Les Paul: Your Favorite string's gauges

[JungleMF]

I seem to be the only one using 12's I use D'addarios 12-54 but, honestly, I don't really find any differences among brands if they're the same gauge and materials.

Of course, I tune down a tiny bit, to D Standard. I like some pressure when I bend, and I find it's hard to fret the thicker strings out of tune that way. So far, I haven't had to modify the nut on any guitar!

Yeah, I'm in the same league as far as bending is concerned

Tons of people use 12's so you shouldnt have to file the nut or anything with those. It's only when you go crazy with bass strings that are 060 or thicker, than you need to carve the nut and drill the tuner holes.

I use 11's on my Les Paul, because they tech who set it up used 11's and he did such a badass job that I dont want to ruin the action by slapping on anything else.

No choice == No problem

BTW, someone pushed 8's and did not even left a couple of words for some reason

 

[Mouse]

9-42. nice sweet low midd

 

[geezberry]

9 - 46 easy bending on the highs and lower lows than the 42's i love them

 

[Kirrt]

Ernieball 10-46, 11 are too heavy and 9 are too easy to break

 

[LKB3rd]

I have used D'Addario 10-46 since I was 13. I have tried 9's and 11's also for periods of time but came back to my old standby.

None of the available options (I suspect those are Ernie Ball gauges). I use D'Addario EXl115s (11/49) on all of my guitars.

These are my second favorite.

 

[BigDipper15]

11-48/50/52. I use 10-52's on strats and when using 10's on a les paul it feels a little slinky for me so going up a gauge I get a similar tension when switching between both. I really like the big fat low string.

 

[indigochild]

Played 9s for over ten years and then as soon as I got my first LP and played with 10s I haven't looked back..on an LP that is. My RG is staying with the 9s. All preference really.

 

[freddairy]

I use 9s with a substituted 13 for the G string. Makes it easier for those James Burton country bends. I've had a Les Paul for half a week now. It's still got what I'm assuming are 10s on it. My fingers are pretty raw from bending the crap outta it all weekend. But I gotta say it sounds REALLY full and sustainy. I think I could play it easier with 9s but I'm afraid I might loose something.

 

[Liamoguitar72]

Ernie Ball regular slinky 10-46 for standard tuning. I find 9s a bit too light, I like to feel to a bit more substance under my fingers especially for bends. If I want to play SRV or Hendrix style, I will, like them, tune all strings down a semitone and use a heavier gauge. Though I've read that SRV used 13-60 in the Eflat tuning, I use 11-48 as unfortunately I don't have the large powerful gorilla hands he has. I use a separate guitar for the Eflat tuning, otherwise I'd have to alter the action and intonation every time I switch between the two. The heavier gauge and Eflat tuning imo sounds the best for that style of blues/rock.

 

[Capel]

Ernie Ball regular slinky 10-46 for standard tuning....
..... in the Eflat tuning, I use 11-48 as unfortunately I don't have the large powerful gorilla hands he has. I use a separate guitar for the Eflat tuning, otherwise I'd have to alter the action and intonation every time I switch between the two. The heavier gauge and Eflat tuning imo sounds the best for that style of blues/rock.

That's me right there!!

 

[TimberWerks]

I'm using D'Addario 10.5's

 

[Farquad]

My Favorite wasn't in the list, so I chose other. Gibsons Les Paul sig strings in 9-46 all nickle. They have an excellent feel and tone. I use them on most everything.

 

[EasyAce]

I've been using Brite Wire .9s for a long time now. No complaints and plenty of rich sound.

 

[Latearrival]

"Other" 9-46 Hybrid Slinky

Ease of bending on the plain strings - heavier feel on the wound - simples! Why isn't everyone using them?


I'm sure this combination would be getting more votes, if it was a proper option on the poll!

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

11's

because I can hit the strings hard and they don't break.

DR Blues

 

[in2madness]

Premier Guitar recently did a similar pole and from memory about 70% of players played with 10-46 gauge strings and I am one of those in the majority. I am a firm believer though that you should use what gauge of strings suits your style and gives you maximum feel without inducing any fatigue in your fretting hand. If your getting fatigue in your fretting hand go down a gauge and avoid to pain and possible long term damage.

As for brand as a long term user of GHS, EB's, Dadarrios, DR's and other various premium brands I changed over to webstrings a couple of years ago and have never looked back. I just put in my latest order 12 electric and 12 phosphor bronze acoustic strings and with shipping to the UK they workout at an average £2.16 per set. I actually prefer them over some of the above name brands. Just a simple round wound nickel plated USA made guitar string just like the ones on all those famous recordings we all listen to.

 

[Shadowplayer]

EB 9's FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jppage25]

10's

 

[edro]

D'Ad 10's on my Lesters...

 

[JungleMF]

Ernie Ball regular slinky 10-46 for standard tuning. I find 9s a bit too light, I like to feel to a bit more substance under my fingers especially for bends. If I want to play SRV or Hendrix style, I will, like them, tune all strings down a semitone and use a heavier gauge. Though I've read that SRV used 13-60 in the Eflat tuning, I use 11-48 as unfortunately I don't have the large powerful gorilla hands he has. I use a separate guitar for the Eflat tuning, otherwise I'd have to alter the action and intonation every time I switch between the two. The heavier gauge and Eflat tuning imo sounds the best for that style of blues/rock.

Yes!