Budget strings for set ups

phil_b

I built myself a parts caster strat and I find myself taking the strings on and off as I tinker with it.

It has locking tuners that cut through the high e  string

And recommendations for some low cost strings that I can use during the set up and feeling phase 

phil_b

I would buy a hand full of 9 guage highe e strings if I could find any in stock

Sarge

rotosound are the cheapest decent strings I've used, normally about £14 for a 3 pack

Sarge

Sarge said:

rotosound are the cheapest decent strings I've used, normally about £14 for a 3 pack

they include a spare 1st string too

phil_b

Sarge said:

Sarge said:

rotosound are the cheapest decent strings I've used, normally about £14 for a 3 pack

they include a spare 1st string too

Cheers I will give them a try 

mikeyrob73

Check the thomann strings out cheap as chips and decent enough 

NervousJohn

Trouble here is that a set up is trying to compensate for the string tension, which is a function of thickness, composition (ratios for the alloys etc), the wound string etc,etc. 

I wonder if using a cheap string would just end up needing adjustment again, as things are cheaper because tolerances are lower. 

Keep in mind I’m not speaking as someone who has ever tried this....

oldfoxy

Legacy from Strings Direct, 4 quid a pack

Danny1969

Thomann strings are about £2.30 a set, I used to gig with them when I was working purely as a muso 

Danny1969

Actually £1.09 plus VAT now

oldfoxy

and 8 quid to ship to the UK apparently.....................

Sassafras

You don't have to use the locking part of the tuners, do you?

axisus

When I am setting up I just thread through the lock very loosely and turn the machine head more to get up to pitch. Any time that it cuts the string you have a bit more length to play with.

Cheap strings are horrible!

Mudcrutch

I was recommended these Legacy strings last year and have used them ever since.
You get two extra strings in each packet.

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/electric-guitar-c189/legacy-pro-tone-10-46-nickel-wound-electric-guitar-strings-p2952

phil_b

Mudcrutch said:

I was recommended these Legacy strings last year and have used them ever since.
You get two extra strings in each packet.

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/electric-guitar-c189/legacy-pro-tone-10-46-nickel-wound-electric-guitar-strings-p2952

I have some on order so I hope they are Ok

Sarge

I just bought a 3 pack of Dean Markley blue steels for £10 on ebay, its a £12 listing or best offer.
I seem to remember them being decent enough.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265062354593

Mudcrutch

phil_b said:

Mudcrutch said:

I was recommended these Legacy strings last year and have used them ever since.
You get two extra strings in each packet.

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/electric-guitar-c189/legacy-pro-tone-10-46-nickel-wound-electric-guitar-strings-p2952

I have some on order so I hope they are Ok



I was recommended them by John Robson guitar tuition.
Ive ordered some of the Legacy Acoustic and Bass strings to try.
Hopefully they will be as good.

phil_b

@Mudcrutch ; I like John Robson YouTube channel. He does seem to like to find a bargain. I bought some vanson pickups off the back of his videos and I liked thoes

Cols

If it’s purely for the purposes of setup and you’ll be using other strings for actually playing, I wouldn’t use Rotosounds.  From previous experience they have a higher tension than other brands at the same string gauge. 

WezV

NervousJohn said:

I wonder if using a cheap string would just end up needing adjustment again, as things are cheaper because tolerances are lower. 

This was my experience when I tried cheap strings for this purpose 

Fuengi

Alegree sells some cheap strings. £3 a set.

https://www.alegree.co.uk/products/electric-guitar-strings?_pos=12&_sid=ea54edc21&_ss=r