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Are there any definitive ways to evaluate strings on your guitar?
I have a new guitar that I'm trying to find the best string(s) combination, but I seem to have a lot of trouble in evaluating the different ones I try. By the time I have removed the previous set and strung up a new set I've forgotten what the previous ones sounded like - more or lessl. . . And the new strings always seem to sound so much better than the old set. I try to change every 3-4 weeks or so and try to keep notes on what make, tension etc. I put on each time. But I still have trouble deciding which set is REALLY the best for sound, handling, treble, bass etc etc.
Its hard to quantify the feel and sound of guitar strings. Maybe recording might work? Although I'm not sure how accurate my computer audio programme would record my guitar.
Anybody offer any advice here; are there any practical and definitive methods to evaluate strings on a particular guitar?
I have been in the process of trying a variety of strings because I purchased a new guitar 6 months ago. My journey is almost at an end after a dozen+ different brands and tensions.
The way I did it was to keep a journal and write down certain qualities of the strings. I do this the day after restringing, a week after once the strings are fully stretched and just before I remove them as a final verdict. After trying a few brands I found one that really felt and sounded quite good, and since then every brand has been compared to that one. Are you just writing down which brand and tension or also writing specific comments? Recording may be good because if you always use the same equipment/set up and play the same thing, the only variable hopefully is the strings!
I found the best way to evaluate strings is just to play your guitar as much as possible. I normally practice 2-4 hrs a day and can immediately tell if I like a set of strings as soon as I put it on. Once you find a good set, try to remember the feel and sound of your guitar. Then every other set you try on after, just compare it to the ideal sound you get from the set you like. If it's better, keep it. If it sucks, toss it out. Of course this is hard to do unless you really know your guitar's temperament.
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