEEK SALE: Save 50% on a Monthly Plan. The Telecaster has the bad luck of standing in its cousin’s shadow. For something different, Ernie Ball has recently released the world’s first cobalt strings. I have everything from 7-38 on a Telecaster to 11-50's on my Les Paul... My SG Standard was best with 10-46 and most of my Strats are strung with 9-42's Sp8ctre, Mar 8, 2018 #64. im pretty sure that they must have restrung your guitar, because the fender custom shop guitars (masterbuilt may be an exception) usually come with fender strings put on many shops might restring guitars, or resetup them, because when they arrive at the store they might need a new setup Further, the nature of the precision-machined Bullet end design meant that the string returned to the exact same position every time, greatly improving tuning stability even after heavy tremolo use. The Fender Super 250's strings for telecaster are louder than I expected at first - great news, considering the strings are super light gauge (.09 to .42). I need replacement strings for my Mexican fender Stratocaster and have got very comfortable with the old strings so would like to get the same ones. He takes into account a number of different factors, including scale length (Fender Scale [25.5″] or Gibson Scale [24.75″]), tuning, playing style … A place on reddit for Telecaster lovers. Rich's recommended guitar strings for Squier Stratocasters. Just quick question - first time ever having a tele and I have 10's right now on it - and it seems a bit 'heavy' (for lack of better word) - in comparison with my strat. The NYXL line boasts a high-carbon steel core and nickel coating. For example, the popular medium-gauge string combination ranges from .010 to .046 in gauge, so this set is referred to as “.010s”. A good place to start for the action on a Tele is 4/64″ on all the strings. On ball end strings, the core wire of the string wraps around a separate piece, a tiny metal "ball." The following setup procedures and specifications are for your Telecaster as equipped with the strings that come on the instrument as standard equipment from the factory. Fender string gauges can be summed up thusly (from the high E to low E strings): Fender electric guitar strings are made of steel, so they properly transmit the string vibrations to the magnetic pickups. The piezo equipped Hollowbody models are factory set up with 11 - 49 gauge strings with a wound 3rd. As you may expect, heavier gauge strings (such as .011-.048) have the exact opposite characteristics. It won't be overnight, but humidity and the residue left behind by your hands can speed the process. They carry the banner of tradition and fortitude. Thanks..! Fender offers strings with ball ends and Bullet ends. As a result, D’Addario claim they are some of the strongest strings for their relative gauges, and provide a slightly warmer tone. This is how you get the string action measurement. The company boasts that cobalt strings are higher-output with unmatched clarity of tone. As a rule of thumb, if you want to play fast leads and chords, light gauges may be the way to go (metal players with a preference for drop-D tuning would still need a heavy gauge for the lower strings or wound strings). I like this, especially given the fact that the strings are super light gauge, from .09 to .42. Ball end strings work on all electric guitars. Features of the String gauge of a Standard Gibson Les Paul. As beloved as the NYXL strings may be, they are significantly more expensive than typical strings. - Gauge - Materials - Core - Winding Method; In this piece, we'll break down everything you need to know to ensure you've got the right strings on your Stratocaster, Telecaster or any other electric guitar. The best way to find out which is best for you is to try several types before you pinpoint your favorite. The good thing about having a variety of strings for your electric guitar is that you have options. This could be helpful if you are playing for multiple hours a day. Rangeofsounds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These strings come in packaging that will help preserve the life of the string and keep them as perfect as they ought either before or after use. The effortless blending and chording provided by this light gauge string make it more fit for your telecaster. If you are trying different strin… Ernie Ball artist and YouTube extraordinaire Ryan “Fluff” Bruce has shared an incredibly helpful guide to help you determine which string gauge is right for you. Bends are harder, fretwork is harder. Fender literally wrote the book on electric basses, laying the foundation for musical innovation and evolution. Ernie Ball tends to be the second name in strings that’s mentioned after D’Addario. They are usually differentiated in shorthand as “light,” “medium” or “heavy”; or by the numerical gauge of the high E string. If you play soul, blues, or jazz, you might consider the darker vintage tone of D’Addario EPN110 line. The Fender Super 250's strings for telecaster are louder than I expected at first - great news, considering the strings are super light gauge (.09 to .42). I think if there’s one area of guitar part/gear world without any strong consensus - it’s probably strings. What string gauge do you guys think will make a tele sound the most teleist. Nickel-plated steel is the default choice, with a tone between the two extremes. Depress the strings at the fret located at the neck and body joint. The made in Mexico standard Tele comes with Fender Super 250L, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauge .009 to .042. No matter what genre you are playing, there could be a place for lighter or heavier strings. Because of their flat surface, they can also be easier on the fingers. The following setup procedures and specifications are for your Telecaster as equipped with the strings that come on the instrument as standard equipment from the factory. For example, the popular medium-gauge string combination ranges from .010 to .046 in gauge, so this set is referred to as “.010s”. Heavy strings can handle harder playing for a longer time. To the best of my knowledge, both Squier and Fender Stratocasters come equipped from the factory with .009 to .042 gauge strings, which is considered to be "extra light" or "super light" as far as string weight is concerned. Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CtqfHmssx8&t=191s. DR are a smaller, but highly respected string outfit. Most modern strings have a hexagonal-cross-section core on the wound strings. "String gauge" refers to the size of the string, as in how thick, measured in thousandths of an inch. For Fender's slate of electric guitar strings, these things will impact those factors: In this piece, we'll break down everything you need to know to ensure you've got the right strings on your Stratocaster, Telecaster or any other electric guitar. String gauges refers to the thickness of the strings. As I said before, at the end of the day, the choice is based on what feels best to you. The American Ultra Telecaster features a unique “Modern D” neck profile with Ultra rolled fingerboard edges for hours of playing comfort, and the tapered neck heel allows easy access to the highest register. The best string gauge is the one you feel comfortable playing. Using a ruler or a string action gauge card and holding the guitar in playing position, measure from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string. Robert is a freelance audio engineer and the lead writer for Range of Sounds. Copyright ©2020. - Stainless Steel: Very bright tone with excellent sustain. The package shows graphs comparing the frequency response of steel, nickel, and cobalt strings. Use some string cleaner with a special wipe, or simply a polish cloth, to keep things properly maintained. On the other hand, lighter gauges offer less sustain and volume, and can break more regularly. In the early 80s, Fender resurrected the name to use on its budget guitar line. A place on reddit for Telecaster lovers. Medium gauge strings are a good default for almost any playing style, but there are numerous reasons to move heavier or lighter. At normal string tension, this "slack" wire loop is taut and unbent, and the ball end is prevented from completely abutting the bridge plate. Nickel wound.026,.036,.046. Generally, lighter gauge strings are easier to play, brighter, allow you to bend strings and fret notes easier, and exert less tension on your guitar's neck. I am including their Pure Blues strings here because I recognize many of my recommendations so far have mentioned the Telecaster twang. Meanwhile, heavier gauges give you more volume and sustain, allow you to dig in and play harder, and are typically preferred for drop-tunings and alternate tunings. These strings are perfect for use on varieties of guitar, and they are wound with nickel-plated steel onto a hexagonally shaped, and high carbon steel core. Discussions comparing guitar strings often start with gauges, before brands are even mentioned. Great news for Telecaster players- the guitar will be able to sing like never before! I play a lot of acoustic so I am somewhat heavy-fingered, but I do like bending notes to some degree on the 1st ,2nd, and 3rd strings. Notably, cobalt strings have a huge boost in the mids and upper mids. I need replacement strings for my Mexican fender Stratocaster and have got very comfortable with the old strings so would like to get the same ones. I recently purchased an Affinity butterscotch tele and love it. Ernie Ball artist and YouTube extraordinaire Ryan “Fluff” Bruce has shared an incredibly helpful guide to help you determine which string gauge is right for you. humidity and the residue left behind by your hands can speed the process, - "Light-Regular:" .009/.011/.016/.026/.036/.046, - "Regular Heavy:" .010/.013/.017/.032/.042/.052. What’s more, the NYXL strings feature a plain 3rd string- that is to say, the G string is unwound. The US standard Tele comes with … Fender PlayCYBER WEEK SALE: Save 50% on a Monthly Plan.UNLOCK THIS OFFER. I recently changed my strings on my Telecaster squire from 46-10’s to 42-9’s your right it gives a thinner sound not only that I notice a less tube drive in my fender twin, yes the 9’s are better for bending all in all I will go back to the 10’s they seem to bring out the best in my tube drive, thanks for your tutorial on strings. With these stronger strings, you can go for a lighter gauge without worrying as much about string breakage or compromising tone. The Telecaster is known to be more typecast and specialized than its star-studded cousin. Luckily, regularly cleaning your strings will keep them stronger longer. It’s not great for very high-gain genres, such as hardcore punk and metal, without customization. String gauges are usually referred to by the gauge of their lightest string: 0.009 strings (also called 9 strings or “nines”) have a top string that is 0.009 inches across in diameter, while 0.011 strings (usually referred to as 11 strings or “elevens”) incorporate a top string … Using a feeler gauge, check the distance