Originally Posted by: MartinPBIs gauge a consideration on acoustics as much as on electrics?[/quote]

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[quote=MartinPB]Are Ernie Ball strings the de facto standard these days or should I consider any other makes?

No, & Yes.

Everyone has their string preference usually based upon a subliminally acquired emotional bias.

The objective fact is alternative brands abound in a range of type options e.g. gauges, construction materials & method, uncoated/coated some of which are D'Addario, Elixir, GHS, Alice, Curt Mangan, Martin, Fender among the ocean of available choice. They're all decent these days.

My preference is to buy in bulk and change often, so after intitially experimenting to discover they're all pretty good, I buy based upon price & sourcing convenience not marketing. But you really can't go wrong with any of the brands these days, including Ernie Ball although they're not my preferred choice for a couple of reasons. YMMV. Be adventurous. Try a few.