I used Ernie Ball Pinks (I think they're either 8 or 9 gauge) for a very long time when I first started out because I thought those were the best strings to use. Then I got into a huge vintage phase... where I loved all things vintage and original. So, I started using .10 gauge Fender Super Bullet strings... They're not a bad string actually... I then moved into my .12 guage phase... and now I use GHS ZW Boomers (.11-.62 I think). They get great tone. I think I'll use these strings for a long time to come.