between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the sixth string (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement). Because electric guitar strings are made out of steel, they contain iron, which corrodes when exposed to oxygen. Click on the links below to see what string gauge your Fender guitar comes with. The DR Pure Blues actually have a round core in the wound strings. I am curious what the best string gauge and brand works best for her. Or, for something different, try the “Skinny Top Heavy Bottom” with light-gauge high strings and heavier low strings. The NYXL line is also known to require less stretching when brand-new, and stay in tune for longer. The strings cover to the core and to perfection, the string feels on touch and the quality of the sound it produces. He takes into account a number of different factors, including scale length (Fender Scale [25.5″] or Gibson Scale … With their fabulous googie curves and space-age portmanteau names, it’s little wonder that the Telecaster and Stratocaster have maintained central positions in American music for decades. This allows easier bending on more notes- ideal for many of the same playing styles in which the Telecaster shines. Keep feeling the joy of the music! Ideal for bends and expressive playing on the high strings, but thicker sound on the lower strings. Yet, the Telecaster is an extremely proud and iconic guitar in its own right, a worthy pairing to the Strat. ... Strings. These strings are pure nickel, and also feature an uncommon attribute. Everything you need to know about Fender's collection of electric guitar strings. Aug 26, 2010 #2. How to replace a string on, or restring a Fender Squire Telecaster any Tele style guitar that doesn't have through body stringing. Beyond that, the Telecaster is an excellent choice for rhythm or lead playing in funk, soul, reggae, and blues. Ernie Ball Slinky strings are another iconic all-around choice, comparable to the D’Addario EXL110 line in many ways. The Stratocaster, of course, is practically visually synonymous with the electric guitar. Roundwound is the most popular way of string winding, as they are available in the widest selection of gauges and materials. It has a rich tone that shines in numerous contexts. The name is most famous as a string manufacturer, and as the parent of Music Man, an instrument maker founded with the help of Leo Fender later in his career. Also resistant to corrosion, so they will last a long time. A popular medium string gauge range is.010 to.046, referred to in the short-hand as “.010s.” String packs can be light, extra light, heavy, or extra heavy. The string design was specifically made for Stratocaster guitars because the Bullet ends fit far more precisely into the tremolo block, closely fitting the circumference of the string channel, adding sustain. But it has its limits as well. - Vintage Nickel: A little more warmth than nickel-plated steel. The core refers to the center of the string, with windings going around it to create larger, wound strings. Strings end up becoming a really personal thing. Since the Strat has a relatively long scale, it’s well-suited to medium or heavy strings. If you are trying different strings out, gauge is probably the most immediate difference you will notice. Bullet strings attach a tiny cylinder of brass shaped like a bullet to the end of the string in a one-piece construction. Read on for a few of the best examples. Most new guitars come strung with super-light or light-gauge strings. They are available in a huge range of gauge combinations. It’s better to have too much tone, rather than not enough- you can always lower it on the guitar or amp if necessary. I recently purchased an Affinity butterscotch tele and love it. Still, the increased size adds more tension and can be more difficult to bend and fret. The non-piezo Hollowbody models are factory set-up with 10 - 46 gauge strings. - You are having trouble staying in tune. Telecaster players are a modest yet proud breed. All Rights Reserved. String Gauges "String gauge" refers to the size of the string, as in how thick, measured in … Made In USA Price $1,999 (street) fender.com. As you explore your Telecaster’s possibilities, don’t miss our articles on classic rock distortion pedals, and reverb pedals for surf, indie, and shoegaze, to further expand your horizons. Thanks! Players praise the sweet and mellow sounds of the round core. This results in the delivery of clear sound for every playing session. - Nickel-Plated Steel: A popular option with balanced tone between warmth and brightness and a fast attack. This is a 4 step series. Favorite Answer The made in Mexico standard Tele comes with Fender Super 250L, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauge.009 to.042. Dec 22, 2006 Dover Delaware. But even within genres, it comes down to player style and preference. The low E, A and D strings are wound with various alloys, while the G, B and high E strings are tin-plated. On the other hand, stainless steel strings are brighter, with a “snap” to their tone. This usually refers to the lower strings- E A D (and sometimes G). Let's face it, if you don't want it to be just another percussion instrument in your collection, you need strings. They have established histories and loyal fans. D’Addario NYXL line are a solid all-around choice. Fender® USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel (.009-.042 Gauges), PN 0730250403 Legal Notice. These strings have a coating on the tops of wound strings and anti-rust plating on plain strings to prolong the life of the entire set. These are perhaps the best strings for telecaster at this price point, and a major improvement to almost any set of … Overall, though, the strings are the tactile link between your soul, your fingers, and your sound. The player who ends up favoring the Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster is anybody’s guess, but it’s likely to be a musician who places a priority on functional, accessible tools. Furthermore, their tone is thinner and less “chunky.”