Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Strings 2017: A Detailed Review

Finding the perfect electric guitar strings can significantly impact your tone and playing experience. This 2017 review dives deep into ten top contenders, each offering unique characteristics and catering to diverse playing styles and preferences. From the bright clarity of Fender Pure Nickel strings to the long-lasting tone of Elixir Nanoweb coated strings, we explore a range of options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're a blues aficionado, a rock shredder, or a jazz purist, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of electric guitar strings and find the perfect match for your instrument and musical style.This detailed review examines each string set, analyzing their materials, construction, tone characteristics, and durability. We'll assess their suitability for various genres, from the punchy sounds of rock to the smooth nuances of jazz. Consider factors like string longevity, resistance to breakage, and the overall playing experience as we dissect the pros and cons of each choice. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of what makes each string set unique and which one best aligns with your individual needs and musical aspirations.

Pros And Cons

Read more: Top 5 Elixir Guitar Strings: A Buyer's Guide

Fender 150 Pure Nickel Strings

The Fender 150 Pure Nickel strings offer simplicity and clarity, perfect for blues and rock players. Their pure nickel construction provides a bright tone, well-suited to the Fender brand of guitars. However, they may not be the ideal choice for those seeking high-speed shredding as they're known for occasional breakage.

D'Addario XL 110 Strings

D'Addario XL 110 strings come in corrosion-resistant packaging, ensuring consistent quality even after extended storage. Their computer-controlled winding process maintains consistency, and they deliver a bright and full tone. While made in the USA and known for their bright tone, they do tend to lose their brilliance fairly quickly.

Gibson Bright Wires

Gibson Bright Wires are a great choice for players of Les Pauls and SGs. Manufactured by the same company that makes the guitars, these strings offer an extremely bright tone thanks to their Swedish steel construction. However, they require a break-in period before reaching their optimal sound.

Reverend Willie Mexican Lottery Strings

For a bigger, bolder tone, the Reverend Willie Mexican Lottery strings are a versatile option, suitable for various genres from classic blues to modern country. These strings boast a thick and articulate expression, making them great for pinched harmonics. However, they're known for the high E string breaking easily.

Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Strings

Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky strings have a unique magnetic resonance which gives them a distinct sound compared to traditional steel and nickel options. Available in various gauges, they are very soft to the touch and offer a signature style. However, they are not particularly corrosion-resistant.

Elixir OptiWeb Strings

Elixir OptiWeb strings provide a bright sound with a wider dynamic range than their PolyWeb counterparts. Offering a fuller tone with excellent articulation, they feel natural and are resistant to rust. This makes them a long-lasting and reliable option.

D'Addario NYXL1046BT Strings

D'Addario NYXL 1046BT strings feature balanced tension, tuning stability, and resistance to detuning from bending and tremolo use. Made in New York from durable steel alloy, they offer a heavy mid-range tone. Their consistent tuning makes them a reliable choice for players who need stability.

Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swing Strings

Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swing strings are a top choice for jazz guitarists, offering a smooth and warm tone unmatched by strings designed for rock. Their flat-wound design, round core, and carefully crafted anchors contribute to their unique sound and feel. This makes them a niche string well suited to its specific purpose.

Ernie Ball Slinky Strings

The Ernie Ball Slinky series offers a variety of tonal options, all being affordable and easy to wind. Made in California, they maintain high quality, with protective packaging, brass ball ends, and hexagonal cores. Their wide range of options provides versatility for different playing styles.

Elixir Nanoweb Coated Strings

Elixir Nanoweb coated strings are highly regarded for their durability and tone longevity. Their coating resists corrosion and minimizes finger squeak, maintaining sound quality even after extended use. The comfortable feel and long-lasting tone make them a premium choice for players valuing both sound and string life.