Hi all.
I just ordered an Epiphone EJ-160E (The Gibson is a bit out of my range at the moment) and was wondering what type/gauge strings would sound best on it?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
EJ-160E Strings
I recently got an Epi EJ-160E too, and it has quickly become my favorite "lazy" guitar (meaning I don't have to get up plug something in) to just grab when I want to strum away.
Right now I've got D'Addario .11s, flat wound on it. If you're going for the Beatles' sound, IMO you need electric guitar strings, because they seemed to have played the darn thing as much electrically as acoustically, especially in their earlier music. In fact, I think the Gibby J-160 is the ONE "Beatle" guitar that was used on every single album in at least one song, either by Lennon or Harrison.
Whether or not you use flats is up to you -- I make a ton of string noise, being somewhat heavy-handed, so I prefer flats on almost everything. Lot of folks think flats sound dead acoustically -- I don't feel that way myself, but YMMV. But go with electrics and go with at least .11s. Anything thinner will sound tinny and thin.
I really love this guitar but it DID need a professional set-up, since the action was a bit high for me. Hope yours won't need that, but be prepared for it.
Right now I've got D'Addario .11s, flat wound on it. If you're going for the Beatles' sound, IMO you need electric guitar strings, because they seemed to have played the darn thing as much electrically as acoustically, especially in their earlier music. In fact, I think the Gibby J-160 is the ONE "Beatle" guitar that was used on every single album in at least one song, either by Lennon or Harrison.
Whether or not you use flats is up to you -- I make a ton of string noise, being somewhat heavy-handed, so I prefer flats on almost everything. Lot of folks think flats sound dead acoustically -- I don't feel that way myself, but YMMV. But go with electrics and go with at least .11s. Anything thinner will sound tinny and thin.
I really love this guitar but it DID need a professional set-up, since the action was a bit high for me. Hope yours won't need that, but be prepared for it.
Jerry:
The FedEx guy rang the doorbell at 9am today and had a big box for me, so I knew the Epi had arrived.
Right out of the box it played great. The action was perfect. I took your advice and put Chrome Flat 11's on it. WOW! What a difference.
I have Chrome Flat 13's on my 325-58, so I'm familiar with how smooth they are, but the sound on the Epi is so much like the vintage recordings.
Of course, I've been playing it all day. Plugged in, it sounds great too.
I can see why John used it so much. Well, the Gibson, anyway. For the money, this guitar is FAB. Can ya still say that? It is very comfortable and easy to play.
I absolutely love this guitar! This and my 325-58 will be with me forever.
Thanks again for the help.
The FedEx guy rang the doorbell at 9am today and had a big box for me, so I knew the Epi had arrived.
Right out of the box it played great. The action was perfect. I took your advice and put Chrome Flat 11's on it. WOW! What a difference.
I have Chrome Flat 13's on my 325-58, so I'm familiar with how smooth they are, but the sound on the Epi is so much like the vintage recordings.
Of course, I've been playing it all day. Plugged in, it sounds great too.
I can see why John used it so much. Well, the Gibson, anyway. For the money, this guitar is FAB. Can ya still say that? It is very comfortable and easy to play.
I absolutely love this guitar! This and my 325-58 will be with me forever.
Thanks again for the help.