. The D’Addario name might be the most iconic and established one in strings. The renewed interest is based on their warm, classic sound. Once again, these are nickel-wound steel strings, with a plain 3rd string. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands before playing to rid your fingers of potentially damaging oils. Their history stretches back to string-making families in Italy in the 17th century, and the company is now one of the world’s top makers of guitar strings. So, which string gauge is standard for electric guitars? Here are some things that will tip you off that it's time for a string change: For a proper tutorial on how to change your guitar strings, take a look at the video below. Whether you play blues, reggae, country, soul, or rock, the Telecaster can bring a gorgeous and iconic tone to the sound. Fender also offers the Speed Slick guitar string cleaner applicator that restores and extends string life with a few swipes up and down the string. Guitar: 2010 Fender Road Worn 50's Telecaster (MIM) Strings: Thomastik 12 gauge Bebop Roundwound Amp: Fender Champion 40/clean/blackface/delay Truss Rod Adjustment: YES! As for construction, most guitar strings are roundwound. There is no doubt that strings greatly affect the tone and playability of your electric guitar. They are nickel-wound steel strings with a plain 3rd string. This will translate to a massive boost in tone. Hexagonal-shaped wires have been used in more modern string construction, as they hold the outer windings in place and hold tune well. They are said to have a brighter tone with great sustain. It has a place in rock and jazz as well, though it is more an outsider in those genres. Your Home for Audio Engineering Information and Services. For the same price as one pack, you can score three packs of D’Addario’s classic EXL110 line. Elixir® Strings protects the entire string with a thin coating that prevents the gunk build up and corrosion that can compromise your tone over time. I am curious what the best string gauge and brand works best for her. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. Their bright tone is great for the Telecaster’s twangiest uses. But they will resist your playing and expression more. But the Telecaster is a reliable, modest, yet gorgeous workhorse. Best Talk Boxes for Guitar, Keyboard, Synthesizer, and More. Aug 13, 2010. Try a heavier gauge for a beautifully round Telecaster tone. The Telecaster has found its niche in country music first and foremost. D’Addario are like the Steinways of guitar strings. Submit pics, music, whatever, as long as its tele related. GREAT TONE THAT LASTS Elixir Strings has the longest lasting tone compared to any string, coated or uncoated. Playing style and preferred genre has an impact, and my recommendations will come with notes about those. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. D-standard and below however, twelves are the way to go, especially with 25-inch scale necks. It’s a little funny that Squier guitars would come with Fender strings in that Squier was originally a string manufacture that Fender acquired in 1965. If you like to use lots of bends, play high, or play fast, then lights may be the way to go. The Fender St r atocaster factory string gauge, as well as all other Fender guitars, will be listed in the Specs section of the respective guitar’s page on the Fender website. rangeofsounds.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A good place to start for the action on a Tele is 4/64″ on all the strings. Country players like lighter strings for a more flamboyant, bendy playing style, or heavier strings for a thicker tone. Alternately, flatwound strings have a smooth texture along all the strings. 14.7k members in the telecaster community. Shop for the Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster at these online retailers. This creates a small V-shaped area of "slack" fit in the two places where the wire loops around the ball. Submit pics, music, whatever, as long as its tele related. They are usually differentiated in shorthand as “light,” “medium” or “heavy”; or by the numerical gauge of the high E string. The Gibson string gauge or more commonly referred to as Jimmy Page string gauge has been since many years one of the prime labels as far as the guitar world is concerned. Which strings come with an American Fender Jazz Bass Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by year2525, Aug 26, 2010. The solo Tele pickup with the fat sound was the only one that felt processed, so I kept it at the clean setting and instead used an overdrive pedal for heft. There is no loop and hence no slack, and the business end of the bullet makes tighter and more uniformly solid contact with the bridge. I've bought all my string 10's since I don't use any other gauge - I know I can try but maybe some of you can enlighten me. Aug 26, 2010 #1. year2525. 