Wound 16 gauge electric string?

Posted by Roadkill a.k.a. John Maw on March 1, 2011 at 7:11pm

I recently strung up my third guitar. This one has a mag pickup so I used electric strings. I used strings 3, 4 and 5 just as I had on my previous two (with acoustic strings). With the acoustic sets only the thinnest two strings are unwound. With this set the lightest three are unwound. Is this normal with electric strings. The reason for asking is that it seems that the slide doesn't quite get the same sound on the unwound string. I have gone from a glass or brass slide to a copper one in an attempt to get more grip as I slide.

 

Just for the record, all the sets are Martin and they seem to play well in all other respects, at least as far as this beginner can tell. The highest pitched string of the electric set is a 16 gauge. Are there wound 16 gauge electric strings or will I just have to work to modify my technique (such as it is)?

 

Thanks in advance. John

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Replies

  • mark "mudcat" quigley March 2, 2011 at 5:57pm

    get string sets from cb gitty here on the nation.  great service  good prices and quick fair shipping

  • David L. March 2, 2011 at 4:33pm

    Hi John - As you are changing from unwound to wound I would have thought that this change in feel will be more significant than the increase in string tension.  It is down to personal preference so a case of give it a go - I started on classical and then electric guitars and it took ages to get used to the extra wound string when I tried a steel string acoustic. I am glad you found a better deal on ebay (postage is always a killer for small orders).

     

    David

  • Roadkill a.k.a. John Maw March 2, 2011 at 3:28pm

    Hi Rodney and David.

    Thanks for the very helpful suggestions. I have to say that I am rather enjoying the lighter strings in comparison to the medium acoustic strings. I find it much easier to bend notes althoughI am having to work on my slide technique to avoid hitting frets, but I think that I am getting there.

    I looked at the wound 17s and they are also available on eBay for slightly more money but much less postage. Do you think that I am likely to notice the difference between a 16s and 17s, bearing in mind that I am very new to playing?

  • David L. March 2, 2011 at 6:52am

    Hi John,

    I did a quick check and you can get 17 gauge wound electric strings http://www.stringbusters.com/frameset.asp?MAIN=http://www.stringbus...  which might do the job.

     

    The link will not take you to the correct page for some reason?? 

    - go to the left hand menu Shop/single strings/electric wound/D'Addario  NW017

     

    Regards,

    David

  • rodney fruits March 1, 2011 at 8:24pm

    Hey John, yes it is normal for electric strings to have the G B and E srring plain. Try some 80/20 Bronze Acoustic strings. They will have a wound G string and they will work just fine with mag pups, i do it all the time. Extra lights are about .010-.047,and work great.   If you got yourself a good strong neck, heavy strings can sound real good......... Good Luck.

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