If the strings of your acoustic guitar are starting to sound dead and feel a bit nasty beneath your fingers, it's probably time to swap them for a fresh set. Or if you want to try out a higher or lower gauge to see how it feels, you'll be able to find the perfect pack of strings for the job right here.
Picking Out a New Pack of Acoustic Guitars Strings
If you know the kind of strings your acoustic guitar already has and want to stick with the same thing, then you'll quickly find exactly the same ones. Maybe you're looking for a pack of strings with the gauge but made of a different material, so you can pull a different timbre out of your guitar? Basically, whatever gauge, make or material of acoustic guitar string you're looking for, you'll find it here.
Different Acoustic Guitar Strings
The core of any acoustic guitar string is always made of steel, while the higher-gauged wound strings will usually be wound with a different metal or alloy. If you see '80/20 bronze' strings, this refers to the bronze alloy winding, and these strings have a really clear and bright tone to them, with tight basses. Phosphor bronze strings are also really popular and have a rich and complex sound. For a more old-school, vintage-flavoured sound, you can get nickel-wound strings, and for a classic gypsy-jazz sound, you can use a pack of silk-&-steel strings. The form of the winding can also vary. While round-wound strings are the most common, you can also get half-wound and hybrid windings. There are even flat wound strings, but these are usually exclusively bass or electric guitar strings. If you play a lot and want a set of strings with an extended lifespan, then opt for a pack of coated strings. And, if you tote a resonator guitar, then you might want to take a look through our range of resonator guitar strings.
Different Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
The gauge refers to the thickness of a string, and most acoustic guitars will leave a workshop fitted with a set of standard gauge .012 strings. This means that the thinnest string is .012 of an inch thick, and the thickest string is usually .053 or .054 of an inch thick. If want a thicker sound and higher string tension, then you might prefer a set of .013 to .056 gauge strings, or hit the middle ground by getting a set of .012 to .056 strings. Of course, if you want an even lighter feel and more bite in your sound, then you'd be better off with a set of .011 to .052 gauged strings. If that's not enough, you can sweeten your sound even more by going for an even thinner set of .010 to .047 strings. There are actually differing opinions on whether or not the string gauge has an effect on the sound, so it's best to rely on your own two ears. If they sound good to you, then they're probably the right strings for you and your acoustic guitar.
Never Put Nylon Strings or Electric Guitar Strings on a Steel-String Acoustic Guitar
Since electric guitar strings and nylon classical guitar strings have a much lower tension than steel acoustic guitar strings, it's not a good idea to install them on your acoustic guitar. Electric and nylon strings aren't designed for acoustic guitars, so they'll only have a bad effect on the sound and the playing feel. If you do install the wrong strings, your acoustic guitar might need setting up all over again, since higher gauge nylon strings won't slot into the nut and lower gauge strings will have too much room to move. Lowering the string tension can also have an effect on the neck of your guitar, causing it to warp back or forwards, so to prevent causing any long-term damage, it's best to just install your preferred set of purpose-designed acoustic guitar strings.
Never Put Steel Acoustic Guitar Strings on a Classical Guitar
You shouldn't even try putting a set of steel acoustic guitar strings on a classical or Spanish guitar! There's a really big chance of causing long-term damage so it's really not worth it. A classical guitar has been set up specifically for lower-tension nylon strings. So when you put on a set of higher-tension steel strings and tune them up, you're placing too much stress on the soundboard, on the bridge, and on the neck. So, only ever use nylon classical guitar strings to string up your guitar and keep it happy and healthy.
Changing & Tuning Up Acoustic Guitar Strings for the First Time
If you know your acoustic guitar strings need changing but you're a little nervous of doing it yourself for the first time, don't worry! It's nowhere near as hard as you might think, and to help, have a look at this step by step guide to changing your acoustic guitar strings. It'll tell you what tools you might need to get the job done and show you how to remove the old strings and install a fresh set. If you're still not comfortable doing it yourself, then you can take your guitar to your local luthier and they'll be glad to do it for you.
On the Bax Music site, you'll find a massive array of acoustic guitar strings to choose from. As soon as you've found the right pack, you can get it delivered to your door or to your nearest Post Office.
How many strings does an acoustic guitar have?
Just like most electric guitars and classical guitars, a standard acoustic guitar will always have six strings, but there are also models with twelve strings, which have a really broad and lush sound.
What strings do I need for an acoustic guitar?
If you're re-stringing an acoustic guitar, you should always use a set of acoustic guitar strings. These strings have a steel core and are wound with a different metal or alloy.
What are the best acoustic guitar strings?
Basically, the best acoustic guitar strings will always be the ones that sound the best to you and feel the best beneath your fingers. So, if you like the sound of the strings that your acoustic guitar came with, then you can get the same gauge and material.
What string-gauge do I need for my acoustic guitar?
The most popular acoustic guitar strings are .012 gauge sets. The number indicates the thickness or gauge of the thinnest string in the pack. If you like the feel of the strings you already have, then just pick up a pack of new strings with the same gauge. If you want a lighter feel and a brighter sound, then you can go a bit thinner. And if you want the feel of higher tension strings and body in your sound, then try some thicker gauged strings.
Do you need thick or thin strings for an acoustic guitar?
Some guitarists will swear that a thicker gauged set of strings will always sound better. But the truth is, whatever strings sound the best to you, are going to be the best strings for you and your guitar. If you want a little less body in your sound, then try a set of lower gauged strings. If you want more fullness, then go higher.
How do you change acoustic guitar strings?
The first time you change the strings of your acoustic guitar can be a little scary. Have a look at our step-by-step guide to changing acoustic guitar strings and you'll quickly realise it isn't all that hard.
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