Favourite strings for a Strat?

[davekershaw]

I've always used Bullets, as they're what the Strat's designed for, but I'm wondering what other folk use on their Strats. I very rarely use my trem arm, so probably the bullets aren't that critical. I'm looking to experiment with some others. A good balance rhythm/lead string.

I use mainly Super Slinky's on my other guitars, and find them great, but there are so many others.
I read Clapton uses Regular Slinky Nickel Wound. Is that on his Strat?

Any recommendations? Had tuning problems when not using bullets?

[Kolstad]

I use D'addarios, regular 10's on both my strat and tele. No tuning issues. Don't use my trem arm on the strat often either. On my Les Paul I like to use the SIT strings, though. It's shorter scale, so its easier to bend, and makes me do that more than I do on the others, so there I've found the SIT strings stays really good in tune (and they are cheaper too). http://www.sitstrings.com/

[Russell Landwehr]

I stocked up on Peavey 10's many years ago. I liked the feel. (I also hardly use the tremolo) I have no idea who actually makes them for Peavey. I've noticed, that they don't rust, but that may be because of my body chemistry.
When I was gigging, I would change them about every three to four weeks... just because. (I only played a couple handfulls of songs on the guitar since I was the keyboardist) Now that I only use the Strat for occasional tracks in the studio, I haven't changed the strings for a long time... still no rust... mebbe I should bottle and market my hand-excretions

Once they settle in, tuning isn't TOO much of a problem. They stayed pretty stable and I would only tune three times a night. (even though I would switch to and from drop D by ear a couple times) But like I said, I didn't play on every song.


Russell

[eeoo]

I usually use D'addario 10's, mostly because i find they last longer than most other brands. I also like ernie balls.

eo

[davekershaw]

Thanks fellas.

I notice no-one's stuck with bullets so far!

I think I'll string it with some Ernie Balls and see how they go. First stop 'cause I've got
a set ready to go.
No doubt all the strings you mention would be fine. I was mainly concerned whether the ball end
would cause any problems, but it doesn't sound like it does. Maybe more so if you're a heavy tremolo user.
I don't even have it fitted most the time.

Thanks again. You've been a big help - as usual!

[michael11]

Thanks fellas.

I notice no-one's stuck with bullets so far!

I think I'll string it with some Ernie Balls and see how they go. First stop 'cause I've got
a set ready to go.
No doubt all the strings you mention would be fine. I was mainly concerned whether the ball end
would cause any problems, but it doesn't sound like it does. Maybe more so if you're a heavy tremolo user.
I don't even have it fitted most the time.

Thanks again. You've been a big help - as usual!

I heard that the people who make Bullets have been fired.

[davekershaw]

I heard that the people who make Bullets have been fired.

They were, but they formed a rival company - Ricochet!

Where's the other stalker?

[andygabrys]

i use d'addario as well. the exl 115 blues rock 11 gauge.

i use the trem a lot. the strat I have has the roller nut and locking tune, but a conventional american strat trem bridge with no locks on it.

Once I had the guitar setup and the nut adjusted properly and lubed its stayed in tune pretty well even after abusing the bar. Most of the trem stuff I do live tends to be like a chris Isaak wicked game kinda vibe and its good for that.

[bobporri]

I've been using Super Slinky's on all my electrics for many years. I try other brands once in awhile, but not often. I used the 10's for awhile and prefer the more solid and consistent tone, but ended up back with the 9's because of hands getting a bit weaker and they help with bending and accuracy/feel for me personally.

Bob P.

[michael11]

I heard that the people who make Bullets have been fired.

They were, but they formed a rival company - Ricochet!

Where's the other stalker?

To get maximum coverage and to ensure you don't get under the radar,he's doing PST I'm doing GMT.