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Do Guitar String Brands Matter? – Is expensive better? Is there a limit?
Introduction
I have wanted to do this article for a while now! A while ago, I picked up some Harley Benton guitar strings. I was going to do a full review of them (mainly due to the cost); however, I didn’t think there was enough to talk about or that it was worth the article. So I left it. I have since used a few packs on various guitars for recording and even rehearsing and thought I would revisit and, instead of a review, I would talk about if guitar string brands even matters!
Does where and who you get your strings from matter? Is bigger better, so to speak? Well, that is what I am going to talk about in this article! We will compare a few different guitar string brands and decide if you should buy certain brands or “quality”, or if any string will do!
What String Brands
What guitar string brands will I be putting against each other? Since I have started playing guitar, I have always played Ernie Ball, either Slinky or Super Slinky. These are very familiar to me, and I have felt them under my fingers for many, many years now! However, over the years, the price has increased, and they are now around £7-£8 a packet. So what is your other option?
The other string brand I will be comparing is Harley Benton! I didn’t know Harley Benton made strings, but I stumbled across them and ordered a few packets to see what they were like. Harley Benton does a packet of proper budget strings at £1.50; however, I went with the Harley Benton HQS strings. These are £2.55 a packet. However, are they over £5 worse than the Ernie Ball strings? Why don’t we all find out!
"Almost reverting back to basic in regards to their rigs!"
Thoughts on Each Brand
Ernie Ball Slinky’s! They are probably the most known out of all the guitar string brands! The green and pink packets are universally known! I have used them for almost 20 years and haven’t had any issues with a single packet that I have bought! They are available from almost all guitar shops and are relatively cheap (not compared to the Harley Benton’s). Ernie Ball has been selling strings since 1962 and how many complaints have you ever heard?
In regards to the Harley Benton HQS strings, I haven’t had any issues with them! Honestly, nothing! Tuning has been fine! Maybe they take a little long to bed in but nothing too bad. How many have I broken? Well, touch wood, none so far! I have even recorded a few demo songs for reviews with them and I haven’t heard any difference! When you take into consideration the price, it is hard to find a reason not to have a few packets lying around!
Now, I have always heard that there are only a handful of string manufacturers out there! 3-8 companies I have heard. So most strings will be coming from the same companies and factories. I can’t be certain how true this is. However, if that is the case, then the cheaper Harley Benton strings are quite possibly made in the same factory as Ernie Ball or D’Addario! Does this change your thoughts on the Harley Benton Strings?
Final Thoughts
I think the biggest thing that will dictate what strings you go for will be what you feel comfortable with! Have I had any issues with the Harley Benton HQS strings? Nothing! Do I play guitar thinking and worrying that it might just happen? Yes! Of course, if you play them more and more and don’t have any issues, then this feeling might go away! You don’t want to be performing and worrying about your strings all the time do you? I know I don’t!
You don’t have to be a single-brand person! As we mentioned, the Harley Benton HQS strings are a great option to have lying around! If you order something from Thomann, then add a few packets to your cart. Then you can put them in a few places for backup! Guitar gig bag, studio, and home. You could even put a packet in your drummer’s cases to keep in case of an emergency! Then you can use your Ernie Ball’s for your main playing! Knowing safe and sound that if anything happens, you have several backup packets!
I think at the end of that day, it is very impressive what Harley Benton have done at such a small price! This is great for those people on a budget or people that want some spare strings lying around.
Conclusion
That was my little article on guitar string brands! I find strings a funny thing because they are so needed, and I think they have been overthought and made to be more complicated than they should be! Maybe I should do an article with some things I hear about guitar strings that I might not disagree with! I may have some strong opinions!
If you want to check out any of the guitar string brands mentioned in this article, you can find all the links below to the two gauges I use. They are affiliate links, so if you buy something through one of the links, I do get a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra. A great way to support the site and help me to continue articles and reviews for you all.
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Gigs & Guitars Affiliate Links:
- Ernie Ball Super Slinky (Thomann Affiliate)
- Ernie Ball Super Slinky (Andertons Affiliate)
- Ernie Ball Slinky (Andertons Affiliate)
- Harley Benton HQS 9’s (Thomann Affiliate)
- Andertons Affiliate Link
- Thomann Affiliate Link
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