"Why does string gauge matter?"
"What does it mean when the strings say Heavy, Light, Medium, or Extra Light Gauge?" I get this question chronically along with, "What are the best set of strings to use?" This feels like a Rhetorical question, but I will give you my feedback.
First off, String gauge is very important. (Gauge is a term of measurement for the actual diameter of the string. Each string in a package has a different diameter for the note it will be tuned to. Weight sizes are universal, while gauge sizes are different for each instrument. So, when you shop by gauge instead of weight you would ask for the lowest diameter string in a package i.e .09 gauge electric & .012 gauge acoustic = light strings in guitar relative to the strings used on that instrument.) It is relative to the instrument you own. For example:
If you own a guitar that does not have a truss rod, like a classical guitar, you would buy extra light strings or Nylon strings. The reason for this is there will be less tension and stress on the wooden neck of the instrument. Stress = Bad Time and risk of long term damage. I.e. actual cracking & breakage at the seam of the head-stock, or body of the guitar due too extreme tension.
If you own a standard acoustic guitar built with a truss rod, (Truss rod is an adjustable shaft of metal built inside of the neck of the guitar making it capable of handling any gauge string) you can use any gauge guitar string you prefer at that point. Usually experienced musicians, & electric guitar players prefer as heavy a string as their fingers can press down & their guitar can handle. Acoustic players tend toward medium to light strings & classical, or beginner players with little callus build up stick with the light & extra light gauge & nylon strings. But, there is no rule on this. It comes down to a balance of deciding factors: Guitar Care, Musician's Preference, & Genre of Music to ultimately decide.
Secondly, As far as the best string to use there are tons of brands to choose from. The strings we recommend are sold in the store, I've personally selected certain brands that I know work well (Chosen for sound quality, ease of play, & durability.), and also stock specific strings that our customers have requested. In a nutshell, there is no best string. All the brands that are out there have specific sounds for specific genres of music along with the type of stringed instrument you own, however, the strings I carry are what I use. Martin, DaDarrio, Ernie Ball, and Dean Markley. All affordable with prices starting as low as $8.00 Come down to the shop and see what we have. Thanks for reading.
Sean Carpenter
