as for buying strings, it is most times better to buy from your local music shop than to order strings from online, even if you do not have to pay tax online the shipping & handling will cost you alot more.

example - Elixir nanoweb custom lights online most places $12.99 plus shipping and handling

local music shop- same strings 10.95 + tax ( have seen them from 10.95 to 12.00 even locally)

when buying strings, think of the way you play your axe, if you are into heavy metal and thrashing the strings, then buying cheap strings would prob be better, if you are into country, blues, classical stuff then a more expensive brand like Elixir nanoweb will save you money in the long run.......

for you rockers try them Gibson Britewires I mentioned earlier, they should be cheap and see what you think of them......