14.7k members in the telecaster community. They are sometimes referred to as “jazz strings” as their warm, smooth tone is most associated with jazz, blues, and swing bands. A twangy tone, suitable for lead or rhythm, practically the foundation of classic country. Country players might try the lighter gauges such as .009s or .010s for a Jerry Reed chicken-pickin style. This alone is a good enough to upgrade to them. These are perhaps the best strings for telecaster at this price point, and a major improvement to almost any set of stock strings that come on a new telecaster guitar. These strings are a significant improvement to almost any set of factory strings that may come on a new telecaster. Hi, does anyone know which strings (gauge) are usually shipped with a Fender American Standard Bass? Then once you have your strings picked out, just make sure to monitor them regularly so you're always sounding great. This is how you get the string action measurement. John Carruthers shows us the proper way to adjust the Tune-o-Matic Guitar Truss Rod, Bridge, Nut and Intonation. If you are shopping for strings for your Telecaster, you have a number of options. Learn more about Fender electric basses. Other Ebony bridge with compensated Tusq saddle and GraphTech Tusq bridge pins; Fender Dura-Tone 860CL strings (.011–.052 gauge); Fender padded gig bag; available in five finishes. Lots of blues and rock guitarists land on medium gauges that offer the benefits of both worlds, while jazz guitarists who don't bend a lot of notes tend to use heavy gauges, sometime with a wound G string. So at the end of the day, nobody can tell you the strings that will feel best to you. Once you have found a gauge that suits you, try experimenting with different string materials and construction. Have fun trying out different brands, gauges, and materials of strings, searching for your perfect companion. Rangeofsounds.com also participates in other affiliate programs. And when it comes to Fender electric guitar strings, there are a lot of factors to consider as you decide which set to purchase, such as the musical genre you want to play, how often you play and your guitar's scale. A roundwound string uses a round wire to wrap around the inner core of the string, while flatwound uses a flat wire (think tape). The gauge in this electric telecaster strings includes plain steel.010,.013,.017. Adjust the truss rod if necessary For acoustic guitars: Capo the first fret. To be honest, the brands I am going to discuss are all fabulous. The DGT is factory set up with 11 - 49 gauge strings with unwound 3rd. Frankjohnson. Run through a classic tube amp such as a Fender Twin or ‘59 Bassman, the Telecaster achieves an iconic “American” sound. Gahr, Jan 4, 2019 #72. Players who employ a lot of bending, country or otherwise, appreciate the plain 3rd string. String gauges are usually referred to by the gauge of their lightest string: 0.009 strings (also called 9 strings or “nines”) have a top string that is 0.009 inches across in diameter, while 0.011 strings (usually referred to as 11 strings or “elevens”) incorporate a top string that’s 0.011 inches in … On the other hand, lighter strings are less durable- they are more liable to break. The US standard Tele comes with Fender Standard Tension ST250L, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauge .009 to .042. Most strings are some combination of nickel or steel. Factory Guitar Strings; Fender guitar factory string guage. The gauges for a six-stringed guitar range from the smallest on the high E string and level up to the B, G, D, A and low E strings. They also require less endurance- light strings require a lighter touch. The main difference is the lack of high-carbon steel core, so expect these strings to be a little less durable. While the company has far less history in string-making behind it, Ernie Ball has rocketed to a place of great respect among musicians. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. A handful of string manufacturers dominate the market. The Fender Super 250’s are somewhat louder than what you would expect. They have a more substantial tone, thicker and deeper. It’s what you touch the most on the instrument. Discussions comparing guitar strings often start with gauges, before brands are even mentioned. Below are the common materials used for wound strings in Fender's lineup: String cores are also made of steel in most cases. Pure nickel strings are the vintage choice, and have been experiencing a renaissance. The long scale makes heavier strings easier to … I have been using Ernie Ball Slinkys for as long as I can remember. These pure nickel strings will sound less twangy and more smooth. That said, this guide should get you started choosing. Funk and reggae players praise heavier strings- the greater resistance contributes to the laid-back, percussive role the guitar plays in those genres. Using a ruler or a string action gauge card and holding the guitar in playing position, measure from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string. Flatwound, which are favored by many jazz players, tend to have a smoother playing feel and darker tone. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Twelve Gauge Action for the Low Tones Though twelve-gauge strings are the norm for standard-tuned acoustic guitars, I can’t think of an electric guitar that takes them well in this tuning. If you run your finger down them, you’ll notice a bumpy texture. String gauges refers to the thickness of the strings. So if you seek a mellower, more vintage tone from your Tele, try the Pure Blues. Overall, the Stratocaster may have the flashier and showier association (for which we can thank SRV, Hendrix, Clapton, Jeff Beck, and others).