ZEPP Country Music, Inc.

P.O. Box 306
4 East Third St.
Wendell, NC 27591-0306
Local: 919-365-5189 or Call Toll Free within USA: 866-365-5189

Ever get stuck trying to change strings? In response to a customer's request, herewith is a handy-dandy how-to guide to string changing.

• Gauge: A heavier set of strings will usually make a guitar louder, while a lighter gauge is easier to play, as the strings take less effort to fret. Most dreadnought-sized guitars come with medium strings, although many people choose a light gauge to reduce the pressure the strings exert on the instrument. We do not sell "Heavy" strings, as they tend to damage instruments.

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• Alloy: Most acoustic guitars are strung with bronze strings, as nickel or steel tend to reduce the sound quality of acoustic instruments. There are two main types of bronze strings:
  • "Phosphor Bronze" These strings (typically 92% copper, 8% tin, with a little phosphorus thrown in the mix) do not have the brightness of a new 80/20 set, but have a richer, warmer sound when new. They also tend to keep their sound longer than an 80/20 set, and are, therefore, a longer-lived string.
  • "80/20 Bronze" These strings (80% copper, 20% zinc, aka "brass") are the brightest when new, having a distinct "ring." Their brightness is less enduring, though, and they go "dead" quicker than a phosphor bronze string.

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• Specialty Strings: There are several types of special strings on the market:
  • Coated: The best known of these has been Elixir brand strings, which have a Goretex covering on the wound strings. This Goretex keeps perspiration and acids from attacking the bronze, and greatly increases (4-5X) the life of the string. This coating also produces a "drier" sound, which helps the tone of some instruments and detracts from that of others. Two thicknesses of coating are available, the lighter, "Nanoweb" strings being brighter sounding. D'Addario also makes a coated string, but their coating is chemically bonded to the wrapping on the wound strings, rather than being a film covering the entire string (as done on Elixirs). These coated strings cost twice as much, but usually last 4-5 times as long (they last even longer for me)

    In mid 2001, D'Addario brought out their "EXP" series ("Extended Play") which have a chemical coating of the windings on the strings, rather than a film enveloping the whole string. These have a fuller, warmer sound than Elixirs, and seem also to have a very long life.

    In September, 2001, Martin released their SP+ Extended Life strings. These have a more natural feel to me than either the Elixirs or the D'Addarios, and hold up quite well. Frankly, I'd give the longevity edge to D'Addario, but sound and feel to Martin.

  • Cryogenic: These strings have been supercooled, and are thought by some people to sound better. Other folks report extended life. I haven't really noticed any difference, myself, though.

  • Silk & Steel: The wound strings have a fibrous coating around a thin steel core and under a fine outer wrap. They tend to be low tension strings and are good for delicate old instruments, or those who require a softer string for comfort.