Best strings for recording?

[AM866]

Is there a string that would perhaps lend itself more toward achieving various styles, tones and textures than others? Nothing major; mild overdrive, shimmering tremolo, some jangle rhythm and some lead work (country bending and smoother creamy lead). Not sure if this is of any importance but I'm more of an arpeggio player vs. strumming. I'd as soon use acoustics or piano for that type of rhythm.

I'm mostly cutting demo's right now and learning a lot about production in the mean time so I'm really looking for bang for my buck. As much as I'd love to buy an array of guitar and amps, it's not really feasible right now.
I've been using GHS nickel plated steel 10-46's and I've been happy with them but my local music store is closing so I'm probably going to order some and thought a change might serve me well. Ideally, I would go try out a bunch of sets but I have bought both my #1 guitar (tele, stock) and amp (vox), in part, due to the advice and suggestions here and have been pleased so really I'm just looking for a heads up.

I thought maybe flatwounds or pure nickel or something but I'm not sure those would serve the purpose.

[woodman]

Generally in a thread like this, everybody will tell you what works for them. Use the strings you're most comfortable with. It's more about what you do with the strings than what's on the package — any reputable brand of strings can sound good when played well.

[donh]

new ones!

[scud133]

Originally Posted by donh

new ones!

+1

and whatever strings make you feel comfortable. the quality of your playing will be infinitely more important than the subtle change in tone that strings will make.

[Shadowcaster]

Originally Posted by donh

new ones!

^ this. i use regular slinky's on all my guitars and slinky top fat bottoms on my Am Dlx fat strat.

[Anchoret]

Originally Posted by donh

new ones!

This.

I don't really cork-sniff guitar strings, but a fresh set of whatever will really snazz up your recorded sound, direct or amped.

[octatonic]

Ry Cooder refuses to use new strings.
He likes them as old as possible.

I think as long as you HAVE strings, you're golden.

[Narcoleptigon]

It does come down to personal preference and matching string-gauge to the guitar's tonal characteristics. String materials and design do make a notable difference, regardless of other factors. I was using Alloy 52 strings until I recently switched to Teflon-coated Sfarzo Alloy 5109 strings. The guy who created them is the son of a dragster racer. He utilizes SOTA materials and manufacturing techniques at his disposal.

Due to a higher ferrous content, they are slightly louder than nickel and have a near perfect harmonic-balance -- similar to DM Blue Steels. Advantages are: they are less brittle, last much longer, have less finger squeak, and are smoother on the fingers.

I have used them on two guitars. The string-wraps feel tighter than any string I've used. Teflon high-frequency damping is not noticeable, electrically. The coating doesn't seem to decouple the strings from the bridge ground. It is very solidly bonded. I haven't noticed any flaking, or even any coating loss after many hours of play. I haven't had any finger slippage issues, either. Any string will wear out from kinking, but these feel slightly more flexible than steel, or Alloy 52 strings. They should last about 3-5x longer than un-coated nickel strings.

[klasaine]

I record all the time.
I change my strings as infrequently as possible because I hate changing strings.
Not advice, just fact.

*If there's a kink in one of them or I break a G or D or one simply won't tune up ... well, that's a good indication that I need to change strings.

[Rolling Estonian]

Pure nickel and flatwounds aren't nearly as twangy as the nickel plated. I went and ordered several different strings last year and found out that I liked the nickel plated best...... Again, personal opinion.

M

[PinewoodRo]

All good... I might add that different guages will make a difference - heavier guage will give you tighter chords, lighter guage, silky lead lines etc. My personal preference is for D'addario because I like the multi-coloured ends...

[fendrguitplayr]

Originally Posted by woodman

Generally in a thread like this, everybody will tell you what works for them. Use the strings you're most comfortable with. It's more about what you do with the strings than what's on the package — any reputable brand of strings can sound good when played well.

+1 Make sure there is still some zing & sting in your strings and go with what you like.

[Narcoleptigon]

Again it is definitely about what you like. Consider that there have been some advances in materials and construction methods in the last few years. As the progeny of a top fuel racing pro, Mr. Sfarzo has the unique advantage of access to SOTA facilities, materials, etc. I've tried all types of strings over my 35 years of playing. Blue Steel's, Alloy 52's and now Alloy 5109's are notably louder and better harmonically-balanced than anything else. The micro-thin molecular bonded Telfon coating really helps finger slides, yet does not cause bend slipping. Really, I don't care what people use. I used to go on about Dean Markley Blue Steel's, and Everly B-52's like a loony. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to at least try the Alloy 5109's. They come in many electric and acoustic gauges, and are only about 5 bucks! Ahhhhh!!! OK, where are my pills?
http://www.juststrings.com/sfarzo.html