String selection

Ok, I got this new Alvarez with the Elixir strings. I see they are about double to triple what the others cost. From my research I have found they supposedly last allot longer so you can actually save some money or at least it's comparable what you pay for strings.

My point is, I don't want to lock myself into a certain set of strings just because that is what came with the guitar. I like to try things out myself and find what is the best thing for me. As a beginner, I'm practicing maybe two or three hours a day and will probably need to replace them in the near future, I suppose. Again, I'm a beginner.

With that, what are some strings that you guys recommend? It's an Alvarez AD60S. I don't know the exact type of Elixirs that came with it and the Alvarez site wasn't much help either.

For now, I don't need to play the guitar loud (my twin daughters wake up pretty easily) and I prefer some nice light action (this guitar already has great action). Hope that helps.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Ok, so I take it you are comfortable with the guitar as it is right? Then I would head down to a guitar store and ask them to measure your string gauges...string guage does affect sound, but if your current gauge is comfortable to play, that is the most important thing (especially as you are a beginner, most people quit because of bad action or heavy guage strings).

Ok, then you just have to experiment with different string types and brands...many things affect the sound, including materials,coating (if any etc) so a nickel string will sound different to a bronze string...and its up to you to find out which you like more...unfortunately, this is all personal preference, and what I like may make you turn away in disgust.

I personally like Elixer strings...to me, they play better and sound better for longer...but they are really expensive...still, I fit them to two of my guitars.

when it comes to acoustics, I like D'addario Dxp acoustic strings...they have quite a bit of punch, which I like...

at the end of the day though...you have gotta try out a few brands and materials and see for yourself what works best.

from what you describe, I would go with bronze strings...I find them warmer and less twangy than Nickel.

good luck

and by the way, nice axe...Alvarez make some quality guitars...

I have tried quite a few brands and finally wound up (no pun intended) using Martin SP bronze, in the light guage for my acoustic. You will probably have to try a few different types or brands before you find one you really like. I tried elixers and just didn't like the coating, especially when it starts to wear in places. Congrats on getting an alvarez though. Those are some nice guitars.

Hm... Well I use Elixers on my Koa Takamine and I love them. I have tried the Martin strings before on one of my Fender Acoustics and it seemed like they oxidized really quickly... But like you said, you have to find out whats best for you! Elixer makes a couple different kind of strings.. The Polywebs are a thicker coat than the Nano webs. The Nanowebs have a brighter tone than the Polys because they don't have the thick coating that the Polys do... I use the Nanowebs mostly. I have heard that GHS strings are nice for acoustics too... I've only used their electric strings but I love the sound of them on my electrics. Go to a guitar shop and buy 3 or four different sets at a time if you can... and play each of them for a week. Change the strings at the end of each week... regardless if they need it. This will keep a clear tone for you to compare. If you wait until the strings are dead your ears will be use to the dead string sound and the new strings will always sound better. Its going to be kind of costly... but once you find a string that you like, the work is over. Good Luck!